Level 5 Operations Departmental Manager Apprenticeship

Program Overview

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Operations Manager (Level 5)

Ashridge Future Leaders Programme

Managers are key to business success, overseeing systems, processes, and teams to drive productivity.

This Level 5 apprenticeship equips managers with the necessary skills to enhance team performance and optimise operations.

About This Programme

Program Highlights

• Embedded Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management
• Format: Online
• Open and closed cohorts available
• Fully funded by the Apprenticeship Levy
• Duration: 14 months plus EPA
• Next intake: September 2025

Programme Overview

This apprenticeship is centered on six core themes—skills which are at the heart of what it takes to be an effective operational manager and leader. These themes are: leading teams, managing stakeholders, driving change, operational planning & execution, finance and afinal work-based project.

Each unit is delivered over a six-week period via fortnightly online webinars and workshops.

Apprentices will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to successfully complete the L5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship, including an on-program work-based project in preparation for the End Point Assessment. On-program assignments are set and marked by CMI, leading to an integrated Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management issued by the Chartered Management Institute.

"Level 5 apprentices rapidly develop the behaviours they need to become effective leaders and managers in their workplace."

Ofsted Inspector

January 2025

Core Modules

Core Module A

Creating & Delivering Operational Plans

• Understand principles of operational planning
• Create an operational plan in line with organisational objectives
• Able to manage and lead the delivery of an operational plan and monitor and measure its outcome

Core Module B

Managing Finance

• Understand the finance function
• Able to set and manage budgets

Core Module C

Managing Stakeholders

• Grasp the types of stakeholders and their relationship to the organisation
• Learn frameworks for stakeholder management
• Manage stakeholder relationships and how to measure the impact of stakeholder engagement

Core Module D

Managing Change

• Understand reasons for change
• Grasp approaches to change management
• Initiate, plan & manage change

Core Module E

Conducting a Management Project

• Know how to plan a management project
• Understand how to conduct a management project

Core Module F

Managing & Leading Teams

• Understand the principles of developing, managing and leading individuals and teams to achieve success
• Managing, leading & supporting success
• Balancing skills & experience

Studying with Hult

We take a blended approach to learning at Hult. We place a strong emphasis on networks, and providing the opportunity to learn from and contribute to the learning of your peers.

The Level 5 Operations Manager apprenticeship is delivered in a fully remote model which includes live online lectures with colleagues in your cohort, self-directed study and a variety of assessments to ensure that your learning is being applied effectively in your workplace.

Learning and assessments are contextualised to apprentices’ work environments. Apprentices are encouraged to apply their learning at work for maximum impact. This program provides the knowledge, skills and behaviours that underpin the Operations Manager Apprenticeship, supported by real-world application and the benefit of a recognised professional qualification.

Off-the-job Training

Off-the-job training is a mandatory requirement of all apprenticeships. Apprentices must be able to demonstrate at least 6 hours per week of off-the-job training for the duration of their apprenticeship.

Off-the-job training must be completed during contracted working hours, and we provide an online tool to track progress.

Funding & Admissions

This programme is fully funded under the UK apprenticeship levy for employers in England.

We work with employers to set the selection criteria for their apprenticeships. A strong personal motivation to benefit from and contribute to the programme is essential. The support of a line manager is vital in the success of the apprentice, providing access to off-the-job training, time to complete work-based assignments and regular progress reviews.

• Skills Scan - to be completed by all applicants and their line managers
• A levels (work experience will be considered in place of formal qualifications)
• Candidates will typically have five GCSEs at Grade C or higher, including English and Maths, and hold a minimum of 48 UCAS points (or equivalent)
• Funding rules require individuals to be employed and working at least 50% in England

Programme Funding

| Fees | Programme Funding + End Point Assessment | Fully funded through Apprenticeship Levy (Funding band 9,000 GBP) |

Application Process

To ensure we match candidates with the right apprenticeship, we go through a pre-application process with employers before we take applications.

1. Talk to your line manager
2. Attend an Information & Guidance session
3. Skills scan & suitability check
4. Gather your evidence
5. Complete an online application
6. Sit back and wait

Our faculty and admissions team will review your application, alongside the funding rules and eligibility criteria.

We may ask you for more information if needed.

Once your application is accepted, you will receive an offer letter from our admissions team, as well as guidance on next steps.

Faculty

Our apprenticeship faculty are practitioners first, academics second. They have real, lived experience of business and boardrooms, as well as a commitment to academic rigour and research.

Academic Director

Sinead McNeill

PhD, MA, ACMA, CIPD

Skills Scan

The Skills Scan is a vital part of the apprenticeship application process for apprentices and line managers.

Learn More

Talk To Us

If you have any questions about our apprenticeships and how they can work for your organisation, our apprenticeships team are here to help.