Bespoke training for manufacturing managers
Manufacturers need leaders who can do more than manage production. They need leaders who can drive automation, improve productivity, lead people through change and embed continuous improvement.
Our Automation Leadership programme is delivered through the nationally recognised Level 4 Process Leader Apprenticeship, combining practical workplace learning with expert coaching to develop confident leaders who can deliver measurable business impact.
Our leadership programmes have helped organisations improve performance across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare and education. Clients range from the NHS and the University of Oxford to Kwik Fit, Owen Mumford and Bentley Motors.
100% success rate
Plus 82% of learners gained a distinction in their End Point Assessment
Access Government funding
Courses can be funded by the Growth & Skills Levy*, offering an affordable way to develop your team
Flexible delivery
Workshops, online learning or face-to-face coaching sessions take place at a time that suits your business
Our Automation Leader apprenticeship (Level 4 process Leader)
Our training programme addresses the key challenges faced by today’s Automation leaders. Through a blend of online learning and professional coaching learners will develop skills and knowledge to effectively manage teams, production process and workflow.
Key topics include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Automation
- Data and Cyber Security
- Digital transformation
- Sustainability
Designed for team members who bridge the gap between senior leadership and shop floor teams, this 13 month apprenticeship equips learners with the tools, confidence, and decision-making skills to scale and optimise Automation operations management.
Programme Details
Programme overview
Learner profile
This programme is primarily aimed at secondary-level managers who typically oversee 30–60 people. It is also suitable for managers in first-line leadership positions who may have had no previous formal training.
Learner job roles may include:
- Factory Operations Manager
- Warehouse Manager
- Production Manager
- Quality Control and Assurance Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
- Process Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Production Engineer
- Capacity Planner
Course content
The course includes cross-sector theoretical and practical training. Topics studied include:
Year 1
- Theories of performance management and the management cycle
- Effective communication and cascade of information in the workplace
- Responsibilities under UK employment law
- Understanding the role management plays in overall performance
- The Principles of Project Management
- Understanding costs and& budgets in an organisation
- Manufacturing processes procedures and regulations
Year 2
- Manufacturing planning and scheduling
- Material handling systems
- Workplace study and ergonomics
- Managing a professional manufacturing/production project
- Statistical process control
- Industry 5.0.
Assignments are tailored to incorporate your organisation’s culture and values, mirror real-world corporate demands and deliver skills applicable in the manufacturing workplace. We use a comprehensive and diverse assessment approach, evaluating cognitive, behavioural, and applied skills to ensure well-rounded professional development.
Duration and cost
Course length
The Level 4 Manufacturing Leader programme is typically 13 months, but training can be tailored to your requirements, to cope with peak periods or seasonal demand.
Price
*This programme can be funded via government funding through the Growth & Skills Levy (formerly Apprenticeship Levy) subject to your eligibility or purchased commercially. We can help larger employers maximise their Levy investments and enable smaller businesses to access 95% government funding.
Watch our webinar to hear industry experts share how to leverage government-funded training for digital transformation.
You can also download our Growth & Skills Levy guide or give us a call to learn more about our competitive pricing.
Qualifications and further training
100% success rate
On successful completion of the programme, participants will earn a Process Leader Level 4 Apprenticeship qualification. They may then wish to enrol on our AI & Automations Practitioner
Programme dates
Start dates can be tailored to align with your business calendar, ensuring minimal disruption to operations while maximising participant engagement.
Next Steps
Our friendly team would love to share more information about our Automation Leadership programme or how we can create a bespoke professional training package for your business, factory or operations team.
Book a call
Use our live booking calendar to arrange a chat at a time that suits you
Register your interest
Fill in our form to request more information about employing a new apprentice
Download our guide
Download our programme guide for more details about our Automation leadership training
Our clients
Learn more about the Automation Leadership programme
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Industry areas we work in
If you think an apprenticeship is right for you, you can train with Activate Apprenticeships for a career in the following industries:
Our apprentices
BUBBLE: Did you know that more than 1/3 of our apprentices are aged 19+?
So, what can I expect from my apprenticeship?
You must be at least 16 when you start an apprenticeship and there are three types depending on your requirements and previous qualifications. These include day release, work-based and block-release.
