Improvement Specialist

Lead transformational change with expert-level improvement skills.
Improvement Specialist Level 5
Course Information

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.

Entry Requirements

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
Course curriculum
  • 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
  • Leading improvement teams
  • Project planning
  • Project reviews and coaching
  • Change planning
  • Experimentation
  • Identification and prioritisation
  • Failure mode avoidance
  • Sustainability and control
  • Drive for results
  • Team-working
  • Professionalism
  • Process thinking
  • Continuous development
  • Safe working
Benefits of this Course

Equip staff with the skills to identify and implement cost-saving, quality-boosting, and waste-reducing initiatives.

Work on live improvement projects, delivering measurable value to your employer whilst building your portfolio.

Apprentices apply learning to real business projects, often generating improvements worth many times the training cost.

Develop in-house champions of operational excellence who influence teams and lead change.

Why GLP Training

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.

Case Studies

For individuals
What you’ll get
Level 5 Apprenticeship
Improvement Specialist
Duration Calendar
Duration
14+ months

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.

  • 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

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.

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.

For individuals
This course is part of our Leadership and Sustainability pathway

complete this course as a standalone or include it within a progression pathway for yourself or your team

Partnerships
Department for Work & Pensions
Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership
Related Courses

Description

Course Information

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.



Course Guide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHOmBV4js_E Entry Requirements

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

Course curriculum

  • 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
  • Leading improvement teams
  • Project planning
  • Project reviews and coaching
  • Change planning
  • Experimentation
  • Identification and prioritisation
  • Failure mode avoidance
  • Sustainability and control
  • Drive for results
  • Team-working
  • Professionalism
  • Process thinking
  • Continuous development
  • Safe working
  • 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
  • Leading improvement teams
  • Project planning
  • Project reviews and coaching
  • Change planning
  • Experimentation
  • Identification and prioritisation
  • Failure mode avoidance
  • Sustainability and control
  • Drive for results
  • Team-working
  • Professionalism
  • Process thinking
  • Continuous development
  • Safe working

Benefits of this Course

Equip staff with the skills to identify and implement cost-saving, quality-boosting, and waste-reducing initiatives.

Work on live improvement projects, delivering measurable value to your employer whilst building your portfolio.

Apprentices apply learning to real business projects, often generating improvements worth many times the training cost.

Develop in-house champions of operational excellence who influence teams and lead change.

Equip staff with the skills to identify and implement cost-saving, quality-boosting, and waste-reducing initiatives.

Work on live improvement projects, delivering measurable value to your employer whilst building your portfolio.

Apprentices apply learning to real business projects, often generating improvements worth many times the training cost.

Develop in-house champions of operational excellence who influence teams and lead change.

Why GLP Training

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

Case Studies For individuals

Get Started

What you’ll get Level 5 Apprenticeship Duration Calendar Duration

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.

  • 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

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.



Enquire Now

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.



Enquire Now

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.

  • 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

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.



Enquire Now

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.



Enquire Now

For individuals

Get Started


This course is part of our Leadership and Sustainability pathway

complete this course as a standalone or include it within a progression pathway for yourself or your team


Additional information

Course Duration

14+ months

Course Level

Level 5