Overview

Improvement Technicians are responsible for delivery and coaching of improvement activity within an area of responsibility, often associated with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. They can be 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 operational team to resolve problems - preventing re-occurrence, engaging others in issues affecting them and to support the improvement of performance. Typical activities include:

• Engaging team members in the identification of improvement opportunities and relevant countermeasures and controls
• Initiating and facilitating improvement activities through to confirmed resolution
• Providing local expertise in business improvement methods and basic tools to team

There are a variety of job titles associated with the occupation, these include, but are not limited to: Business Improvement Co-ordinator, Continuous Improvement Executive, Process Technician, Operational Excellence/Lean Engineer, Lean Six Sigma Yellow belt and Quality Control Analyst, Environmental Compliance Technician, Environmental Construction Oversight, Environmental Health and Safety Inspector, and Transportation Planner.

Green job titles:

• Transportation sustainability improvement planner
• Environmental improvement compliance technician
• Environmental improvement health and safety inspector

Foundation Apprenticeship Assessment

Each assessment organisation is responsible for designing its own assessments in line with the apprenticeship standard. The Academy for Project Management has developed an assessment model that allows apprentices to demonstrate competence against the required assessment outcomes. Comprehensive guidance and resources are provided to support both apprentices and training providers.

The assessment for the Improvement Technician includes:

• At least one project

And the choice of a:

• Observation
• Simulated task
• Interview
• Professional discussion
• Question and answer
• Presentation
• Additional Project
• Written assessment
• Portfolio

The standard also includes Employability Skills and Behaviours (EBs), which must be demonstrated consistently by the apprentice throughout the programme. Employers are required to formally confirm this before completion.

Assessment Timing

Components of the assessment may be scheduled at appropriate points during the apprenticeship. The Academy for Project Management works closely with training providers to ensure assessments are timed effectively, allowing apprentices to demonstrate their skills and knowledge at key stages in their development.

Additional information on the apprenticeship standard and the assessment process can be viewed here.

Becoming a Centre

Training providers interested in delivering elements of the assessment internally can explore the Centre model with us. Guidance is available on how the model operates and the steps required to become an approved Centre. For more information, please contact administration@academy4pm.com