Apprenticeship Overview
An operations or departmental manager is someone who manages teams and/or projects, and achieving operational or departmental goals and objectives, as part of the delivery of the organisation’s 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.
Level: 5
Typical duration to gateway (excluding EPA period): 30 months.
Maximum funding: £7,000.
Assessment Methods: AM1 – Professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence / AM2 – Project proposal, presentation and questioning.
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.
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 AM1.
A summary (of no more than 500 words) outlining the title and scope of the project. It should align with the assessment criteria and knowledge, skills and behaviours listed in the assessment plan for AM1.
Operations or Departmental Manager EPA
The EPA consists of two assessment methods.
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.
A 4,000-word project proposal designed to meet the needs of the business, delivering real business benefit, submitted by the end of week 12 of the EPA period. A presentation based on the proposal is also prepared and is submitted at the same time as the project proposal.
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.
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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