Improvement Technician Apprenticeship (ST0193)
The Level 3 Improvement Technician apprenticeship develops professionals who are responsible for delivering continuous improvement activities within their organisation. Apprentices support teams to solve problems, improve processes, reduce waste, increase efficiency and enhance quality
Level 3
Duration12–18 months
Programme Overview
The Level 3 Improvement Technician apprenticeship develops professionals who are responsible for delivering continuous improvement activities within their organisation. Apprentices support teams to solve problems, improve processes, reduce waste, increase efficiency and enhance quality using proven improvement methods such as Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, problem-solving models and data analysis.
Improvement Technicians play a vital role in helping organisations become more efficient, productive and customer-focused.
Who This Programme Is For
- Employees responsible for improvement activities
- Team members supporting Lean, Six-Sigma or operations excellence initiatives
- Production, office, service or project staff who identify and solve process issues
- Organisations wanting to embed a continuous improvement culture
- Individuals ready to work with data, people and processes to drive change
What Apprentices Will Learn
Continuous Improvement Foundations
- Lean principles, waste reduction and problem-solving methods
- Understanding processes, workflows and value streams
- Using improvement cycles such as PDCA, DMAIC or 8D
Data & Measurement
- Basic statistics for improvement
- Collecting, analysing and interpreting data
- Using charts, graphs and measurement techniques
Process Mapping & Analysis
- Mapping processes visually (SIPOC, flowcharts, swimlanes)
- Identifying bottlenecks, waste, risks and inefficiencies
- Conducting root-cause analysis using tools like Ishikawa, 5 Whys and Pareto
Improvement Tools & Techniques
- 5S workplace organisation
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Error-proofing, visual management, process control
- Kaizen, quick-win events, small-scale experiments
Communication & Facilitation
- Running improvement discussions and workshops
- Engaging others in change activities
- Presenting findings, results and recommendations
Project Delivery
- Planning and running an improvement project
- Gathering evidence, implementing solutions and tracking results
- Evaluating impact and sustainability
Key Skills Developed
- Lean & continuous improvement capability
- Root-cause analysis and structured problem solving
- Data analysis and measurement
- Workshop facilitation and communication
- Project planning, reporting and evaluation
- Professional behaviours and change mindset
End-Point Assessment (EPA)
Gateway Requirements:
- Completed portfolio
- Employer confirmation of competence
- English & Maths at required level
EPA Components:
- Project Report & Presentation– the apprentice delivers a workplace improvement project with measurable outcomes
- Professional Discussion– structured discussion based on the portfolio and improvement tools used
Grading:
Pass or Distinction
Entry Requirements
- Suitable job role with exposure to processes, data or improvement activity
- Employer able to support an improvement project
- Motivation to analyse problems, work with others and deliver change
- Basic English & Maths (or willingness to achieve required level)
Career Progression
Typical next roles include:
- Continuous Improvement Technician
- Lean Practitioner
- Quality Technician
- Operations Excellence Coordinator
- Data or Quality Analyst (junior level)
Progression routes include:
- Improvement Specialist (Level 4)
- Quality Practitioner (Level 4)
- Management roles in operations or quality
Funding Information (Standardised ESTAR Format)
Funding Band
This apprenticeship is funded up to the maximum band set by the Department for Education: £4,000.
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 coaching and improvement workshops
- Real workplace improvement project delivered by the apprentice
- Structured online learning and applied workplace tasks
- Regular employer–tutor reviews and performance tracking
- Portfolio building throughout the programme
- Typical duration 12–18 months depending on organisational context
- Full preparation for gateway and EPA