Operations/ Departmental Manager

Level 5 Apprenticeship

Designed for supervisors or managers looking to move to a more senior management role, this apprenticeship delivers a broad range of practical management knowledge and skills to give you the tools you need to develop further on your management journey.

The Level 5 Operations/ Departmental Manager Apprenticeship delivers a professional pathway for future development with eligibility for Chartered Manager or Foundation Chartered Manager status.

  • Qualification level: Level 5
  • Typical Entry requirements: 5 GCSEs at grade C or higher
  • Duration: 24 - 30 months
  • Professional registration links: Member of CMI (MCMI) Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr)

Who is it for?

Middle Manager, Operations Manager, Regional Manager, Divisional Manager, Store Manager, Department Manager and a variety of specialist managers.

Responsibilities

Inputting to strategic planning, creating and delivering operational plans, managing projects, leading and managing teams, managing change, financial and resource management, talent management, supporting people through coaching & mentoring.

Funding

This apprenticeship standard has been allocated a maximum funding cap of £7,000 which is the anticipated full cost for delivering this standard and the end point assessment.

Key Documents & Guidance


Please note:
the assessment plan for this standard has been updated as of 21st October 2020. The previous version can be found at the Institute for Apprenticeships website.

How it works

The Operational/ Departmental Manager apprenticeship is an exciting work-based route towards developing Operational/ Departmental Manager and includes:

  • Work-based learning, which means that the apprentice is in paid employment for the duration of their apprenticeship and receives on the job training and support
  • Training programme through an approved provider

Get in touchEnd Point Assessment

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Backed by our Royal Charter

We are the only professional body able to award Chartered Manager Status. On completion of your apprenticeship, you will be eligible to apply for for Chartered Manager (CMgr MCMI) or Chartered Fellow (CMgr FCMI) status

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CMI Support

A support package can be offered alongside apprenticeships giving unlimited access to online resources mapped to the apprenticeship journey, as well as in person support for the apprentices, access to the CMI community and mentoring during their apprenticeship

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Professional Development

The apprenticeship delivers a professional pathway and the ongoing development of knowledge, skills and behaviours required by employers

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Supported Digital Delivery

Digital support is available, with content and practical resources mapped to the apprenticeship standard

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Common Questions

The apprenticeship is suitable for those who are, or wish to become, Operational/ Departmental Managers. This includes individuals who are at the start of their career that wish to become Operational/ Departmental Managers. Also those aspiring or existing managers who may already have developed practical experience but who wish to develop their theoretical understanding of management skills further.

An operations/departmental manager is someone who manages teams and/or projects, and achieves operational or departmental goals and objectives, as part of the delivery of the organisations strategy. They are accountable to a more senior manager or business owner. Working in the private, public or third sector and in all sizes of organisation, specific responsibilities and job titles will vary, but the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed will be the same.

Key responsibilities may include creating and delivering operational plans, managing projects, leading and managing teams, managing change, financial and resource management, talent management, coaching and mentoring.

Roles may include: Operations Manager, Regional Manager, Divisional Manager, Department Manager and specialist managers.

Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprentices though most will be expected to hold 5 GCSEs at grade C or higher. Prior experience may also be considered. Apprentices should also have achieved qualifications in English and mathematics at a minimum of level 2 or equivalent. Where this is not the case, apprentices must complete these by the end of the Apprenticeship. It is also recommended that the apprentice is supported to become digitally literate where this is important to their role.

This Apprenticeship will typically take 2½ years to complete, but can take less depending on the prior experience of the individual and the specification of the employer.

NB - apprenticeships must take a minimum 12 months of learning.

To be able to deliver an apprenticeship a provider must be registered on the apprenticeship provider and assessment register (APAR).

All Trailblazer apprenticeships are required to have an end-point assessment that is carried out by an independent body. Apprentices must pass the end-point assessment in order to achieve the apprenticeship certificate.

The end-point assessment for the Operational/ Departmental Manager Apprenticeship involves a project proposal, presentation and questioning; and a professional discussion based on a review of a portfolio of evidence. It takes place between the Independent Apprenticeship Assessor and the apprentice.

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) regulates the quality of apprenticeships. The IfATE’s role is also to advise on setting funding caps, and approve apprenticeship standards and assessment plans.

Yes – apprentices that successfully complete all parts of the Apprenticeship will receive a full apprenticeship certificate. This will be in addition to any qualifications that are taken as part of the apprenticeship.

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The advantages of doing an apprenticeship while you are on the job is that you can apply everything you are learning and put it into practice straight away.