Apprentices must pass the end-point assessment in order to achieve the apprenticeship certificate.

The end-point assessment for the Operational/ Departmental Manager Apprenticeship involves a review of the apprentice’s portfolio of evidence which is collated during their work/ study time; an externally set knowledge test; presentation of a work-based project and question/ answer session and an interview/ competency based discussion relating to the apprentice’s Continual Professional Development Log.

Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprentices though most will be expected to hold 5 GCSEs at grade C or higher. Prior experience may also be considered. Apprentices should also have achieved qualifications in English and mathematics at a minimum of level 2 or equivalent. Where this is not the case, apprentices must complete these by the end of the Apprenticeship. It is also recommended that the apprentice is supported to become digitally literate where this is important to their role.

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there is an opportunity to study CMI courses at higher levels up to level 8.

Apprentices who successfully complete the programme will be awarded a Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership and will also be eligible to register as full members of the CMI.

Roles may include: Operations Manager, Regional Manager, Divisional Manager, Department Manager and specialist managers.

Key responsibilities may include creating and delivering operational plans, managing projects, leading and managing teams, managing change, financial and resource management, talent management, coaching and mentoring.

This Apprenticeship will typically take 2½ years to complete but can take less depending on the prior experience of the individual and the specification of the employer.