We’re pleased to share our open cohort schedule for the 2026/27 academic year.

This latest schedule reflects both recent changes within the apprenticeship landscape and the evolving capability needs we continue to see across the organisations we work with. 

The aim is to continue to provide a clear, practical set of development routes that support performance, improvement and long-term capability building.

Download Our Open Programme Schedule 2026/27

Following the recent government announcement regarding the withdrawal of a number of apprenticeship standards, including the popular Team Leader Level 3 and Improvement Practitioner Level 4, we appreciate that this may be a challenging time as many organisations consider how best to continue developing their people.

Our new schedule for 2026/27 has been designed with this in mind.

Alongside our established open cohort programmes, including Food Industry Technologist Level 3 and Improvement Specialist Level 5, we have introduced the following to our 2026/27 schedule:

• Improvement Technician Level 3
• Process Leader Level 4
• Business Analyst Level 4

These programmes are aligned to a broader continuous improvement and leadership capability pathway and have been introduced in response to recent changes in apprenticeship standards, ensuring you can continue to build capability through clear, relevant and future-focused development routes.

Our Open Cohort Apprenticeship Programmes

Improvement Technician Level 3 (Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt)

Improvement Technician Level 3 plays an important role within the wider continuous improvement (CI) capability pathway, providing a practical entry point for individuals beginning to develop structured problem-solving and improvement skills.

The programme focuses on building core CI capability, supporting individuals to contribute to improvement activity, apply basic tools and techniques and develop confidence in identifying and addressing everyday performance challenges.

In response to the withdrawal of the Improvement Practitioner Level 4 standard, this programme forms part of a revised progression route. For organisations looking to build capability at Lean Six Sigma Green Belt level, we offer a commercial top-up option, developing individuals to a Green Belt standard.

Process Leader Level 4

Process Leader Level 4 brings together key elements of Team Leader Level 3 and Operations Manager Level 5 apprenticeships, combining leadership, structured problem solving (DMAIC) and change management into a single programme.

It provides a practical alternative to the recently defunded leadership apprenticeships as well as Improvement Practitioner Level 4 for those in manufacturing environments, particularly for individuals moving from hands-on improvement roles into broader operational leadership or cross-functional responsibilities within manufacturing settings.

As there is a CI element to this programme we are able to offer optional Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt accreditation, and for organisations looking to build capability at Lean Six Sigma Green Belt level, we offer a commercial top-up option, developing individuals to a Green Belt standard.

This apprenticeship also works well with the Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2 which we can offer as a closed programme for delivery on-site. Individuals on the Process Leader Level 4 programme tend to be responsible for, or work closely with, clusters of people that would benefit from the Lean Manufacturing Operative apprenticeship.

Business Analyst Level 4 

Business Analyst Level 4 offers a complementary pathway for individuals whose role sits closer to data, systems and decision-making.

While still aligned to continuous improvement principles, the focus is on understanding problems in greater depth before solutions are applied, digital transformation, strengthening analysis and decision making, and effective stakeholder engagement.

For organisations, it provides an alternative route where improvement capability is needed, but the role is less focused on delivery and more on insight, interpretation and supporting change across functions. As there is a CI element to this programme and the scoping of an improvement project, we are able to offer optional Lean Six Sigma Green Belt accreditation.

Improvement Specialist Level 5 (Lean Six Sigma Black Belt)

Improvement Specialist Level 5 is aimed at individuals leading improvement activity across teams, functions or wider organisational areas. It builds advanced capability in structured problem solving, data-driven decision making and the delivery of sustainable change. It acts as a credible pathway for those attaining Lean Six Sigma Green Belt accreditation from the programmes listed above.

The programme is closely aligned to Lean Six Sigma Black Belt-level thinking with optional accreditation upon completion, equipping individuals to manage complex projects, coach others and embed a culture of continuous improvement. Learners develop the skills to diagnose systemic issues, lead cross-functional initiatives and deliver measurable performance gains.

This apprenticeship programme forms a key part of the higher-level progression route within the continuous improvement pathway, supporting organisations to develop internal expertise capable of driving strategic improvement and long-term capability building.

Food Industry Technologist Level 3 

The Food Industry Technologist Level 3 is designed for individuals working within food manufacturing who are responsible for maintaining product quality, safety and compliance within regulated environments.

The programme develops a strong understanding of food science and technology, health and safety, manufacturing processes and regulatory requirements, supporting individuals to operate effectively within technical, developmental and quality-focused roles. It combines practical application with underpinning knowledge, enabling learners to contribute to product integrity, process control and continuous improvement activity within their area.

For an insight into this course take a look at our latest video going behind the scenes of the programme.

Our Open Cohort Programme Approach

Our open cohort programmes are designed to make development more accessible without compromising on quality or impact.

Delivered by our industry experienced development coaches with online instructor led workshops, combined with 1:1 and group coaching they allow individuals or smaller groups to join scheduled cohorts without the need for large internal groups or complex coordination.

One of the consistent benefits of this approach is the opportunity for participants to learn alongside peers from other organisations. This creates space for shared experience, practical discussion and exposure to different ways of approaching similar challenges.

Tailored Closed Cohort Delivery 

Alongside our open cohort schedule, all of these programmes and more can also be delivered as tailored solutions through our open cohorts, or as a commercial alternative – especially useful for organisations with individuals that are not based in England.

These closed cohorts are fully scoped and designed with each organisation, incorporating specific goals, operational priorities, terminology and ways of working. Delivery can be structured around different sites, shift patterns and time constraints to ensure it integrates effectively into day-to-day operations.

Our approach is consultative from the outset. We take time to understand what organisations are trying to achieve, before recommending a structure that is both practical and aligned to the outcomes required.

Your Next Steps

This schedule is intended to provide a clear starting point for organisations considering their next steps in capability development.

For some, an open programme will offer a straightforward and effective route. For others, it may support a broader conversation around how development is structured and delivered.

If you’re currently reviewing your approach, a useful next step may simply be to explore which of these options aligns most closely with your organisation’s priorities.

To understand how apprenticeships can fit into your organisational strategy email us at enquiries@cqmltd.co.uk or join one of our scheduled events throughout the year. Check out what events we have coming up here, with more to be added in the next few weeks.

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