Improvement Practitioner

The Improvement Practitioner Level 4 Apprenticeship prepares individuals for a career in operational excellence and continuous improvement. This apprenticeship covers a range of topics, including process analysis, problem-solving techniques, project management, change management, and teamwork.

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices will have a comprehensive understanding of continuous improvement principles and will be capable of identifying and leading improvement initiatives in a variety of settings, including manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and more.

This apprenticeship programme has the addition of a Green six sigma belt certification which equips apprentices with the understanding of Lean and Six Sigma principles allowing them to lead and support projects.

As an Improvement Practitioner, they will play a key role in ensuring that their organisation continually evolves and improves. They will be able to work effectively as part of a team or lead a team in improvement initiatives, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and represent their organisation’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Typical activities include:

Identifying potential opportunities and issues, proposing solutions and implementing changes
Lead projects and manage small teams through them
Coach and provide feedback to teams

To see whether you’re eligible for this apprenticeship, you will need to complete a skill scan to check your knowledge prior to starting.

Entry Requirements:

Down to the discretion of individual employers but typically includes:

Level 2 English and Mathematics, or equivalent (can be completed during the apprenticeship)
16 or over
Level 3 Improvement Technician
Not in Full-Time Education

Apprenticeship standards encompass three main facets: Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours, each tailored to the specific industry and profession. The core topics covered for the Improvement Practitioner Level 4 apprenticeships are:

Knowledge:

Compliance
Project Management
Process Mapping & Analysis
Basic Statistics & Measures
Root Cause Analysis
Process Capability & Performance

Skills:

Communication with Stakeholders
Change Management
Project Selection and Scoping
Coaching
Process Mapping & Analysis
Data Acquisition for Analysis
Data Analysis- Statistical Methods
Benchmarking
Sustainability & Control
Problem Solving

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
Building an electronic portfolio of work-related evidence
Maths and English Level 2 (if not previously achieved)
6 hours a week spent working towards your apprenticeship.
End Point Assessment by an external examiner to complete the qualification, consisting of a resourcing project assignment and a professional discussion

To achieve the qualification, within which you can either get a result of Pass, Distinction or Fail, you will be assessed both throughout the period of your apprenticeships, as well as in the final stages with an End Point Assessment (EPA).

End Point Assessment:

The EPA period will only start once the employer is satisfied that the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard.

In addition, the apprentice must have completed the following gateway requirements prior to beginning EPA:

Functional Skills Qualification (if required to do so).

The End Point Assessment process which typically takes 3 months and is carried out by Academy 4 PM, consists of three components:

A Knowledge Test

The first assessment for this course will be in the form of a multiple-choice examination.

Project Report, Presentation and Questioning

A report will be created by the learner, they will present their findings and receive questions based on the report they have created.

Professional Discussion underpinned by Portfolio of Evidence

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will gather evidence and information that forms your portfolio, and this will be used for your professional discussion. This discussion/interview with your assessor allows you to showcase everything you have learned over the course of the programme.

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

Upon successful completion of the Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship and the additional Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, some of the below progression opportunities will be available to you:

Improvement Specialist Level 5 Apprenticeship
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Specialisation into Continuous Improvement, Management or Facilities Management Roles

Download our 2023-2024 prospectus

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Download a detailed course guide

Course guide

Download our 2023-2024 prospectus

Download a detailed course guide

Improvement Practitioner

4

14+ months

Apprenticeships

RESOURCES

Consulting