Apprenticeship Overview
Operations managers are essential across organisations of all sizes and sectors, providing leadership to ensure teams meet organisational goals while adhering to legal and policy standards. They oversee operational and project responsibilities, manage teams, develop staff, plan workloads, resolve issues, and build relationships internally and externally. Working flexibly across office, onsite, or remote settings, they collaborate with various departments and external stakeholders to deliver objectives aligned with strategic goals. Accountable for budgets and decision-making, they analyse data to improve efficiency and ensure business continuity. Operations managers also uphold ethical standards, promoting diversity, inclusion, health and safety, and sustainability within their organisation.
Level: 5
Version: 1.4
Typical duration to gateway (excluding EPA period): 24 months.
Maximum funding: £9,000.
Assessment Methods: (AM1) Project with report. (AM2) Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.
EPA Gateway
In addition to the employer’s confirmation that the apprentice is working at or above the level in the occupational standard, the apprentice must submit the following gateway requirements.
For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and Mathematics minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. British Sign Language (BSL) qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for those who have BSL as their primary language.
Confirmation that the project completed on programme is a significant and defined piece of work that has real business application and benefit, and is relevant to the apprentice’s occupation and apprenticeship.
A selection of the best pieces of evidence gathered by an apprentice during their apprenticeship. The evidence should demonstrate how an apprentice has carried out specific work tasks mapped to the assessment criteria and knowledge, skills and behaviours listed in the assessment plan for AM2.
Operations Manager EPA
The EPA consists of two assessment methods.
A 4,000-word project report based on an on-programme project, submitted by the end of week 12 of the EPA period. A presentation based on the project report is also prepared and is submitted at the same time as the report.
A presentation with questioning session will follow with an independent assessor; the presentation will take 20 minutes and will be followed by 40 minutes of questioning.
A 60-minute two-way discussion underpinned by the portfolio, which involves both the independent assessor and the apprentice actively listening and participating in a formal conversation.
Grading
Apprentices must pass both assessment methods (1 & 2), which can be taken in any order, to successfully complete their apprenticeship. Grades awarded are fail, pass, or distinction. Apprentices will receive their grade ten working days after completing their final assessment method.
Links
Link to Apprenticeship Standard
Link to qualification specification
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