Master systematic improvement leadership and transformational change. Industry-leading apprenticeship with CMI and NCFE qualifications included.
Designed for experienced improvement professionals ready to lead strategic transformation at Level 5
Lead process transformation and operational excellence
Drive systematic quality improvement initiatives
Optimize financial processes and cost reduction
Enhance capability and organizational capability
Transform production efficiency and lean systems
Enable strategic deployment and transformation
This apprenticeship welcomes talented improvement professionals from all educational backgrounds. Your experience and capability matter most — we'll develop the technical skills you need.
Earn 2 additional qualifications alongside your Level 5 apprenticeship standard
This comprehensive programme includes the Level 5 apprenticeship standard plus 2 professional qualifications, giving you a competitive advantage in the improvement industry.
Improvement Specialist — Systematic improvement leadership, strategic deployment, and transformational change capability at Black Belt level.
Advanced coaching and capability building skills to develop others and lead transformational team development.
Essential awareness and practical application of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles in the workplace.
| Qualification Component | TESS Offering | Typical Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Apprenticeship Standard | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| CMI Level 5 Coaching Award | ✓ Included | ✗ Not included |
| NCFE Level 2 Equality & Diversity | ✓ Included | ✗ Not included |
| Total Qualifications | 3 Qualifications | 1 Qualification |
| Additional Investment | ✓ No extra cost | Typically £2-3k extra |
Combination of online workshops, face-to-face sessions, and practical workplace application
1-to-1 guidance from experienced improvement practitioners throughout your journey
Lead live improvement initiatives, building portfolio evidence from your actual work
Structured learning integrated with your day-to-day improvement work (370 hours OTJ)
Learning timed around your work commitments — we adapt to your business needs
Build evidence of your improvement capability throughout the 14-month programme
Document a strategic transformation project demonstrating Black Belt-level capability
Present your project to independent assessors with in-depth questioning on your approach
Structured conversation with assessors covering standard knowledge and workplace application
Assessed as Distinction, Pass, or Fail — Distinction demonstrates exceptional mastery
Master lean philosophy, Six Sigma fundamentals per ISO 13053, strategic improvement deployment, and policy deployment frameworks.
Develop project management, financial planning, benefits realization, risk management, business case development, and process redesign techniques.
Probability distributions, confidence intervals, measurement system analysis, rational sub-grouping, power analysis, and sample sizing.
Change leadership, team development, motivational techniques, mentoring, coaching, and stakeholder influence at strategic level.
Advanced value stream analysis, Lean transformation, standard work, cultural change leadership, and financial impact measurement.
Synthesize learning, finalize portfolio, complete transformation project, and meet EPA gateway requirements.
Formal EPA against ST0555 standard: Project report, presentation with questioning, and professional discussion with portfolio. Graded Distinction / Pass / Fail.
EPA Details: ST0555 V2.0 End-Point Assessment — independently assessed against the Improvement Specialist standard. Grades: Distinction, Pass, or Fail.
£9,000 from apprenticeship funding. Your employer (via the apprenticeship levy or government co-investment) funds the entire programme. No cost to you.