The Improvement Specialist Level 5 Apprenticeship is tailored for professionals aiming to lead strategic business improvement initiatives. Covering advanced topics such as project planning, change management, coaching, and data analysis, this programme develops the expertise required to drive operational excellence across diverse sectors including manufacturing, IT, healthcare, and public services.
Apprentices will master tools and principles to streamline processes, boost productivity, and align improvement projects with wider organisational goals. This apprenticeship is ideal for those ready to deliver measurable, sustainable improvements that enhance business performance and customer satisfaction.
This course is suitable for current or aspiring Improvement Specialists. Before starting, you’ll complete a skill scan to assess your current knowledge and ensure this apprenticeship is the right fit for you. You must also:
- Be aged 16 or over
- Not be in full-time education
- Live in the UK or EEA, and have been continuously for the past 3 years
- Have the right to work in the UK
- Have a relevant job role where the learning can be applied
- Obtain a Level 2 in English and Maths (or equivalent) — this can be achieved during the apprenticeship
- Final entry criteria may vary depending on the employer’s discretion
Knowledge Areas
- Commercial environment
- Principles and methods for improvement
- Voice of the customer
- Process mapping and analysis
- Data acquisition planning
- Statistics and measures
- Lean concepts and tools
- Measurement system analysis
- Process capability
- Root cause analysis
Skills Development
- Leading improvement teams
- Project planning
- Project reviews and coaching
- Change planning
- Experimentation
- Identification and prioritisation
- Failure mode avoidance
- Sustainability and control
Core Behaviours
- Drive for results
- Team-working
- Professionalism
- Process thinking
- Continuous development
- Safe working
Drive efficiency from within
Equip staff with the skills to identify and implement cost-saving, quality-boosting, and waste-reducing initiatives.
Real business impact
Work on live improvement projects, delivering measurable value to your employer whilst building your portfolio.
Measurable ROI
Apprentices apply learning to real business projects, often generating improvements worth many times the training cost.
Create a culture of continuous improvement
Develop in-house champions of operational excellence who influence teams and lead change.
GLP Training empowers individuals and businesses to grow through tailored, industry-focused learning.
GLP Training supports employers in upskilling their workforce, closing skills gaps, and building future-ready teams through flexible, results-driven programmes. At the same time, GLP Training equips individuals with the skills, confidence, and credentials they need to launch or advance their careers through expert-led, hands-on training.
- Trusted by employers nationwide
- Innovative digital tools and flexible delivery
- Real employer partnerships for real career outcomes
- Proven track record of success across sectors
Delivery Method
The training follows a blended learning model, delivered primarily on-the-job during working hours. A structured learning and assessment plan ensures progress is regularly evaluated throughout the course.
This includes
- Monthly 1-to-1 meetings (approx. 2 hours) with a GLP Trainer, either face-to-face or virtually
- Online learning modules and group sessions
- Building an electronic portfolio of work-based evidence
- Maths and English Functional Skills (if necessary). Please click here to learn more.
- Around 6 hours per week dedicated to apprenticeship activities
- Final assessment by an external examiner, comprising a resourcing project assignment and a professional discussion to complete the qualification
Assessment
To achieve this qualification — graded as Pass, Distinction, or Fail — you will be assessed throughout your apprenticeship and in a final phase assessment.
The Apprenticeship Assessment begins only when your employer confirms that you are consistently performing at or above the occupational standard. The assessment, typically completed over three months and delivered by Academy 4 PM, includes the following components:
- Knowledge Test
A multiple-choice exam assessing the core knowledge required for the role. - Project Report, Presentation, and Questioning
You will independently complete a project and write a report, which you will present to an assessor. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session. - Professional Discussion underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence
Your portfolio, built throughout the apprenticeship, will support a structured discussion with an assessor, allowing you to demonstrate your competence and learning.
The final apprenticeship grade is based on the combined results of all three components.
How to Get Started
Whether you’re an employer seeking to upskill your team or an individual candidate, simply click ‘Enquire Now’ and complete the short form. A member of the GLP Training team will be in touch shortly to provide you with more information and guide you through the next steps.
complete this course as a standalone or include it within a progression pathway for yourself or your team
Team Leader
12+ months
Level 3
Improvement Practitioner
12+ months
Level 4
Operations Manager
15+ months
Level 5