An Operations or departmental manager is someone who manages teams and/or projects, and achieving operational or departmental goals and objectives, as part of the delivery of the organisations strategy.

Apprenticeship Standard: ST0385


Meet our students Alexander Harvey

Alexander Harvey

What I enjoy most about the course is the opportunity to go out on placements, spend time in real-world workplaces, learn from guest speakers, and get involved in special projects. More...

T Level Management and Administration

Meet our students Eva Missanga

Eva Missanga

Due to the wide range of skills we will gain, I could explore quite a wide range of careers. More...

T Level Management and Administration

Meet our students Harry Suppo

Harry Suppo

I chose this course because it's the equivalent of three A Levels, which can get me into higher study after I go to college in a degree apprenticeship. More...

T Level Management and Administration

Meet our students Joseph Booker

Joseph Booker

Overall it has been a fantastic experience where I have always felt supported along the way by both my company and Newbury College. More...

Accounting Apprenticeship
Kerridge Commercial Systems

Meet our students Josie Badman

Josie Badman

I enjoy the social aspects of my apprenticeship, for example, holding meetings and helping the agents on cases. The units have been relevant to my job role, which helps me to ensure that I have the knowledge to bring to my workplace.

Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship
Harvey's Insolvency & Turnaround Ltd

Meet our students Julius Baguisi

Julius Baguisi

The best thing about my apprenticeship is being given a project to manage and having an employer that is open to questions and helping me. More...

Degree Apprenticeship in Chartered Manager
OpenText (Micro Focus)

Meet our students Lily Canning

Lily Canning

During the T Level course, we have to complete 315 hours of work experience. It's allowed me to gain new skills, meet new people, develop an understanding of day-to-day operations in an office and try things I've never tried before. More...

T Level Management and Administration

Meet our students Natasha Mathias

Natasha Mathias

I love the freedom I’ve been given in my office environment to work and develop. When I first started, I was given my own set of suppliers to manage and deal with. Since then, I’ve been able to confidently contact them and sort out payments, queries etc. I also enjoy how everything I learn in college reflects my role in the office, helping me to further develop my skills.

Accounting Apprentice
Donnington Valley Group Ltd

Meet our students Rabya Oli

Rabya Oli

The aspect I enjoy the most about my course is the real-life experiences we get. More...

T Level Management and Administration

Meet our students Tom Fountain

Tom Fountain

This course hands us many different life and business-based skills that will aid us in most career paths that we choose, such as becoming an entrepreneur, real estate and many more. I personally want to pursue a career in real estate, hence why this course is ideal for me. More...

T Level Management and Administration

Meet our students Will Sandell

Will Sandell

I really liked the look of the T Level course when I came in on my induction day and my induction week. I want to make quite a lot of money when I'm older, and I thought that business is a good way to do that. More...

T Level Foundation Year: Management and Administration

  • Description

    During this two-year programme you will acquire skills and knowledge to progress your career as an Operations Manager, Divisional Manager, Departmental Manager or Specialist Manager, by applying learning in your workplace and gaining a highly respected Higher Education qualification in Management and Leadership.

    The Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership combines workplace learning with university study, providing you with the ability to be a highly effective and marketable manager in the changing 21st Century workplace.

    This programme explores both the practical aspects of management and leadership and developing subject knowledge. You will learn through a variety of methods including:

    • guided independent and workplace learning;
    • portfolio building;
    • tutorials / group discussions with your course tutors and peers (typically one day every 2-4 weeks using a blend of learning via virtual technology and in-person workshops) with tutors and guest lecturers at our dedicated and newly refurbished Higher Education campus facilities in Newbury

    Typical units include:

    • Operational Leadership and Management
    • Developing, Managing and Leading individuals and teams
    • Developing Stakeholder Relations
    • Managing Projects
    • Managing Change
    • Creating and delivering operational plans
    • Managing Finance
    • Reflective Practice

    An apprenticeship is a genuine job and under all circumstances an apprentice will be employed from day one. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study. CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership and CMI Level 5 Award in Management and Leadership are also available as exit awards.

  • Entry Requirements

    Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England and have no upper age limit. Any vacancies will clearly state what the entry requirements are for the job role being advertised. There will be different entry requirements depending on the company and role.

    A minimum 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including maths and English are recommended for this apprenticeship. Individuals without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 English and maths prior to taking the end-point assessment.

    Willingness to learn independently and apply learning in your current workplace. Access to a PC and intermediate IT skills are essential.

  • Qualification

    Apprenticeship Standard: ST0385 Operations or Departmental Manager CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership. On completion, apprentices who possess three or more years' experience in a management role can apply for Chartered Manager status through the Chartered Institute of Management (CMI).

  • Progression

    Learners awarded this qualification can progress at University Centre Newbury to the Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship or the direct entry BA Management.

  • Assessment

    Through their apprenticeship, apprentices gain the technical knowledge, practical experience and wider skills they need for their job and career. Apprentices will have their skills, knowledge and behaviours evaluated at the end of their apprenticeship by taking an end-point assessment (EPA). This is known as synoptic assessment. Individuals without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 English and maths prior to taking the end-point assessment.

  • Home Study

    The apprentice is expected to study through a mix of learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training and the opportunity to practise new skills in a real work environment. The time spent on off-the-job training should be at least 20% and should be included as part of working hours. The employer must allow time to complete the apprenticeship within the working hours, however, some homework may be set by College Tutors or Development Coaches.

  • Work Placement

    This is a work-based programme and is studied as part of an apprenticeship.

  • Fees and Additional Costs

    If you are between the ages of 16 and 24, you will not have to fund your own tuition, it is your employer and the government who cover the fees. If you are over 25, you may be asked to contribute towards the cost of your training, but it depends on your employer. If you do have to contribute to the cost of training, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

    The cost of training an apprentice is dependent on their age and whether or not the business pays the Apprenticeship Levy. There are a range of different grants and incentives available to employers. Contact us for up-to-date information and advice on the funding support available.

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* Terms and conditions apply. The fees stated on this website are for guidance purposes only and should be checked before enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, fees shown are for tuition only, over one academic year. Where a course is longer than one academic year, the fees stated are for the first year, and the cost of the second or subsequent years will be discussed at interview. For details of fee remission for students over 19 click here. If you think you may be entitled to a concession or fee remission, or you would like more information on the additional costs associated with your chosen course, please contact us on 01635 845000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..