Operations Manager

  • Level 5
  • Ofqual Regulated
  • 18 Month Programme
  • 6 Month EPA Period
  • Remote Delivery
  • Bi-Weekly Online Sessions
  • Industry Specialist Tutor
Course Summary

Purpose

The Level 5 Operations / Departmental Manager apprenticeship develops the skills needed to lead and manage teams, projects and departments at a senior level. It equips learners to deliver results, drive change and contribute to organisational strategy. Employers benefit from confident managers who can make decisions, manage resources and lead with impact.

 

Course Overview

The programme covers self-awareness, leadership, operational management, communication, financial and project management, and decision making. Learners also complete a real-world operational management project, applying knowledge to live business challenges.

Key Features

  • Builds advanced leadership and management skills
  • Strengthens decision making and problem-solving abilities
  • Develops knowledge of financial and project management
  • Includes a real-world operational management project

Who is it for?

This apprenticeship is suited to individuals in, or progressing into, senior management roles. Typical job titles include:

  • Operations Manager
  • Department Manager
  • Regional Manager
  • Divisional Manager

Benefits for Learners

Learners gain the skills, confidence and recognition to lead teams and manage departments effectively. Completion supports career progression into senior management and higher-level study such as degree apprenticeships or chartered management status.

Benefits for Employers

Employers gain strategic leaders who can manage resources, deliver results and contribute to long-term organisational growth.

  • 18 or over and not in full-time education
  • Employed in a relevant role
  • Be working a minimum of 30 hours per week
  • Have the right to work in the UK

All apprentices are required to have a minimum of Level 2 in English and Maths.

If you already hold GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher in these subjects, you will not need to complete any additional qualifications. If you have not yet achieved these grades, you will be supported to work towards Functional Skills in English and/or Maths as part of your apprenticeship.

Learning is built into your apprenticeship and our team will provide the guidance and resources you need to achieve the required level.

Every apprenticeship at Educationwise is designed with clear next steps in mind. Learners can progress from entry-level roles through to specialist and managerial positions, depending on their chosen pathway.

You can view the full progression routes for this programme in our Career Progression PDF, which highlights how each qualification links to further development opportunities.

Open Document
Module Months Topic
11–2Learning Launch
22–4The Power of Self Awareness and Self Management
34–7Building Positive Relationships Through Excellent Communication
47–9Leading, Managing and Developing People
59–11Operational Management
612–14Effective Decision Making
714–16Operational Management in Action – EPA Real Life Project
816–18Progression and Preparation

To be eligible for the End-Point Assessment learners must have achieved Level 2 English and Mathematics and submitted a complete portfolio of evidence. The EPA takes place over a three-month period and includes a project with a report and a professional discussion underpinned by the learner’s portfolio. On successful completion, learners will be awarded the Level 5 Operations or Departmental Manager apprenticeship standard, a nationally recognised qualification supporting progression into senior leadership roles.

Levy

  • If your organisation has an annual wage bill of over £3 million, you will pay the apprenticeship levy (0.5% of your payroll).
  • Levy funds are collected through your HMRC account and can be used to cover the full cost of apprenticeship training and assessment.
  • Funds expire after 24 months if not used.

Non-Levy

  • If your organisation has a wage bill of under £3 million, you will only contribute 5% of the training costs for each apprentice.
  • The government funds the remaining 95%.
  • For employers with fewer than 50 staff, apprentices aged 16–18 (or 19–24 with an Education, Health & Care Plan) are 100% government funded.

Additional Information

  • Employers may also be eligible for incentive payments for hiring younger apprentices.
  • Our team will guide you through the process of setting up a digital apprenticeship service (DAS) account and securing funding.
Employer Guide to Apprentice Eligibility (2025/26)

Expression of Interest

Contact Us
  • info@education-wise.org
  • 01173 790 450
  • Mon-Fri 9:00AM - 5:00PM​
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