Manufacturing Apprenticeships
Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship
Lean manufacturing is an innovative mindset and strategic approach to production that centres around optimising efficiency, reducing waste, and consistently enhancing processes.
Level
Level 2
Duration
13 months (Elevated programme)
Delivery
Workplace delivery with online tutor sessions
Occupational Summary
Occupational Profile
A lean manufacturing operative prepares and carries out manufacturing tasks in production settings. Their work may involve different products and specifications, with a focus on safe operation, product quality and efficient processes.
Apprentices follow work instructions and standard operating procedures, select and use appropriate tools and equipment, complete production records and identify issues that need to be reported or resolved.
The apprenticeship develops knowledge and skills in health and safety, environmental procedures, production, quality control, problem solving, communication, workplace organisation and continuous improvement. Each apprentice also follows one specialist route suited to their job.
Course Overview
Our apprenticeship programme is designed to be completed over a span of 13 months, right within your company in order to minimise any disruptions and maximise its relevance.
By following the standards set in place for this apprenticeship, learners will acquire essential competencies in Lean Manufacturing, with a strong focus on enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, and continuously improving processes.
This comprehensive programme also covers crucial skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication specifically within a manufacturing environment.
Typical job roles include:
Team Member Production
Manufacturing Production Operative
Manufacturing Assembly Operative
Manufacturing Inspection/Quality Assurance Operative
Manufacturing Logistics Operative
Manufacturing Material Handling Operative
Manufacturing Process/Finishing Operative
Skills England Standard
Lean manufacturing operative ST0420 v1.2
Apprenticeship Standard
ST0420
Current Version
Version 1.2
Maximum Funding
£6,000
For the current occupational standard and end-point assessment information, visit Skills England.
Funding for employers
Course Investment
Employers can use available apprenticeship levy funds towards eligible training and assessment costs. The maximum funding band for the Lean Manufacturing Operative apprenticeship is £6,000; the agreed training and assessment price, and the apprentice’s start date, determine the funding that applies.
For apprentices starting from 1 August 2026 who are aged 16 to 24, the government covers eligible training and assessment costs up to the funding band maximum for non-levy employers and levy-paying employers who have insufficient levy funds.
For apprentices aged 25 or over at the start of training, non-levy employers normally contribute 5% of eligible costs within the funding band and the government contributes 95%. Levy-paying employers without sufficient levy funds normally contribute 25% and the government contributes 75%. Employers pay any agreed amount above the funding band maximum.
Funding rules depend on the apprenticeship start date and individual eligibility. See current apprenticeship funding guidance for employers or contact Elevated Knowledge to discuss the funding that applies to your organisation.
Occupational Duties
Duties
All apprentices develop the core duties below. They also follow one of four specialist job-role options, according to their work: Production/Assembly, Inspection/Quality, Logistics/Material or Production Processing/Finishing.
Follow workplace health and safety requirements, identify risks and handle tools, equipment and materials safely.
Follow environmental procedures, manage waste responsibly and contribute to resource-efficient manufacturing.
Carry out assigned production tasks efficiently while maintaining product specifications and customer requirements.
Follow standard operating procedures and use the tools, equipment and materials needed for the manufacturing process.
Complete quality checks and production records accurately; identify defects and raise concerns within the limits of the role.
Identify and address manufacturing problems using appropriate problem-solving techniques, escalating matters when necessary.
Contribute to continuous improvement activities that reduce waste or improve safety, quality and process efficiency.
Communicate manufacturing information clearly with colleagues and the appropriate supervisor or team leader.
Maintain an organised work area using appropriate workplace organisation and process-ownership methods.
For a Production/Assembly apprentice: prepare components, follow assembly specifications, assemble products and check finished work against quality requirements.
For an Inspection/Quality apprentice: take and handle samples, conduct required inspections or tests, and record and report results.
For a Logistics/Material apprentice: check materials and handling equipment, move and store materials safely, and record or report defects.
For a Production Processing/Finishing apprentice: carry out and monitor the selected finishing process, follow safe operating procedures and check finished products.
Gateway
Gateway & Qualifications
Before end-point assessment (EPA), the employer must confirm the apprentice is working at the required occupational standard. The apprentice must also meet the applicable qualification and evidence requirements. English and maths requirements follow the funding rules applying to the apprentice’s start date.
The employer confirms that the apprentice is consistently working at or above the occupational standard.
The apprentice has completed an approved Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing (Knowledge and Skills). Elevated lists the City & Guilds diploma for this programme.
A portfolio of evidence, developed during the programme and mapped to the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours, is submitted to the end-point assessment organisation at gateway.
For new starts under the 2026/27 funding rules, apprentices aged 16–18 must meet the applicable English and maths requirements. For apprentices aged 19 or over, standalone English and maths qualifications are generally optional, subject to mandatory-qualification requirements. Check the funding rules for the apprentice’s start date.
Mandatory Qualification Options
The Elevated programme includes the following mandatory qualification:
- City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing (Knowledge and Skills), 4500-12 (qualification number 610/0180/6).
End-Point Assessment
ST0420, Lean manufacturing operative Level 2
Once all gateway requirements have been met, an independent end-point assessment organisation assesses the apprentice. The published assessment plan specifies two assessment methods, normally completed within 12 weeks after gateway. The EPA period is separate from Elevated’s 13-month programme.
- Observation with questions and answers: fail or pass.
- Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence: fail, pass or distinction.
- Overall apprenticeship grade: fail, pass or distinction. Both methods must be passed; the professional discussion determines whether a distinction is awarded.
End-Point Assessment
The assessment plan specifies two end-point assessment methods:
- An independent assessor observes the apprentice carrying out manufacturing work and asks questions about the tasks and underpinning knowledge.
- An independent assessor holds a professional discussion with the apprentice, using the submitted portfolio to explore their knowledge, skills and behaviours.
The apprentice must meet the gateway requirements and pass both assessment methods to achieve the apprenticeship. The City & Guilds diploma is completed before EPA and is not a separate third EPA method.
Portfolio of Evidence Requirement
Portfolio of evidence
During the programme, the apprentice builds a portfolio that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and behaviours assessed in the professional discussion. It is submitted to the end-point assessment organisation at gateway and supports the discussion rather than being graded as a stand-alone EPA method.
The published EPA plan says the portfolio will typically contain five pieces of evidence. Evidence should be mapped to the relevant knowledge, skills and behaviours, be the apprentice’s own work and include employer confirmation of authenticity.
Evidence may include
- Workplace documents, such as job sheets, checklists and equipment or maintenance records.
- Annotated photographs of the apprentice’s work.
- Video evidence, subject to a maximum combined duration of 10 minutes under the published assessment plan.
- Records of continuing professional development.
- Employer witness statements describing directly observed work and competence.
What’s Included
What’s Included
City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Manufacturing (Knowledge & Skills) (4500-12)
Workplace delivery complemented by monthly flexible learning modules and fortnightly online tutor sessions
Detailed teaching and assessment plans drafted every eight weeks
Lean Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship
