Improvement Specialist
About the course
Improvement Specialists are responsible for leading the deployment of improvement strategies, training others, and providing broad and deep technical expertise in advanced and complex Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, as well as Project and Change Management principles and tools. Their role is crucial in identifying and delivering improvement opportunities that align with key business goals. Improvement Specialists manage (directly and/or through a matrix structure) Improvement Practitioners who lead smaller improvement projects aligned with the overall improvement strategy.
Improvement Specialists draw on their advanced knowledge and skills in applying improvement principles and tools across a range of programmes, projects, and areas to build the capability of others. They excel in quickly visualising processes, identifying problems and opportunities, and using both graphical and statistical analysis to deliver substantial improvements.
Practical applications include leading quality improvement initiatives in healthcare, implementing efficiency projects in manufacturing, and optimising processes in service industries. Apprentices must demonstrate their skills through practical applications in their workplace, culminating in an End Point Assessment (EPA) to receive their qualification.
The course fosters a strong understanding of the commercial environment, emphasising the importance of leading advanced improvement projects and ensuring the integration of academic learning with practical experience.
Qualifications
Upon completion of the programme, all successful graduates are awarded the following qualifications:
- Diploma of Higher Education in Business Management.
- Level 5 Improvement Specialist Apprenticeship.
Units of study
This unit focuses on developing awareness of the commercial environment and the use of relevant tools to identify and prioritise improvement projects across various functions. It emphasises continuous development and improvement, fostering team working skills, and guiding improvement practitioners. The unit covers benchmarking, process thinking, root cause analysis, and change management. Students will engage in coaching and team-building exercises, reflecting on performance and adapting to new challenges.
This unit aims to deepen students' understanding of project planning and control, covering systematic project management approaches, tools, and techniques applicable across various business contexts. Delivered over 12 weeks, it includes essential topics such as PRINCE2 and Agile methodologies, stakeholder management, resource and budget management, project estimating and scheduling, risk and issue management, and project monitoring and control. Through interactive teaching and practical focus, students learn to formulate and execute effective project plans, manage risks, and achieve successful project outcomes.
The Statistics and Measurement for Change Management unit aims to equip students with the ability to guide and apply improvement principles and tools in various programs. It includes graphical and statistical analysis to deliver improvement opportunities aligned with business goals. The syllabus covers probability distributions, confidence intervals, measurement system analysis, root cause analysis, and experimentation. Students will engage in classroom exercises, linking learning to work-based projects, and collaborate with peers and employers.
This unit explores theoretical concepts of project leadership and stakeholder engagement, emphasising the development of leadership skills through experiential learning. The syllabus includes leadership theories, social and cultural contexts, team development, stakeholder management, negotiation, and strategic implementation. Students will engage in class activities, case studies, and group interactions, applying concepts to their workplaces.
Meet your Course Coordinator
Get to know Omamode Orieno, your supportive mentor and Course Coordinator for the Improvement Specialist Apprenticeship.
Delve into his background, understand his experience and areas of expertise, along with his personal interests. Uncover the individual behind the position, eager to support you with a smile throughout your apprenticeship journey.
Entry requirements
Individual employers will set their own entry requirements; typically Improvement qualification level 4, or equivalent. Applicants need to remain employed within the workplace for the duration of the course, ideally for a minimum of 30hrs a week. Apprentices without level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Fee - Companies with a wage bill less than £3m will just pay £450, this is because the government funds 95% of the full fee. If you are a levy-payer then this apprenticeship will be £9,000 from your levy. As a business of any size, you can also use the Manage Apprenticeship service to apply for funding from large businesses that want to fund 100% of your apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
