The School of Leadership and Management - Level 5 Operations / Departmental Manager Apprenticeship
Programme Overview
The Level 5 Operations / Departmental Manager Apprenticeship is designed for those who work in, or aspire to a middle management role, with responsibility for managing teams to deliver a broad range of outcomes.
This qualification will equip the learner with the skills and knowledge needed to lead and manage teams and individuals to deliver results.
It will also provide the organisation with effective managers and a development route for leadership talent development and can lead to an ILM Level 5 qualification.
The programme is funded through the Apprenticeship Levy >find out more. The cost of the Level 5 Departmental / Operational Manager Apprenticeship is currently £7,000.
Who is it for?
This apprenticeship is for those who want to learn how to support, manage and develop operational teams, manage complex projects, plan and monitor activities and resources, deliver plans, resolve complex problems and build relationships.
They are likely to have management experience and aspire to a career in leadership and management.
How can the programme link to qualifications?
Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of the Level 5 Operation or Departmental Manager Apprenticeship Certificate. It is also possible for learners to gain an ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management with some additional assessment work.
Duration
15 months programme and 3 months End Point Assessment. 18 months in total.
Attendance Method
Online delivery (MS Teams/Zoom), featuring workshops, executive coaching and tutor support. In-person workshops can be arranged for groups.
How is the programme delivered?
The programme takes 15 – 18 months to complete, followed by an End Point Assessment. Participants complete a formal learning journey including the following:
Content
- Initial skills and capabilities assessment & organisational review
- Induction and programme overview and requirements and outcomes
- Seven ILM learning units, including:
- Personal and professional development
- Communication skills
- Business planning
- Financial practices
- Managing teams
- Operational planning and management
- Project planning
Download example timetable: Level 5 Ops_Dep Manager Core Timetable example
How is the programme structured?
The course is delivered through a blended approach, incorporating online learning, individual coaching, work based learning, observation and assessments, as well as regular line manager reviews. Learners meet regularly with their coach / tutor and are supported in their journey by a dedicated Learner Manager.
The typical bi-monthly structure:
Week 1 Group/Individual Workshop – Full Day
Week 2 Independent study
Week 3 Individual 45-minute online tutorial
Week 4 Independent study
Week 5 Group/Individual Workshop – Full Day
Week 6 Independent study
Week 7 Individual 45-minute online tutorial
Week 8 Independent study culminating in submission of formal written assignment for assessment and portfolio for developmental feedback
How is the programme assessed?
The main body of the programme is assessed through written assignments.
At the end, learners complete an End Point Assessment, incorporating two elements:
- A presentation*, followed by questions and answers
- A professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
*A presentation that is linked to a formal piece of work-based project work – the apprentice is also required to produce a (1) 500 word initial project proposal then once agreed by line manager/assessor (2) a 4,000 full project proposal based upon this work.
Who is it for?
This apprenticeship is for those who want to learn how to support, manage and develop operational teams, manage complex projects, plan and monitor activities and resources, deliver plans, resolve complex problems and build relationships.
They are likely to have management experience and aspire to a career in leadership and management.
How is the programme delivered?
The programme takes 15 – 18 months to complete, followed by an End Point Assessment. Participants complete a formal learning journey including the following:
Content
- Introduction
- Initial skills and capabilities assessment & organisational review
- Seven ILM learning units, including:
- Personal and professional development
- Communication skills
- Business planning
- Financial practices
- Managing teams
- Operational planning and management
- Project planning
How is the programme structured?
The course is delivered through a blended approach, incorporating online learning, individual coaching, work based learning, observation and assessments, as well as regular line manager reviews. Learners meet regularly with their coach / tutor and are supported in their journey by a dedicated Learner Manager.
The typical bi-monthly structure:
Week 1 Group/Individual Workshop – Full Day
Week 2 Independent study
Week 3 Individual 45-minute online tutorial
Week 4 Independent study
Week 5 Group/Individual Workshop – Full Day
Week 6 Independent study
Week 7 Individual 45-minute online tutorial
Week 8 Independent study culminating in submission of formal written assignment for assessment and portfolio for developmental feedback
Download example timetable Level 5 Ops_Dep Manager Core Timetable example
Group/Individual Workshop – Full Day
This session will deliver course content, provide opportunity for interactive learning and expert tuition as well as guest speakers where appropriate. Where the programme is delivered to a group, these sessions will also include opportunity for debate, discussion and peer on peer learning.
Your course tutor will also provide guidance and advice on how to approach assessed elements of your qualification including written assignments and the development of your skills/behaviours portfolio.
Independent study
During these allocated weeks you will be required to work on your formal written assignments as well as compiling evidence for your skills/behaviours portfolio. There will be no direct contact from your tutor during these weeks, though they will be accessible via email for enquiries.
Individual 45-minute online tutorial
During these weeks, you will be allocated (through mutual agreement) a 45-minute slot for you to meet online with your course tutor 1-2-1.
This will be a safe, confidential space for you to ask questions about your formal assignments and raise any concerns you may have regarding any aspects of the programme. Your tutor will also ask you about access to your Off The Job training time allocation, as well as how you are using this designated time.
They will also talk to you about your portfolio, providing both support and challenge to help you build this up over time. At regular intervals during your time on the programme, your line manager will also be invited to these meetings (effectively making them 1-2-2) to discuss progress and support.
Learners will also participate in regular line manager reviews. They will meet regularly with their tutor and are supported in their journey by a dedicated Learner Manager.
How is the programme assessed?
The main body of the programme is assessed through written assignments.
At the end, learners complete an End Point Assessment, incorporating two elements:
- A presentation*, followed by questions and answers
- A professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
*A presentation that is linked to a formal piece of work-based project work – the apprentice is also required to produce a (1) 500 word initial project proposal then once agreed by line manager/assessor (2) a 4,000 full project proposal based upon this work.
What are the benefits – for the learner?
- Growth in ability to lead and manage people and develop relationships
- Use of a range of effective communication approaches
- Building of capability to support delivery of results and impacts
- Ability to lead complex projects
- Critical insights into financial measures vital to management roles
- Personal growth in self-awareness and management
- Ability to make complex decisions
What are the benefits – for the employer?
- Enhanced leadership and management capabilities
- Motivated workforce
- Focus on broadly based solutions focused on organisational objectives
- Talent development for leadership and management.
- Tangible results arising from practical learning applied in the workplace
Who is eligible?
- Learners who are, or aspire to be, middle managers.
- No formal qualifications are required.
- Learners will be required to demonstrate a minimum level 2 achievement in English and Maths functional skills. We will support learners to demonstrate this or to achieve the necessary level.
How can the programme link to qualifications?
Successful completion of the programme leads to the award of the Level 5 Operation or Departmental Manager Apprenticeship Certificate. It is also possible for learners to gain an ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management with some additional assessment work.