
Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship
The Operations Manager apprenticeship is designed for individuals responsible for leading and managing an operational area or department, with a workforce to lead, manage, and support to achieve organisational goals within private, public, or voluntary sectors, in any industry.
An Operations Manager plays a crucial role by managing individuals or a team, offering direction, instructions, and guidance to achieve set goals. They are crucial for the smooth functioning of all departments within an organisation and ensure that their functions are administered and maintained in accordance with legislation and the organisation’s policies and procedures.
Operations managers provide clear and inclusive leadership and direction within their area of responsibility. This typically involves setting, managing, and monitoring the achievement of core objectives aligned with the organisation’s overall strategic goals. In smaller organisations, they are also likely to contribute to the execution and achievement of these strategic objectives.
Find out more and access the standard, the assessment plan and the EPA plan
Summary of our offer
Apprenticeship Standard: STO385 (Version 1.4)
ILM EPA product code: 9309-33
The training length for this Apprenticeship is typically 24 months. The End-point Assessment (EPA) period is typically 5 months. The Occupational Standard and Assessment Plan for this version was updated on 25th September and has been allocated a maximum funding cap of £9000.
The Operations Manager Apprenticeship offers an exciting, work-based pathway to develop essential skills in leadership and people management. Through hands-on learning, apprentices gain valuable experience while in paid employment, receiving on-the-job training and tailored support throughout.
As a registered End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO), we deliver a high-quality, rigorous EPA at a time that suits your apprentices' needs. Our comprehensive EPA service includes a suite of guidance documents and preparation tools, making it easy for apprentices to feel ready and confident for their assessment.
As part of your registration with us you will also receive complementary tutor membership and your apprentices will receive complementary student membership with the Institute of Leadership (IoL). You will have access to a catalogue of teaching and digital learning resources to support the delivery of the Apprenticeship standard and are designed to offer you the flexibility to select the tools that best support your apprentices. These practical resources build confidence, enhance competence and ensure a high-quality learning experience.
Apprenticeship Standard: STO385 (Version 1.2)
ILM EPA Product code: 9309-22
If you are currently offering V1.2 you can find more detailed information below.
Find more details information about assessment plan V1.2
- End-point Assessment
ILM is open for EPA registrations for the Operations Manager Apprenticeship. As one of England’s largest EPAO’s, we are committed to delivering exceptional customer service. Our dedicated EPA Customer Success team is ready to guide you through every step, providing expert advice and solutions. With leadership and management specialists, quality assurance guidance, and policy and funding experts on hand, you can be confident that you and your apprentices will receive the best possible support. Our EPA assessors all have industry experience and receive ongoing training, ensuring a fair and robust assessment every time.
We’re here to support your EPA preparation and the gateway process for this standard.
Upon registration for EPA, you will have access to a range of support material for the Operations Manager Apprenticeship to help prepare for end-point assessment:
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Handbook and End-point Assessment pack: Access detailed explanations of the knowledge, skills, behaviours and content covered by the standard. The End-point Assessment pack offers comprehensive grading criteria and outlines the required evidence for gateway readiness.
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EPA Exemplar materials:Tutors can benefit from real assessment examples, including transcripts and examples of best practice, ensuring apprentices feel well-prepared for their assessments. All materials are available through our user-friendly EPA Pro platform.
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Recording forms: Streamline your EPA readiness with our prepared forms, including the gateway declaration form and any necessary assessment documents, providing peace of mind and ensuring nothing is overlooked.
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LIEPA Reports: Our lead independent End-point assessors (LIEPAs) produce annual reports offering valuable insights into EPA results, findings and trends across all centres, helping you refine your apprenticeship delivery for continuous improvement and success.
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Tutor Membership: Tutor will have access to membership with the Institute of Leadership where they will have access to a wide range of tutor resources that will support on-programme deliver and provide up-to-date quality assured resources.
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Student Membership: Apprentices will have access to membership with the Institute of Leadership where they will have access to a wide range of studying resources that will support their learning and professional development both on-programme and after completion where they will have the option to become professional members.
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Apprenticeship Certification: Apprentices will receive both an official Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) apprenticeship certificate and an ILM statement of achievement for their End-point Assessment.
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Royal Charter Post Nominal Certification: Apprentices will receive our post-nominals AfCGI Affiliate (level 5) which come with lifetime recognition and are free from annual membership fees – ensuring achievement is valued and acknowledged throughout their career.
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EPA Digital credentials: On successful completion apprentices receive a digital credential offering a verified, visual representation of the skills and knowledge they have gained. Digital credentials help your apprentices raise their online professional profile and bring their skills and achievements to life.
Discover the power of our Digital credentials
- How to register
If you're already an ILM centre or interested in becoming one, be sure to review our EPA manual and guidance. It covers the entire process and outlines all terms and conditions. Our short ‘how-to’ guides and videos are a great starting point to help you understand what to expect and how to stay on track when booking EPAs and preparing apprentices for assessment. You can access these helpful resources in our EPA document library.
To use our End-point Assessment services follow these steps:
1. Existing Customers: Complete the ILM EPA application form through the quality portal via Walled Garden.
2. New Customers: If you’re interested in partnering with ILM, please reach out to our EPA Partnership Team at epapartnership@cityandguilds.com. We’re happy to help!
- Supporting documents and additional guidance
For more information on how we can support you through the EPA process, visit our ILM EPA webpage.
Documents
Additional Resources
We want to help you get started on your apprenticeship journey. Request a call back or email us and we'll be in touch within two days.
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