Apprenticeships in Lean Manufacturing & Process Leadership – Upskill Learners, Empower Employers
Lean Manufacturing Operative
Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard
Role Profile
Lean Manufacturing Operatives work in high-volume production environments, operating equipment, following standardised processes, and maintaining health, safety, and quality standards. They contribute to continuous improvement activities and support efficient production operations.
Typical Duration
12 to 18 months
Course Content
Apprentices develop knowledge, skills, and behaviours in:
Health, safety, and environmental regulations
Setting up, operating, and monitoring manufacturing equipment
Quality control and inspection processes
Continuous improvement (lean manufacturing principles)
Effective teamwork and communication
Workplace organisation (5S techniques)
Typical Job Roles
Lean Manufacturing Operative
Production Operative
Manufacturing Production Operative
Process Operative
Cell Operator
End Point Assessment (EPA)
Knowledge Test (multiple-choice)
Practical Observation (demonstration of skills in the workplace)
Professional Discussion (reflecting on portfolio evidence)
Additional Information and Requirements:
Completion of the Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing (Knowledge and Skills) is mandatory.
Apprentices will specialise in one of four pathways:
Manufacturing Production
Manufacturing Assembly
Manufacturing Finishing
Manufacturing Quality Inspection
English and Maths at Level 1 must be achieved before the End Point Assessment, and Level 2 must be attempted.
Funding Information
Funding Band: £6,000
Non-levy Employer Contribution: £300 (5%)
Government funding may be available to support training and assessment costs.
Progression Routes
Apprentices can progress to:
Team Leader / Supervisor Apprenticeship (Level 3)
Higher-level technical roles
Further education in manufacturing or engineering disciplines
Process Leader
Level 4 Apprenticeship Standard (ST0695, v1.1)
Role Profile
Process Leaders direct production activities and operations. They work in high-volume or advanced manufacturing environments, and in some cases in low-volume, bespoke workshop settings. They lead teams, manage people and resources, drive health, safety and environmental compliance, and use production KPIs to improve quality, cost and delivery. They plan projects, solve problems, and communicate clearly across functions to keep production on track.
Typical Duration
24 months to gateway (plus end-point assessment period).
Entry Requirements & Maths/English
Entry requirements are set by employers.
Apprentices must complete English and maths in line with apprenticeship funding rules before reaching the gateway if they do not already hold them.
Course Content
Apprentices develop knowledge, skills, and behaviours in:
Production leadership: undertake and direct production activities; manage changes to products, processes and equipment; prevent failures by using data.
Resource & cost control: plan people, equipment and materials; deliver against budgets and schedule variations.
Continuous improvement: apply lean and operational excellence tools, workplace organisation and visual management; use KPIs to drive improvements in quality, cost and volume.
Quality & problem resolution: deliver quality systems, manage defects and volume issues; analyse root causes and sustain fixes.
Health, safety & environment: manage compliance, conduct risk assessments, investigate incidents, and champion sustainable practices.
Project management: plan, organise and manage projects; monitor progress, risks and mitigation.
People leadership: recruit, build and motivate teams; coach and mentor; manage performance, attendance and industrial relations; adapt leadership style.
Communication & data: chair meetings; present clearly; use data/graphs to inform decisions and persuade stakeholders.
Stakeholder relationships: collaborate across HR, planning, purchasing, finance and other functions; negotiate and manage conflict.
Typical Job Roles
Process Leader
Process Lead Manager
Production Lead
Section Leader
End Point Assessment (EPA)
EPA is independent and takes place after gateway. It typically completes within 5 months and includes three methods:
Workplace Observation with Q&A (observed leading meetings).
Project Presentation and Q&A (a real business improvement project agreed with the employer and EPAO).
Professional Discussion supported by a Portfolio of Evidence.
Overall grade: Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Funding Information
Maximum funding band: £11,000.
Non-levy employer contribution (co-investment): typically 5% (£550) if your organisation does not pay the apprenticeship levy.
Additional government support may apply depending on apprentice age and employer size.
Progression Routes
Achievement of the standard is designed to be recognised by relevant Professional Engineering Institutions (e.g. IET, IMechE) towards EngTech registration at the appropriate level.
Successful apprentices can progress into roles such as Production Manager, Operations Manager, Quality Manager or Project Manager, or on to higher-level technical and leadership qualifications (including higher and degree apprenticeships).