The Operations Manager Level 5 apprenticeship has undergone significant changes that will take effect from September 19, 2024. This blog aims to clarify these updates, including alterations in assessment methods, funding, and the structure of the apprenticeship. Understanding these changes will be crucial for apprentices, employers, and training providers alike.
Overview of the Changes
One of the most notable updates is the increase in the funding band, which has now risen to £9,000. This change reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality and accessibility of the apprenticeship program. Additionally, the typical duration of the apprenticeship has shifted to 24 months, although the minimum time on program will remain at 12 months.
As we delve deeper into the changes, it is essential to understand how these adjustments will impact both apprentices and employers. The following sections will cover the assessment methods and the essential themes of the revised apprenticeship standard.
Assessment Methods: What’s New?
The assessment methods for the Operations Manager Level 5 apprenticeship have been refined to better align with the needs of the industry. While Assessment Method One retains its title, timings, and weighting, the portfolio requirements and Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) have been updated.
Assessment Method Two has a new title, but its format remains largely unchanged. Below is a brief comparison of the old and new standards:
Assessment Method One – Professional Discussion Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence: Title, timings, and weighting are unchanged, but portfolio requirements and KSBs have been updated.
Assessment Method Two – Written Project Proposal with Presentation and Questions: New title with a similar format to the previous version.
Professional Discussion Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence
The Professional Discussion, which is underpinned by the Portfolio of Evidence, will continue to last for 60 minutes, with an additional 10% time allowance for the apprentice to complete their final answer. Each apprentice will be required to present a portfolio containing 16 discrete pieces of evidence which is required to be submitted at Gateway. It's important to note that reflective accounts or self-assessment methods must not be included in this portfolio.
The apprentice will have the opportunity to refer to their portfolio during the discussion, illustrating their answers with relevant evidence. However, the portfolio itself will not be directly assessed, emphasizing the importance of the apprentice's ability to communicate their evidence effectively.
Written Project Proposal with Presentation and Questions: Key Details
A significant update in the assessment plan is the format of the Written Project Report which involves the completion of a substantial piece of work with real business applications. The project must meet the employer's needs, be relevant to the apprentice's occupation and be completed on programme. The Written Report will be submitted after Gateway.
Here are the key requirements for the Written Project Report:
The report must have a word count of 4,000 words, with a tolerance of ±10%.
The presentation and questioning session will last for 60 minutes, consisting typically of a 20-minute presentation followed by typically a 40-minute questioning session.
The independent assessor will ask a minimum of six questions related to the project, the report, and the presentation.
The presentation itself should cover specific areas, including:
An analysis of the internal and external factors that impacted the project choice.
A critical evaluation of the project's activities, justifying its necessity.
Details regarding the impact the project has had since its completion.
Key Themes of the KSBs
The Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) have also been revised to better reflect the competencies required for an Operations Manager.
The overall themes for the Written Project Report include:
Project planning and scope
Project implementation
Evaluations and recommendations
For the Professional Discussion, the themes will focus on:
Managing and leading a team
Organizational governance
Operational planning
Stakeholder relationships
Resources and Support Materials
To aid apprentices and training providers, a range of resources and support materials will be made available. These include:
Mock questions for the Professional Discussion
A Written Project Report submission document that breaks the project down into distinct sections
An apprentice pack summarizing everything required for the End-Point Assessment
Online support videos and webinars available upon request
All resources will be accessible from the start of September, ensuring that everyone is well-prepared for the new standard's launch.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the updates to the Operations Manager Level 5 apprenticeship aim to better reflect the current role of an Operations Manager or similar. The changes in assessment methods, portfolio requirements, and the change in the project and accompanying report are designed to better equip apprentices with the skills needed in today’s dynamic business environment.
If you have any questions regarding these updates or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to the admin team. We are here to support you and ensure a smooth implementation of the new standard Operations Manager standard.
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