Level 5 Apprenticeship CMI Operations/Departmental Manager

Location

Applicant Type

Apprenticeships

Level

Level 5

Subject

Business, Management & Accounting

Course Overview

The Operations – Departmental Manager Apprenticeship CMI Level 5 supports you to develop advanced management knowledge and practical leadership skills while continuing to work in your existing role.

It is suitable if you are an operations or departmental manager, or if you are preparing to move into a role with responsibility for teams, projects and operational performance.

This apprenticeship is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute and allows you to learn on the job, applying new skills directly to your workplace. Learning focuses on strengthening your theoretical understanding of management while building on practical experience, helping you lead teams effectively and manage operational priorities with confidence.

The programme is delivered through live online classes and virtual classroom sessions with a college tutor, allowing you to study flexibly from anywhere. Sessions take place regularly during term time, with multiple start dates available throughout the year. The apprenticeship typically lasts between 18 and 24 months, supporting steady development alongside your work responsibilities.

During the course, you will explore key areas of management and leadership, including reflective practice, developing and leading individuals and teams, managing projects, managing change and managing finance. Learning focuses on organisational performance, interpersonal skills and personal effectiveness, supporting you to make informed decisions and drive improvement within your department.

By the end of the apprenticeship, you will have developed a strong understanding of operational management and leadership at Level 5. This qualification supports progression within management roles across a wide range of sectors and provides a solid foundation for further professional development and senior leadership opportunities.

Entry Requirements

This flexible course is delivered by South Essex Colleges Group in partnership with Mindful Education and consists of live online classes with regular term-time Virtual Classroom sessions with a college tutor.

Virtual Classroom sessions take place regularly during term time. Start dates are available throughout the year. The duration of the apprenticeship will be 18-24 months.

To study this course, you will need to be employed in a trade/industry related to the apprenticeship and you will need to find employment in a related trade/industry before applying for the apprenticeship programme you wish to complete. Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprentices. Prior experience may also be considered. Apprentices should also have achieved qualifications in English and Maths at a minimum of Level 2 or equivalent.

Where this is not the case, apprentices must complete these by the end of the apprenticeship. It is also recommended that the apprentice is supported to become digitally literate where this is important to their role.

Assessment and Feedback

This apprenticeship is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education using a flexible online and virtual classroom model. You will complete online learning during allocated work time and attend regular virtual sessions with a college tutor.

Online lessons can be accessed at any time on a mobile, tablet or desktop, allowing you to fit study around work commitments and minimise disruption in the workplace.

Each lesson is around 45 minutes long and uses animations, motion graphics, interactive exercises and case studies to bring learning to life. In addition, you will take part in regular virtual classroom sessions led by an experienced tutor. These sessions include group activities and discussions, helping you apply your learning to real workplace situations. This blended approach is designed to be flexible, practical and relevant, supporting both your development and your employer’s needs.

Assessment for the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership is based on practical, work‑based assignments set by the college, ensuring your work is relevant to your role and organisation.

To complete the apprenticeship, you must also pass the End‑Point Assessment, which includes a review of your portfolio of evidence, a knowledge test, a presentation of a work‑based project with question and answer session, and a professional discussion based on your portfolio.

Fees and Funding

This course is free to apprentices, as the cost is paid by your employer Large companies can fund the course using their apprenticeship levy.

SMEs can access government funding to subsidise the cost by 95%.

Future study/career options

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship there is an opportunity to study CMI courses at higher levels.

Apprentices who successfully complete the programme will be awarded a Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership and will also be eligible to register as full members of the CMI.

Roles may include: Operations Manager Regional Manager Divisional Manager Department Manager and specialist managers.

Key responsibilities may include: creating and delivering operational plans managing projects leading and managing teams managing change financial and resource management talent management coaching and mentoring.

Study Commitment

18-24 months

Additional Information

Part Time