Lean Manufacturing operative EPA

What is a Lean Manufacturing Operative?

A Lean Manufacturing Operative can be a person in many roles withing the manufacturing sector such as a Production Operative, an Assembly Operative, or a Logistics Operative. They work efficiently using Lean tools and techniques to streamline processes.

Lean Manufacturing Operatives carry out their work safely, meeting the quality standards demanded in a fast paced and efficient processing environment. They may work with multiple products or different specifications consecutively e.g. automotive manufacturing.

Within their role, they prepare, control, contribute and complete manufacturing operations, and follow manufacturing processes and standard operating procedures (SOPs) whilst always adhering to specific safe working policies & procedures.

What skills are acquired during the Apprenticeship?

Health & Safety: How to always work safely; complying with health and safety legislation, regulations and other relevant guidelines. How to identify risks within their processes and support/carry out countermeasure activities to improve safe working. How to effectively manage tooling, equipment and materials daily in-line with supplier standards e.g. COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health).

Environmental: Compliance with environmental procedures and systems and how to contribute to the achievement of specific standards e.g. ISO 14001 or other relevant environmental standards and use the 4R’s (Reduce, Re-use, Recycle, Recover).

Production: How to demonstrate ability to carry out their role effectively, efficiently and flexibly maintaining lean manufacturing principles to meet customer’s demands e.g. JIT.

Lean Manufacturing Operations: How to demonstrate their skill and knowledge following SOPs and building versatility across several processes and process areas. How to select and use appropriate tools, equipment and materials to carry out the manufacturing operation.

Quality Control: How to demonstrate the appropriate process documentation control. How to accurately complete check sheets, monitoring process and equipment data efficiently and legibly using the correct terminology required to meet the quality standard e.g. ISO 9002

Problem Solving: How to demonstrate ability to identify and resolve problems within the lean manufacturing environment using effective problem-solving tools and techniques. How to manage problems that may occur during the manufacturing process within the limits of responsibility and escalate as appropriate.

Continuous Improvement: Generating ideas and contributing to process improvement activities individually or as part of a team through fact finding and analysis to improve the safety, environment, quality, cost or production process. How to identifying and eliminate the 7 wastes (defects, over production, transportation, waiting, inventory, motion and processing).

Communication: How to demonstrate communication skills including oral, written, electronic (PC), information boards or visual displays to effectively share information.

Work Place Organisation: How to maintain and monitor the work site efficiently and effectively at all times using the elements of sifting, sorting, sweeping, spick & span (5’s) within the lean manufacturing environment.

How long is the Apprenticeship?

This level 2 apprenticeship standard is designed as a minimum 12-18 month programme, excluding End Point Assessment (EPA).

What are the requirements?

There are no set entry requirements for this apprenticeship, however, individual employers may set their own selection criteria for this kind of role.

This apprenticeship includes Level 2 Functional Skills English and Maths for those who have not yet been certified in these subjects.

End Point Assessment

Qualitrain Good2Go are a registered End Point Assessment Organisation for the Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship. Find out more here.