No matter the type of apprenticeship, your performance coach will visit your workplace every eight weeks to support you and check on your progress. You will also have an inhouse mentor at your workplace throughout your apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship typically lasts 24 months. However, they can be anything from 12 months to five years depending on your chosen role and level.
How much will I earn?
The amount you’ll earn will vary depending on the nature of the role, sector and business you are working with. We will be able to talk through earning potential when you meet with us.
The minimum hourly wage for an apprentice is £3.90, although we find that most apprentices are paid more than this. If you are over 19 and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you will be paid the national minimum wage.
Once you complete your apprenticeship, you will see an increase in salary and let’s be honest, you will boost your career and reap financial benefits of not having paid our tuition fees and other costs that university brings.
The apprenticeship programme
By becoming an apprentice with Activate Apprenticeships, you will have access to the full breadth of student advice and support we have to offer. This includes support from Advice and Admissions, Learning Support and Student Support teams. We also have dedicated, impartial careers advisors, 1:1 support, a college nurse and free counselling services onsite.
You can access all facilities at Activate Learning colleges, including libraries and digital resources and programmes. You will have a student card and are able to borrow books and laptops to support your apprenticeship programme, as well as being able to take advantage of student discounts and apply for an Apprentice extra Totum card.
Unfortunately, as apprenticeships are paid positions, you may not be entitled to certain funding and travel bursaries.
The qualification
When you study an apprenticeship, you will be trained to an industry-standard and will leave with a recognised qualification or industry-recognised accreditation, and ready to enter your chosen profession once you have completed your apprenticeship.
Progression routes
What happens when I complete my apprenticeship?
Most people stay on with the employer they train with, but there’s plenty of options and no requirement for you to do so if you want to move onto something else.
There are clear and supported routes no matter what you choose to do. You may decide to study a higher-level apprenticeship, return to academic studies or continue working full-time. It’s totally up to you and we are here to support you all the way!
Employability is part of our ethos and we will ensure you are supported in your progression.
How to apply
Ready to start an apprenticeship?
Your heart needs to be in it when it comes to starting an apprenticeship.
We advise that you have an idea of what industry you want to work in and do lots of research on sectors and roles before enrolling on to an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships are demanding but very rewarding. If you’re unsure of what you want to do, we suggest gaining some work experience prior to your application to give you a taste of working life.
You will require a grade 4 in GCSE English and maths or an equivalent functional skills qualification. However, if you do not have these grades, don’t worry, as you can study for this qualification alongside your programme.
Register your interest in an apprenticeship
Search Our Apprenticeships Vacancies
Learn more about our management programmes
Download our guide to the management and leadership programme
Industry areas we work in
If you think an apprenticeship is right for you, you can train with Activate Apprenticeships for a career in the following industries:
Our apprentices
BUBBLE: Did you know that more than 1/3 of our apprentices are aged 19+?
So, what can I expect from my apprenticeship?
You must be at least 16 when you start an apprenticeship and there are three types depending on your requirements and previous qualifications. These include day release, work-based and block-release.
No matter the type of apprenticeship, your performance coach will visit your workplace every eight weeks to support you and check on your progress. You will also have an inhouse mentor at your workplace throughout your apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship typically lasts 24 months. However, they can be anything from 12 months to five years depending on your chosen role and level.
How much will I earn?
The amount you’ll earn will vary depending on the nature of the role, sector and business you are working with. We will be able to talk through earning potential when you meet with us.
The minimum hourly wage for an apprentice is £3.90, although we find that most apprentices are paid more than this. If you are over 19 and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you will be paid the national minimum wage.
Once you complete your apprenticeship, you will see an increase in salary and let’s be honest, you will boost your career and reap financial benefits of not having paid our tuition fees and other costs that university brings.
The apprenticeship programme
By becoming an apprentice with Activate Apprenticeships, you will have access to the full breadth of student advice and support we have to offer. This includes support from Advice and Admissions, Learning Support and Student Support teams. We also have dedicated, impartial careers advisors, 1:1 support, a college nurse and free counselling services onsite.
You can access all facilities at Activate Learning colleges, including libraries and digital resources and programmes. You will have a student card and are able to borrow books and laptops to support your apprenticeship programme, as well as being able to take advantage of student discounts and apply for an Apprentice extra Totum card.
