Operations Departmental Manager Level 5

Outline

Equivalent to a 2^nd year of a degree, this apprenticeship reflects the importance of a strong management skillset for leaders in any business.

An Operations or Departmental Manager apprenticeship is a Level 5 programme, suitable for individuals responsible for managing teams, or projects in order to achieve operational or departmental objectives, as part of an overall organisational strategy.

It will support individuals from the private, public or third sector, and from all sizes of organisation, who want to develop their leadership and management skills and can include the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM), Level 5 Diploma.

Managers are responsible for everything from creating and delivering operational plans, managing projects, and leading and managing teams, to managing change, finances and resources. Responsibilities can also include recruitment and talent management, coaching and mentoring and can vary across Operations Manager, Regional Manager, Divisional Manager, Department Manager as well as other specialist managerial roles.

Working with Management Associates as part of the Apprenticeships at Salford City College team, this apprenticeship has been designed to provide access to development opportunities for as wide a range of individuals as possible. This includes individuals who are at the start of their career, taking their first steps into operations management.

It will help managers develop a deeper understanding of management and leadership techniques, learning the latest theory and best practice that can be applied in a range of work settings every day.

It will typically take up to two years to complete, although the exact duration will be dependent on the previous experience of the individual.

Those undertaking this apprenticeship will need to be in a role that allows them to apply and develop the newly learned knowledge and skills and behaviours to ensure the requirements of the apprenticeship are met.

There are no formal minimum entry requirements to join the programme, these are typically set by your employer.

Anyone undertaking this apprenticeship that doesn’t already have Level 2 English and maths qualifications will be supported to achieve them during the programme, prior to taking their end point assessment. Specialist staff are on hand to help guide and support apprentices through this requirement if needed.

On completion, apprentices can register as full members with the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM), to support their professional career development and progression.

Assessment

How is it delivered and assessed?

The Operational or Departmental Manager Level 5 apprenticeship delivery model includes:

• Support from a dedicated and skilled Management Associate
• Monthly one-to-one coaching support, visits and guidance
• Regular meetings with employer, employee and Management Associate
• Monthly workshops and training sessions
• Webinars/canvas digital sessions
• Annual Leadership and Management Conference, featuring interactive meetings and networking opportunities
• Online learning resources and support available 24/7
• Assignments and self-study activities
• End point assessment preparation, support and readiness checks

On-programme assessment includes:

The on-programme assessment approach will be agreed in advance to provide an ongoing indication of performance against the final outcomes defined in the apprenticeship standard. It will include::

• Access to management resources, wider networks, and CPD activities

·         There will be regular reviews (at least quarterly) between employer and one of our Management Associates to include a formal assessment of progress.

·         Development of a portfolio of evidence including reports, evidence of tasks undertaken, demonstrations, presentations, assignments, emails, and observations

• Undertaking a work based project typically during the last six months of the apprenticeship
• Feedback from line manager, direct reports, peers and customers/stakeholders through 360 degree feedback (or equivalent mechanism)

Portfolio of evidence

Learning progress will be recorded and tracked through the Smartassessor e-portfolio, which can be accessed 24/7 anywhere and through any device. The evidence contained in the portfolio will comprise of complete and/or discrete pieces of work generated over the period of the apprenticeship to provide evidence of the Operational/Departmental managers ability to understand and apply relevant management and leadership concepts.

Work-based project

Towards the end of the programme, the apprentice will undertake a work-based project, bringing together elements of their learning from different parts of the programme, and show their accumulated knowledge and understanding of management and its application in their organisation.   The topic/coverage of the project will be agreed between the employer, provider and apprentice, and will be of benefit to the business.

End Point Assessment

The end point assessment will consist of:

• Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence –  which will typically comprise a collection of written, audio and video evidence which might include:

o    Written statements

o    Project plans

o    Reports

o    Observations (by Management Associate)

o    Professional discussion between provider and apprentice

o    Presentations

o    Performance reviews

o    Feedback from line manager, direct reports, colleagues, customers and stakeholders (captured through discussion)

o    Peer feedback – 180/360 degree assessment type approach

• Project proposal, presentation and questioning – which has two components and is completed after the gateway process:

o   Project proposal – this may be based on any of the following:

o   The need to review and implement a change plan to improve efficiency within the workplace.

o   The continuous improvement review of a current process, service or product to ensure it is still fit for purpose and meets the current needs of the business.

o   The need to implement a direct saving (e.g. percentage decrease in direct costs, reduction in headcount) across their team, department or organisation following a reforecast activity.

o   But this list is not exhaustive

·         Presentation and questioning based on the project proposal

Entry Requirements

• English and maths – Level 2

Apprentices must be in suitable employment and have the opportunity to develop the required knowledge, skills and behaviours aligned to this apprenticeship standard. 

* Fees

Don’t let the cost of studying put you off – most of our students study for FREE, and those who don’t qualify for funding are very often eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Eligibility depends on both the course you have chosen to study and your individual circumstances.

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