Improvement Leader

The Improvement Leader Level 6 Apprenticeship is a degree-level course designed to enhance leadership skills in Continuous Improvement. It integrates principles, methods, and tools from core Continuous Improvement disciplines such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence, alongside Project Management, Change Management, Teamwork, and Leadership development.

Targeted at senior managers, change leaders, and transformation leaders, this programme is ideal for those looking to foster a culture of Continuous Improvement. It is relevant across all industries and disciplines, with Improvement Leaders found in sectors like manufacturing, finance, engineering, operations, IT, property, retail, services, and hospitality.

This apprenticeship is ideal for experienced professionals aiming to develop their leadership and strategic improvement skills, or for those stepping into senior improvement roles. If you’re looking to lead and shape continuous improvement within your organisation, this apprenticeship will help you develop the knowledge and expertise to do so.

Eligibility Criteria

Before starting this apprenticeship, a skills assessment is required to ensure you have the foundational knowledge needed for the course.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements are subject to employer discretion, but generally include:

Level 2 English and Mathematics, or equivalent (can be achieved during the apprenticeship)
Aged 16 or over
Not in full-time education

This programme equips learners with the competencies to lead significant improvement projects, manage cross-functional teams, and drive organisational change through continuous improvement methodologies.

Apprenticeship standards encompass three main facets: Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours, each tailored to the industry and profession in question. The core topics covered for the Improvement Leader Level 6 apprenticeships are:

Knowledge:

Leading improvement teams
Project planning
Project reviews & coaching
Change planning
Commercial environment
Principles & Methods for Improvement
Voice of the customer
Process mapping & analysis
Data acquisition planning
Statistics & measures

Lean concepts and tools
Measurement system analysis
Process capability
Root cause analysis
Experimentation
Identification & prioritisation
Failure mode avoidance
Sustainability & control

Skills:

Leading improvement teams
Strategic Deployment of Continuous Improvement
Communication
Capability Development
Project planning
Change planning
Principles and Methods for Improvement
Project selection & scope
Process mapping & analysis
Lean tools

Measurement
Statistics & measures
Data analysis-statistical methods
Process capability & performance
Root cause analysis
Experimentation & optimisation
Data analysis – Statistical Process Control
Benchmarking
Failure mode avoidance
Sustainability & control

Behaviours:

Drive for results
Team-working
Professionalism
Process Thinking
Continuous development
Safe working

The training is a blended learning delivery model, which occurs on the job during working hours. A structured learning and assessment plan is put in place to test core components of the course along the way.

This consists of:

1-to-1 monthly meeting: Approx. two hours with a GLP Trainer (face-to-face or telephone)
Online learning courses and/or group sessions
Case studies and practical activities
Building an electronic portfolio of work-related evidence
Access to supporting resources and reference materials
End Point Assessment by an external examiner to complete the qualification, consisting of a resourcing project assignment and a professional discussion

To attain the qualification, you will undergo an assessment throughout your apprenticeship, culminating into a final evaluation known as the End Point Assessment (EPA), which can get you a result of a Pass, Distinction, or Fail.

Moreover, the apprentice must have completed the following gateway requirements prior to beginning their EPA:

Obtain a Functional Skills Qualification (if applicable).

End Point Assessment Gateway:

The EPA process commences once the employer confirms that the apprentice consistently meets or exceeds the standards outlined in the occupational standard.

The employer must confirm that they think the apprentice:

Has an agreement with their EPAO and employer of their dissertation title, rationale and scope

Submit a portfolio of evidence

Has worked at a high occupational standard

End Point Assessment:

EPA's typically takes about 3 months and apprentices are required to complete:

Dissertation, presentation and questioning

Professional Discussion with a panel based on the portfolio of evidence: To show components of knowledge, skills and behaviours from across the standard.

The combined score of these methods will provide an overall final grade for the apprenticeship.

APPRENTICESHIP

Improvement Leader

Designed for professionals who are looking to lead and implement significant change and improvement initiatives within their organisations.

Level

6

Duration

18+ Months

Apply Now

LINKS TO OUR PATHWAYS

This Apprenticeship Standard is also linked to our

Leadership and Sustainability Pathway

providing amazing career progression opportunities.

PARTNERSHIPS

Download our 2023-2024 prospectus

Download a detailed course guide

Improvement Leader

6

18+ Months

BOOTCAMPS

APPRENTICESHIPS

HTQs

COMMERCIAL COURSES