Build Lean Skills in the workplace – Level 2 Apprenticeship
Empower your workforce with the essential tools to identify waste, improve processes, and contribute towards measurable results whilst creating a common language.
The Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship is designed to give front-line employees a strong foundation in Lean principles, problem solving, and teamwork. Through practical, hands-on learning, your workforce will gain the skills to drive continuous improvement in the workplace: boosting productivity, enhancing quality, and reducing inefficiencies.
Whether you’re aiming to build a culture of improvement or enhance employee engagement, this UK-accredited apprenticeship gives your team the tools and confidence to make a difference.
Who This Programme Is For
This apprenticeship is ideal for:
- Front line employees or support staff with limited exposure to Lean or structured training, working in process driven roles
- Employers looking to embed a consistent, site-wide approach to improvement
- Teams that need practical skills in waste identification, KPI management, and 5S
The programme is designed to help learners at all levels contribute effectively to their teams and support wider business improvement goals.
What Learners Will Gain
Over 12–14 months, learners will:
- Identify and eliminate waste using Lean thinking and structured observation
- Work on real Team Improvement Projects that address site-specific challenges
- Set SMART targets and cascade goals across departments
- Measure and manage KPIs to track and drive progress
- Apply Health and Safety awareness as part of Lean operations
- Develop professional behaviours that support teamworking and communication
All training is contextualised to your business with content tailored to your production environment, peak periods, and shift patterns.
Programme Delivery: Learning by Doing
Training Phase (First 3–4 Months)
- Understanding how to apply Lean tools
- Team communication and workplace organisation
- Understanding KPI’s and measuring results of improvement actions
- Identifying and quantifying waste
- Health & Safety and safe working practices
- Various pathway options are available dependant on job role
Implementation Phase (Next 8–9 Months)
- Live Team Improvement Projects with measurable business outcomes
- Continued on-site coaching and specialist support
- Portfolio development and skills application
End Point Assessment (Final 2 Months)
- Project presentation and discussion
- Workplace observation by accredited assessors
Training days are delivered on site in group sessions, supported by project coaching and online resources. Fully funded and nationally accredited Functional Skills qualifications in Maths/English are also available at Level 1 and 2
What Makes This Apprenticeship Different?
- Practical Impact: Every learner works on real-world improvement projects aligned to your business goals.
- Toyota-Trained Coaches: All CLS Specialists come from operational backgrounds with first-hand industry experience.
- Embedded Learning: We spend time with teams on the shop floor, not just in the classroom.
- Flexible Delivery: Training fits around your shift patterns, production cycles, and operational needs.
- Visual Focus: Learners use team boards, visual KPIs, and improvement displays to sustain change.
Case Study Snapshot: Lean in Action
A team working on a filling line at a major food manufacturer used structured problem solving and Lean tools to reduce changeover times by 20%, saving over £150,000 in annual labour costs. Their visual boards and 5S systems were rolled out across multiple lines, setting a new site standard for operational efficiency.
Recognised Outcomes & Proven Value
- Accredited Apprenticeship: Learners receive a nationally recognised Level 2 qualification
- Measured Results: KPIs and project data are captured and reported monthly
- High Success Rate: CLS achieved a 100% pass rate, with 80% of learners earning Distinctions
- Celebrated Progress: End-of-programme events highlight learner achievements and project impact
Business Benefits
- Develop Lean confidence across your workforce
- Standardise improvement efforts across departments
- Increase capacity and reduce rework
- Build a pipeline of future team leaders
- Boost staff retention and engagement
Programme Investment & Funding
For Levy paying companies the maximum you will be invoiced is £300 -£550 / per apprentice. And this is only if your levy pot is empty for the whole duration of the Programme. CLS will support you with the full onboarding process, from communication sessions and skills assessments to programme launch and ongoing reporting. CLS will fully support access to funding.
Next Steps: How to Get Started
- Choose Your Cohort – No maximum size. The more people involved, the greater the impact.
- Enrolment & Skills Scan – We assess prior learning and functional skills on site.
- Launch the Programme – Typically within one week of enrolment.
- Let Your Team Lead Change – Watch them apply Lean tools and deliver results.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Speak to a CLS Lean Apprenticeship expert today. We’ll help you assess your current capability and design a programme that aligns with your goals.