Level 5 Operations Manager
Apprenticeship
Develop skills to think creatively, plan effectively, and lead confidently to deliver impact across your organisation.
Overview
Delivered over 24 months, this programme upskills early-stage managers. It develops their skills and knowledge to lead teams and projects effectively. It empowers them to influence and drive change.
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has recently revised the Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship. This update reflects valuable industry feedback, making the programme even more relevant and impactful for modern day management.
Be among the first to experience the newly revised apprenticeship programme.
The updated apprenticeship equips early-stage managers with everything they need to become exceptional leaders in today's fast-changing world. The curriculum now focuses on:
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (DEI): Learn how to build a more inclusive and diverse workplace, with actionable strategies and best practices.
Emerging Technologies: Discover cutting-edge tools like AI and their impact on modern leadership.
Ethics & Value-Based Leadership: Lead with integrity, aligning decisions with core organisational values.
Apprentices completing the programme earn a Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership. This is awarded by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
Apprentices can go on to study a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship. This is offered by Newcastle University Business School.
Programme content
Our programme focuses on organisational performance, interpersonal excellence and personal effectiveness.
It develops:
- stronger skills for leading and managing teams and projects
- professional growth to influence change
- better understanding of business benefits
- improved focus to solve business problems
- business growth through effective, organised planning
Apprentices will go on to deliver impact in their team and across the whole business.
The full apprenticeship standard is set out by the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education.
How is the programme delivered?
The programme fully satisfies the minimum of 6 hours per week on average off the job learning required of all apprenticeships funded through the levy.
It combines one day of face-to-face teaching a month with workshops and guided workplace activities.
Each session focuses on a core area of the apprenticeship standard with recommended readings and activities spread across the month. All the readings and activities are available at times to suit the apprentice and fit around work.
Apprentices will have a monthly meeting with a personal skills coach.
They will develop a portfolio through work-based projects and complete three structured assignments.
As part of their end-point assessment they will complete a workplace project on an aspect of business improvement. They will also take part in a professional discussion about their portfolio.
Entry requirements
Suitable applicants will be currently employed, in a relevant role, with team and project management responsibilities.
Applicants without a Grade C or above in GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent qualifications) will need to
achieve level 2 English and maths prior to taking the end-point assessment. This can be arranged as part of the
course.
How to apply
Our next intake will be October 2025.
Please email apprenticeships@ncl.ac.uk to progress an application with our Apprenticeship Business Engagement Manager.