Operations or Departmental Manager

Version 1.2 – TQUK Level 5 End-Point Assessment for ST0385 Operations or Departmental Manager (610/1003/0)

Funding: £7,000

Duration: 30 months

Level: 5

Number: ST0385

LARS Number: 104

Version: 1.2

This page describes the latest version of the Operations or Departmental standard (version 1.2), which came into force in October 2020. This version revised the EPA plan. Version 1.1 is still used for apprentices who started between 4th March 2019 and 20th October 2020. Version 1 has been retired. For more information, please visit the IfATE’s website.

An Operations or Departmental Manager keeps their company ticking over. They're responsible for managing teams and/or projects and through that work, they achieve key goals that will help the company effectively realise its aims. The role suits people who are highly detailed-oriented and process-driven and responsibilities may include creating and delivering operational plans, managing projects, leading and managing teams, talent management, and coaching and mentoring. All companies require good Operations or Departmental managers, so opportunities within this area are rich and varied.

End-Point Assessment Components 

To complete their End-Point Assessment, Operations or Departmental apprentices must achieve a pass or distinction in the following two components.

  • The apprentice submits a project title and scope at gateway. Following approval by their End-Point Assessor, the apprentice has 12 weeks to complete and submit a 4,000-word (+/-10%) project proposal.

    The End-Point Assessor then has two weeks to review the submitted proposal before the apprentice delivers a 20-minute (+10%) presentation about it. Following the presentation, there is a 40-minute (+10%) questioning session, in which the End-Point Assessor asks a minimum of nine questions.

  • The professional discussion is a structured, two-way dialogue between the apprentice and their End-Point Assessor. The discussion is supported by the portfolio of evidence submitted by the apprentice at gateway. The portfolio is not directly assessed.

    The End-Point Assessor asks the apprentice at least six competency-based questions to prompt discussions related to the knowledge, skills and behaviours assigned to this assessment.

    The professional discussion lasts 60 minutes (+10% at the End-Point Assessor’s discretion).

Why TQUK?

Assessment planning meetings for all apprentices

5 working days average turnaround for EPA results**

Assessors make contact within 5 working days

Gateway submission reviewed within 24 hours

Assessor assigned after 24 hours of acceptance

Average gateway-to-completion of 6 weeks*

*unless otherwise stipulated by the assessment plan  **current average is 2.5 working days turnaround for EPA results

Learn more about this standard