Level 3 Improvement Technician Apprenticeship
Turn Waste into Value: Empower Your Team to Optimise Every Process
Duration:
16 months (not including end point assessment) Blended delivery method of online and face to face tuition. One face to face session per month and one online session per month
Start Date:
Any time
Cost:
Government funded or by the employer levy
  • 86% of employers said that apprenticeships helped them to develop skills relevant to their organisation
  • 92% of employers believe that apprenticeships lead to a more motivated and satisfied workforce
  • 80% of employers who have invested in apprentices have seen significant employee retention. 
What will I do on this Apprenticeship?

You will combine on-the-job learning with your employer where you are expected to complete at least half a day off-the-job learning to meet the 20% off-the-job training requirement. You will attend our training centre in Malton one day a month for face-to-face delivery. You will also undertake one online session a month with your trainer. 

You will also be visited in the workplace every 10 weeks to complete a tripartite review with you and your employer to check progress and set targets. 

Level 3 Improvement Technician Apprenticeship

The Level 3 Improvement Technician Apprenticeship Standard is for employees who are responsible for delivery and coaching of improvement activity within an area of responsibility. Found across all industry sectors and functions including automotive, banking, engineering, food products, IT, property, retail, telecoms, Local and County Councils, NHS, Voluntary / Charity, Utilities, Pharmaceuticals, Insurance, Hospitality etc.

 

Typically, Technicians work as a member of an operations team to resolve problems – prevent re-occurence, engaging other in issues affecting them and to support the improvement of performance.

Duties
  • Leads structured improvement projects using Six Sigma and Lean principles (ISO13053) to deliver measurable business benefits and process efficiencies.
  • Identifies and scopes opportunities by developing business cases, problem statements, and measurable objectives supported by validated data.
  • Analyses process performance using tools such as SIPOC and value-stream mapping to identify waste, bottlenecks, and key insights for improvement.
  • Executes data collection and acquisition by developing sampling plans and measurement processes to ensure data integrity for statistical analysis.
  • Applies statistical methods and measures to identify patterns, trends, and variations (common and special cause) in process performance over time.
  • Conducts root cause analysis using histograms, 5-Whys, and cause-and-effect diagrams to verify and address the fundamental drivers of process issues.
  • Implements Lean techniques such as 5S, error-proofing, and visual controls to standardise work and eliminate the “eight wastes” within the environment.
  • Manages project lifecycles through Gantt charts, RAG reporting, and risk mitigation strategies to ensure activities remain on track and within scope.
  • Facilitates change and engagement by coaching peers, influencing stakeholders, and using effective communication to reinforce new ways of working.
  • Translates the “Voice of the Customer” into technical metrics, ensuring improvement activities align with customer requirements and compliance standards.
  • Ensures sustainability and control by creating reaction plans and detection measures to embed changes and leverage long-term business benefits.
  • Upholds professional and safe working standards, demonstrating a drive for results while aligning personal conduct with organisational values and safety regulations.
Portfolio of Evidence – Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours (Workplace)

You will collate a portfolio of jobs you have done in the workplace. These jobs will show the knowledge, skills and behaviours you have developed throughout the Apprenticeship. This portfolio will be specific to your apprentice’s role

End-Point Assessment

This is the final assessment you do to ensure you are competent to be certificated in your role. 

This will be carried out by an independent End-Point Assessment Organisation. 

The End-Point Assessment includes a knowledge test, and a competency-based interview and professional discussion supported by your portfolio of evidence.

Once you pass your End-Point Assessment you will be awarded with your Apprenticeship certificate.

Where might this Apprenticeship take me?

Completing a Level 3 Improvement Technician apprenticeship equips learners with the tools to identify and eliminate waste, improve processes, and drive efficiency and opens various doors for both career progression and further academic study.

Career progression opportunities exist in operational management, continuous improvement specialist roles and as a quality assurance lead.

Academically you can progress to Level 4 Associate Project Manager or Level 5 Improvement Specialist Apprenticeships.

Ready to start your path to developing your Leadership?
Entry Requirements

Candidates must have ideally achieved grades 4/C or above in 4 GCSEs. ideally in English & Maths.

If the learner has not achieved a GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent in English and/or Maths, you will be supported to complete Functional Skills as part of your apprenticeship.

The learner must be employed in a relevant role for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

Our Team

Learn more about the team that will be training and supporting you

Our Training Centre

Learn more about the team that will be training and supporting you

Apprenticeship Funding
Learner Support
Getting Started with an Apprenticeship
How much does it cost?

The cost of the apprenticeship is funded by the Government and your employer. There are no training costs paid directly by the apprentice. 

As you are earning a wage, your employer may expect you to pay for your travel to Derwent Training for your training day. This may be via car, bus or train but every employer is different. It is your responsibility to get to and from the training centre for your off-the-job training. 

Apprenticeship Wage

What you earn as an apprentice will depend on your age, the apprenticeship standard and the location of the employer.

If you are 16-18, or 19 or over and in the first year of your apprenticeship then you are be entitled to the National Apprenticeship Minimum Wage. Many employers do pay more than this but as you are their employee it is their decision. You must be paid for:

  • your normal working hours
  • training that is part of your apprenticeship (at least 20% of your normal working hours)
  • study towards English and Maths qualifications, if they are part of your apprenticeship. 

You are entitled to at least 20 days of paid annual leave plus bank holidays. You can find information on the National Minimum Wage here.