Operations managers work across organisations of all sizes and sectors, leading teams and ensuring day-to-day operations run smoothly. They coordinate projects, manage resources and make decisions that align departmental activity with broader organisational goals. Their role involves working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders. They are responsible for planning workloads, developing staff, solving problems and driving continuous improvement.
Download the Specification
DownloadPrice and reassessment
Maximum funding: £9,000
Full EPA fee: £675
Reassessment:
- Written project report with presentation and questions: Remote: £175 | Face to Face: £225
- Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence : Remote: £150 | Face to Face: £200
Gateway requirements
Before the apprentice can enter the EPA Gateway process, the following evidence is required:
- Gateway Declaration and Authentication Statement (this must be signed using an e-signature via a document signing service, such as DocuSign, or a wet signature)
- Achievement of Level 2 English and Maths
- Completed portfolio of evidence
- Project proposal subject, title and scope
- Reasonable Adjustments/Special Consideration Request Form where relevant
If the apprentice is aged 16-18 years, they must have achieved English and Maths qualifications to at least Level 2. If the apprentice is aged 19+ when they begin their apprenticeship, the requirement for the attainment of these qualifications is optional (effective from 11th February 2025). Employers may choose whether these qualifications are necessary, and further details regarding funding can be found in the latest funding rules.
Assessment methods
The assessment methods for the Operations Manager apprenticeship consist of the following:
- Assessment method 1: Professional discussion, underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
- The professional discussion is a structured two-way conversation between the apprentice and an independent assessor. The professional discussion will last for 60 minutes. The portfolio of evidence is not directly assessed. It underpins the Professional Discussion and therefore will not be assessed by Gateway Qualifications.
- Assessment method 2: Written Project Report and Presentation with Questions
- This assessment method has two components: the Written Project Report and the Presentation with questioning.
- The project report will be 4,000 words (+/- 10% at the apprentice’s discretion). Appendices, references and diagrams are not included in this total. The apprentice must include a mapping document as an appendix, showing how the report evidences the KSBs mapped to this assessment method.
- The apprentice must prepare and deliver a presentation to the IEPA. After the presentation, the IEPA will ask the apprentice questions about their project, the written project report, and the presentation. The presentation will typically last for 20 minutes, and the questioning will typically last for 40 minutes.
See the specification document for full details.