Unfortunately, as apprenticeships are paid positions, you may not be entitled to certain funding and travel bursaries.
The qualification
When you study an apprenticeship, you will be trained to an industry-standard and will leave with a recognised qualification or industry-recognised accreditation, and ready to enter your chosen profession once you have completed your apprenticeship.
Progression routes
What happens when I complete my apprenticeship?
Most people stay on with the employer they train with, but there’s plenty of options and no requirement for you to do so if you want to move onto something else.
There are clear and supported routes no matter what you choose to do. You may decide to study a higher-level apprenticeship, return to academic studies or continue working full-time. It’s totally up to you and we are here to support you all the way!
Employability is part of our ethos and we will ensure you are supported in your progression.
How to apply
Ready to start an apprenticeship?
Your heart needs to be in it when it comes to starting an apprenticeship.
We advise that you have an idea of what industry you want to work in and do lots of research on sectors and roles before enrolling on to an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships are demanding but very rewarding. If you’re unsure of what you want to do, we suggest gaining some work experience prior to your application to give you a taste of working life.
You will require a grade 4 in GCSE English and maths or an equivalent functional skills qualification. However, if you do not have these grades, don’t worry, as you can study for this qualification alongside your programme.
Register your interest in an apprenticeship
Search Our Apprenticeships Vacancies
Industry areas we work in
If you think an apprenticeship is right for you, you can train with Activate Apprenticeships for a career in the following industries:
Our apprentices
BUBBLE: Did you know that more than 1/3 of our apprentices are aged 19+?
So, what can I expect from my apprenticeship?
You must be at least 16 when you start an apprenticeship and there are three types depending on your requirements and previous qualifications. These include day release, work-based and block-release.
No matter the type of apprenticeship, your performance coach will visit your workplace every eight weeks to support you and check on your progress. You will also have an inhouse mentor at your workplace throughout your apprenticeship.
An apprenticeship typically lasts 24 months. However, they can be anything from 12 months to five years depending on your chosen role and level.
How much will I earn?
The amount you’ll earn will vary depending on the nature of the role, sector and business you are working with. We will be able to talk through earning potential when you meet with us.
The minimum hourly wage for an apprentice is £3.90, although we find that most apprentices are paid more than this. If you are over 19 and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you will be paid the national minimum wage.
Once you complete your apprenticeship, you will see an increase in salary and let’s be honest, you will boost your career and reap financial benefits of not having paid our tuition fees and other costs that university brings.
The apprenticeship programme
By becoming an apprentice with Activate Apprenticeships, you will have access to the full breadth of student advice and support we have to offer. This includes support from Advice and Admissions, Learning Support and Student Support teams. We also have dedicated, impartial careers advisors, 1:1 support, a college nurse and free counselling services onsite.
You can access all facilities at Activate Learning colleges, including libraries and digital resources and programmes. You will have a student card and are able to borrow books and laptops to support your apprenticeship programme, as well as being able to take advantage of student discounts and apply for an Apprentice extra Totum card.
Unfortunately, as apprenticeships are paid positions, you may not be entitled to certain funding and travel bursaries.
The qualification
When you study an apprenticeship, you will be trained to an industry-standard and will leave with a recognised qualification or industry-recognised accreditation, and ready to enter your chosen profession once you have completed your apprenticeship.
Progression routes
What happens when I complete my apprenticeship?
Most people stay on with the employer they train with, but there’s plenty of options and no requirement for you to do so if you want to move onto something else.
There are clear and supported routes no matter what you choose to do. You may decide to study a higher-level apprenticeship, return to academic studies or continue working full-time. It’s totally up to you and we are here to support you all the way!
Employability is part of our ethos and we will ensure you are supported in your progression.
How to apply
Ready to start an apprenticeship?
Your heart needs to be in it when it comes to starting an apprenticeship.
We advise that you have an idea of what industry you want to work in and do lots of research on sectors and roles before enrolling on to an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships are demanding but very rewarding. If you’re unsure of what you want to do, we suggest gaining some work experience prior to your application to give you a taste of working life.
You will require a grade 4 in GCSE English and maths or an equivalent functional skills qualification. However, if you do not have these grades, don’t worry, as you can study for this qualification alongside your programme.