Level 3 Improvement Technician Apprenticeship
Improve your team with an Apprenticeship at Derwent Training
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:
Employer/Government Levy Funded
  • 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)

A portfolio of jobs to evidence knowledge, skills and behaviours and will be collated with jobs they are doing in the workplace. This portfolio will be specific to the apprentices role.

End-Point Assessment

The End-Point Assessment or EPA for short, is the final assessment for every apprentice to ensure they are competent to undertake the role they have been training in throughout the apprenticeship. This will be carried out independently by the End-Point Assessment Organisation. The format for each EPA can differ, depending on the apprenticeship pathway being taken. However, assessment methods typically involve tasks such as: a presentation with questions and answers, a professional discussion, an interview or variety of multiple choice questions. All of these are underpinned by the portfolio of evidence you will collate during the course of the apprenticeship.

Where might this Apprenticeship take me?

On completion, apprentices may choose to register as Associate Members with the Chartered Management Institute and/or the Institute of Leadership and Management, to support their professional career development and progression. Alternatively, they may choose to further their educational studies with the Level 5 Improvement Specialist Apprenticeship. 

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

Candidates must have ideally achieved Grades 4/C or above at GCSE including 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. This is delivered by Derwent Training. 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 partly funded by both the Government and the employer. Ask Derwent Training how the funding rules will apply to your business – there are no training costs to be paid by the apprentice. 

You will be expected to pay for your travel method to attend Derwent Training for any face-to-face delivery. 

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 may 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.