Improvement Practitioner Apprenticeship (ST0192)
The Level 4 Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship develops skilled professionals who lead improvement activities across teams and departments. Apprentices will deliver medium-scale improvement projects, analyse data, solve complex problems, engage stakeholders, and implement sustainable solutions
Level 4
Duration14–18 months
Programme Overview
The Level 4 Improvement Practitioner apprenticeship develops skilled professionals who lead improvement activities across teams and departments. Apprentices will deliver medium-scale improvement projects, analyse data, solve complex problems, engage stakeholders, and implement sustainable solutions using Lean, Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies.
This programme is ideal for individuals responsible for driving performance improvement, supporting operational excellence, or leading change initiatives across service, manufacturing, office or technical environments.
Who This Programme Is For
- Staff responsible for delivering improvement projects or leading change activities
- Individuals working in operations, manufacturing, quality, logistics, service or office environments
- Organisations wanting structured, evidence-based improvement capability
- Employees progressing from Improvement Technician or similar roles
What Apprentices Will Learn
Advanced Improvement Principles
- Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
- DMAIC, PDCA and structured problem-solving techniques
- Understanding processes, systems, variation and waste
Data & Statistical Analysis
- Collecting, validating and analysing data
- Using statistical techniques to understand performance
- Root cause analysis using multiple analytical methods
Process Mapping & Diagnostics
- Mapping processes (SIPOC, VSM, flowcharts)
- Identifying bottlenecks, risks and inefficiencies
- Using diagnostic tools to evaluate process capability
Project Management
- Leading improvement projects
- Managing scope, risks, stakeholders and timelines
- Presenting findings, evaluations and recommendations
Facilitation & Change Management
- Running workshops, Kaizen events and problem-solving sessions
- Managing resistance and supporting behavioural change
- Communicating effectively with teams and senior leaders
Sustainability & Control
- Embedding improvements long-term
- Creating control plans, SOPs and performance dashboards
- Ensuring benefits remain measurable and maintained
Key Skills Developed
- Lean and Six Sigma capability (Yellow Belt/Green Belt aligned depending on employer need)
- Advanced data analysis
- Leadership of change and improvement activities
- Facilitation, coaching and influencing skills
- Project delivery and benefits tracking
- Professional communication and stakeholder engagement
End-Point Assessment (EPA)
Gateway Requirements:
- Completed portfolio
- Completed improvement project with measurable results
- English & Maths at required level
- Employer confirmation of readiness
EPA Components:
- Project Report, Presentation and Q&A
- Apprentice completes a significant improvement project
- Produces a detailed report
- Delivers a presentation followed by questions
- Professional Discussion
- Structured discussion based on apprentice’s portfolio
- Assesses full knowledge, skills and behaviours
Grading:
Pass or Distinction
Entry Requirements
- Suitable job role allowing delivery of a real improvement project
- Employer able to support activities, data access and stakeholder engagement
- Motivation to analyse, lead and influence operational performance
- English & Maths at sufficient level (or willingness to achieve)
Career Progression
Successful apprentices may move into roles such as:
- Improvement Practitioner / Lean Practitioner
- Continuous Improvement Coordinator
- Quality & Performance Analyst
- Operational Excellence Practitioner
- Process Improvement Lead
Further progression routes include:
- Improvement Specialist (Level 5)
- Quality Practitioner (Level 4)
- Leadership and management apprenticeships
- Six Sigma Green/Black Belt development
Funding Information (Standardised ESTAR Format)
Funding Band
This apprenticeship is funded up to the maximum band set by the Department for Education: £6,000.
Funding Information
- Levy-paying employers:The full cost can be funded through your apprenticeship levy.
- Non-levy employers:You contribute 5%Â of the training cost, and the government funds 95%.
- Small businesses (under 50 employees):If the apprentice is 16–21, the government funds 100% of the training cost with £0 employer contribution.
- Additional supportmay be available for apprentices with learning difficulties or care-leaver status.
- There are no hidden costs.
Delivery Model (ESTAR Approach)
- Monthly 1:1 coaching with an improvement specialist
- Live virtual workshops, interactive online content and applied tasks
- A real workplace improvement project delivering measurable outcomes
- Structured portfolio of evidence with tools, analysis and project outputs
- Regular tri-partite progress reviews
- Typical duration 14–18 months depending on pace and employer requirements
- Full EPA preparation including project report and professional discussion coaching