Who is it for?
This programme is ideal for individuals who are stepping into – or aspiring towards – leadership positions within manufacturing, engineering, or production environments.
Typical roles include:
- Process Leader
- Production Leader
- Team Leader / Section Leader
- Production Manager
It suits those with an interest in engineering, production, and continuous improvement who want to develop strong technical, analytical and people‑management capabilities.
What will I learn?
Learners gain both technical knowledge and practical leadership skills, delivered through weekly training at PETA’s engineering centre alongside workplace development. The programme blends engineering principles, process optimisation techniques, quality assurance, data‑driven decision‑making, and effective people management. Key learning areas include:
Manufacturing & Technical Knowledge
- Manufacturing processes and production techniques
- Statistical process control and data analysis for decision‑making
- Quality management, assurance systems & regulatory compliance
- Lean methodologies, waste reduction and shop‑floor problem solving
- Safe and professional working practices, health & safety, risk assessment
- Planning, scheduling and resource management
Leadership & Management Development
- Motivating and developing teams
- Managing performance, recruitment, development and employee relations
- Communicating vision, strategy and operational information effectively
- Leading change and building strong cross‑functional relationships
- Using KPIs and continuous improvement cycles to drive productivity
HNC in Manufacturing Operations – Unit Coverage
The apprenticeship includes the following Higher National Certificate units, strengthening technical capability:
- Unit 1: Manufacturing Processes
- Unit 2: Manufacturing Planning & Scheduling Principles
- Unit 3: Statistical Process Control
- Unit 4: Manufacturing Operations Mathematics
- Unit 8: Business Improvement Techniques for Engineers
- Unit 11: Lean Techniques for Manufacturing Operations
- Unit 16: Introduction to Professional Engineering Management
- Unit 25: Managing a Professional Engineering Project
- Unit 29: Quality and Process Improvement
Level 4 CMI Certificate in Leadership and Management
The apprenticeship incorporates the following CMI Certificate units, developing leadership capability:
- Management Report Writing (Unit 4005V1)
- Understanding Team Dynamics (Unit 4004V1)
- Managerial Styles and Behaviours (Unit 4001V1)
- HR for leaders
When can I start?
Please contact the team to find out about our next intake.
Course Overview
Core Duties
- Work autonomously as part of a wider production team to undertake and direct production activities, plant operations, maintenance and performance against KPIs, and provide technical or specialist input and direction to your own team and to others.
- Manage resources effectively to ensure the efficient running of the department in line with organisational procedures and budgets.
- Use KPIs as the basis of the continuous improvement cycle for quality, cost and volume, applying lean, operational excellence and production improvement techniques.
- Undertake and manage quality resolutions as well as volume‑related problem resolution.
- Manage health, safety and environmental responsibilities within your area, ensuring staff compliance with all requirements and driving improvements.
- Use project management tools to plan, organise and manage resources, monitor progress, and identify risks and mitigation actions.
- Develop, build and motivate team members while managing performance and industrial relations to achieve production, quality and cost targets.
- Provide clear direction and leadership to your own team and others, giving open and honest feedback.
- Build and maintain strong relationships across different disciplines to ensure functions such as HR, purchasing, planning and finance remain focused on core production KPIs.
- Lead the communication of corporate vision and strategy to your team, using data and information to create compelling presentations and drive management decisions.
Additional Information
During your apprenticeship you will receive:
✔ A full induction to help you settle into the programme
✔ Day‑release training at PETA’s Training Centre for theory and practical skills
✔ On‑the‑job training in your workplace
✔ Regular progress reviews to support your development
To complete the apprenticeship, you must complete the equivalent of 6 hours per week of Off‑the‑Job Training. This will be logged through your CPD (continued professional development) log.
Your off‑the‑job training includes time spent at PETA’s Training Centre completing practical workshops and theory sessions.