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Leadership Excellence Programme

Study Area: Apprenticeships

Duration: 16 Months

Attendance: Full Time

The Leadership Excellence Level 5 Apprenticeship Programme is designed for individuals who are responsible for leading and delivering continuous improvement initiatives within their organisation. Ideal for those working in operational, manufacturing, engineering, healthcare, public sector, or service-based environments, this apprenticeship equips learners with the skills to drive sustainable improvements that enhance quality, productivity, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

As a leader, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to identify opportunities for improvement, lead change projects, and support organisations in achieving strategic objectives. Alongside the apprenticeship, you will also complete an embedded Leadership and Management qualification, developing the confidence and capability to effectively lead people, manage teams, and influence organisational performance.

You will learn to:

Lead continuous improvement projects using recognised improvement methodologies and tools
Analyse data to identify root causes, measure performance, and support informed decision-making
Apply Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement techniques to improve business performance
Lead and manage teams through change, engaging stakeholders and promoting a culture of continuous improvement
Develop effective leadership, communication, coaching, and project management skills
Evaluate improvement outcomes and embed sustainable improvements across the organisation

To enrol, you must be employed in a relevant role with an employer who will support your learning and development throughout the programme. Apprenticeships are work-based qualifications, so you must be employed before you can begin your training. This programme is ideal for existing employees looking to upskill, enhance their professional development, develop their leadership and continuous improvement capabilities, and gain nationally recognised qualifications while applying their learning in the workplace. If you are not currently employed, you can explore our latest apprenticeship vacancies.

We also encourage you to proactively contact local employers to ask if they would consider taking you on as an apprentice. If an employer agrees to support your apprenticeship, please contact us at apprenticeships@calderdale.ac.uk so we can assess your suitability for the programme and begin the enrolment process.

Alternatively, if you do not yet have an employer, you can apply for a full-time course as a starting point. Should you secure employment during your course, you can be transferred onto the apprenticeship pathway.

Start Date

June and September

Entry Requirements & Interview Process

Applicants should ideally hold GCSE Grade 4 / C or above in English and Maths. If you do not hold these qualifications, you will be supported to complete Functional Skills as part of your apprenticeship. As this is a Level 5 apprenticeship, learners should be working in a role with responsibility for leading improvement activities, projects, or teams. Previous experience in an operational, technical, or supervisory role is beneficial. For learners aged 19 and over, entry requirements will be reviewed and agreed in consultation with your employer as part of the enrolment process.

Progression

On successful completion, apprentices can progress onto senior continuous improvement or operational excellence roles, operations, production, or quality management positions, senior leadership and management qualifications, degree-level apprenticeships or further higher education where appropriate.

Career Opportunities
Improvement Specialist, Continuous Improvement Manager, Operational Excellence Practitioner, Operations Manager, Quality Improvement Lead, Change Manager

Assessment Methods

The apprenticeship is delivered through a blend of classroom-based learning, online learning, workplace projects, and regular workplace visits from your dedicated Training and Development Officer. You will receive ongoing support throughout the programme, with your employer actively involved in progress reviews to ensure you remain on track and achieve your full potential. Throughout the programme you will complete practical improvement projects that demonstrate the application of your learning within your own organisation.

All apprentices are required to complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) to successfully achieve the qualification. The EPA assesses the knowledge, skills, and behaviours developed throughout the apprenticeship and is carried out by an independent assessment organisation to ensure national standards are met. Calderdale College will fully support you in preparing for this final stage.

Course Fees

Apprenticeship training is fully funded by your employer through the Apprenticeship Levy or government co-investment, depending on the size of the organisation. As an apprentice, you will not pay for your training or assessment.