This information has been taken directly from: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/improvement-practitioner/ (as of June 2020).


What is it?

Undertaking L4 is training to be an Improvement Practitioner. The role of an improvement practitioner is to

Identify and lead the delivery of change across organisational functions and processes.


Occupation profile:

Improvement Practitioners use a blend of Lean and Six Sigma, project and change management principles and tools to identify and lead the delivery of change across organisational functions and processes. Improvement Practitioners can be found across all sectors and functions including automotive, banking, engineering, food products, IT, property, retail, telecoms etc.


Typically, Practitioners lead smaller projects and/or play a key supporting role in a larger programme – tackling issues that may require swift problem solving, or re-occurring challenges that require in-depth analysis and the implementation of a range of effective and sustainable countermeasures. They are the focal point for all stakeholders and responsible for communication throughout a project. Typical activities include:


  • Identifying potential opportunities, diagnosing issues, proposing solutions and implementing changes and controls
  • Coaching teams and sharing best practice
  • When leading projects they may manage small teams ensuring motivation and momentum, and be responsible for the successful


There are a variety of job titles associated with the occupation, these include, but are not limited to: Business Improvement Practitioner, Continuous Improvement Manager, Process Excellence Manager, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and Quality Control Senior Analyst.


The Background Information

Status: Approved for delivery

Level: 4

Reference: ST0192

Approved for delivery: 27 February 2018

Route: Business and administration

Typical duration to gateway : 14 months (this does not include EPA period)

Maximum funding: £6000

Trailblazer contact(s): felicity.fashade@baesystems.com


Employers involved in creating the standard: 

BT Group Plc, Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd, Capella Associates, Chartered Quality Institute, International Automotive Components Group Ltd, Jaguar Land Rover Ltd, SAIC Motor UK Technical Centre Ltd, Capella Associates Ltd, Wincanton Plc, GLAS Business Solutions Ltd, develop-u, National Skills Academy for Food & Drink, Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd, 2 Sisters Food Group, Ricoh Europe Plc, TUI Group Plc, Gleeds Management Services Ltd, Royal Mail Group Ltd, GlaxoSmithKline Plc, nuvia Limited, Bee Lighting Ltd, Clevedon Fasteners Ltd, Stadco Ltd, Kraft Heinz Company, British Standards Institution, Morson International Ltd, Testlink Services Ltd, Rolls-Royce Controls and Data Services Ltd, Leonardo – Helicopter division


EQA Provider: Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education