Engineering Apprenticeships
An engineer designs and constructs countless things all around us. From aircraft to cars, televisions to bridges, the list is endless. Depending on what job you decide to do, or which company you work for, an apprenticeship will involve you working and learning on the job while at the same at time attending our training centre on a regular basis.
Engineering can be a very lucrative career and along with the training that comes with it, if you are prepared to work hard, you will be set for a good, dependable career. Entry to an apprenticeship qualification varies depending on the company you will be working for. These are not set in stone and occasionally you won’t need any. However the majority of companies will require a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C or above. Ideally these will include English, Maths and Science.
The qualification obtained as an apprentice will vary according to the type of apprenticeship you have chosen. The majority of apprenticeships will usually lead to a level 3 NVQ and can lead on to level 4 depending on the type of engineering you are doing. While you are an apprentice you will get paid for the hours that you work, this may not be as much as a regular full time job but once you have completed your training you can expect to earn a significant amount more.
Apprenticeships give you the chance to show your ability to employers and for them to get to know you while you are training, this has the advantage that they may offer you a permanent, full time position once you have completed your qualification.
You will become skilled at your job while under supervision and have the opportunity to develop practical skills by working with experienced engineers who can show you how they do their job. While working you will be studying towards a qualification that employers recognise and reassures them of your ability to do the job.
In addition to learning the skills relevant to your job, an apprenticeship will also allow you to build up new skills that can demonstrate further potential.
Engineering is a thriving sector of UK industry; it offers a large range of employment and this is one area where there is no shortage of jobs. If engineering is of interest to you and you want to work but don’t have the necessary qualifications, then taking an engineering apprenticeship is the ideal route for you to follow.
Standard Title | Engineering Operative Level 2 Standard § Option 1: Engineering Operatives working within a maintenance role § Option 2: Engineering Operatives working within a mechanical manufacturing engineering role § Option 3: Engineering Operatives working within an electrical and electronic engineering role § Option 4: Engineering Operatives working within a fabrication role § Option 6: Engineering Operatives working within a technical support role |
Brief Description | Engineering Operatives are predominantly involved in engineering operations which are key to the success of the Manufacturing and Engineering sector allowing employers to grow their business while developing a work force with the relevant skills and knowledge to enhance the sustain the sector. Engineering Operatives will have clear reporting lines with anything outside their role and responsibility. They will work individually or as part of a team to carry out a range of engineering operations which could include ensuring machines and equipment used are maintained and serviceable, dealing with breakdowns, restoring components and systems to serviceable condition by repair and replacement; operating a variety of machines (CNC or Conventional); assembling and repairing machine and press tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and other tools; fabrication/installation of a wide variety of other sheet fabrications and equipment and; fabrication and assembly of metal parts joining techniques; preparing materials and equipment for engineering processes, providing technical support including communications software, test tools, performance, capacity planning, and e-commerce technology as required. Engineering Operatives must comply with statutory regulations and organisation safety requirements including any environmental compliance procedures and systems; Identify hazards and hazardous situations; Prepare the work area and equipment; Obtain and follow the appropriate job documentation and work instructions; Extract the necessary data and information from specifications and related documentation; Carryout the engineering activities in line with their job role; Carry quality checks as required; working with minimum supervision either individually or as part of a team and will be responsible for their own actions and for the quality and accuracy and timely delivery of the work they undertake. |
What will you learn | Level 2 Diploma in engineering operations (skills) Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in engineering operations (knowledge) How to obtain the necessary job instructions, engineering drawings and specifications and how to interpret them. Relevant statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures/systems, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to engineering operations. Their individual roles and responsibilities within the organisation and the flexibility required to support the achievement of company targets. Engineering operational practices, processes and procedures. Potential problems that can occur within the engineering operations and how they can be avoided. In addition to lots more relevant to your chosen option. |
The training will include | Face to face workshops together with online learning 1:1 support from a Tutor who will visit your workplace Progress reviews to be completed with your Tutor and line manager Development of a work-based portfolio to evidence learning End-point assessment (EPA) Functional Skills English and/or maths Level 1 and/or Level 2, if required |
Entry Requirements | There are no formal entry requirements. In order to complete the apprenticeship, you will need English and maths at Level 1 (equivalent to GCSE grade 2-3) and attempt English and/or maths Level 2, but if you don’t have these qualifications don’t let this stop you from undertaking the apprenticeship as we can help you gain the Level 1 requirement and support you in working towards Level 2 during your studies. |
Duration | 21 months plus 3 months EPA |
Professional Membership | Not relevant for this Standard |
Standard Title | Engineering Technician Level 3 § Option 9: Machinist – Advanced Manufacturing Engineering § Option 13: Technical Support Technician |
Brief Description | Engineering Technicians in the Aerospace, Aviation, Automotive, Maritime Defence and wider Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Sector are predominantly involved in highly skilled, complex work and must, as a minimum be able to: - Apply safe systems of working
- Make a technical contribution to either the design, development, quality assurance, manufacture, installation, commissioning, decommissioning, operation or maintenance of products, equipment, systems, processes or services
- Apply proven techniques and procedures to solve engineering/manufacturing problems
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in communicating both technical and non-technical information
- Have a commitment to continued professional development
Engineering Technicians take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work they undertake within the limits of their personal authority. They also need to be able to demonstrate a core set of behaviours in order to be competent in their job role, complement wider business strategy and development. This will enable them to support their long-term career development. Engineered and manufactured products and systems that Engineering Technicians work on could involve mechanical, electrical, electronic, electromechanical and fluid power components/systems. |
What will you learn | Level 2 Foundation Competence qualification Level 3 Development Competence qualification Level 3 Development Technical Knowledge qualification Understanding the importance of complying with statutory, quality, organisational and health and safety regulations. Understanding of general engineering/manufacturing mathematical and scientific principles, methods, techniques, graphical expressions, symbols formulae and calculations used by engineering technicians. Understanding the structure, properties and characteristics of common materials used in the sector. Understanding the typical problems that may arise within their normal work activities/environment. Understanding approved diagnostic methods and techniques used to help solve engineering/manufacturing problems. Understanding the importance of only using current approved processes, procedures, documentation and the potential implications for the organisation if this is not adhered to. Understanding and interpreting relevant engineering/manufacturing data and documentation in order to complete their job role. Understanding the different roles and functions in the organisation and how they interact. Understanding why it is important for an organisation to continually review their processes and procedures. In addition to lots more relevant to your chosen option. |
Standard Title | Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician (MOET) Level 3 Route: Mechanical Technician role |
Brief Description | Engineering Technicians take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work they undertake within the limits of their personal authority. They also need to be able to demonstrate a core set of behaviours in order to be competent in their job role, complement wider business strategy and development. This will enable them to support their long-term career development. Engineered and manufactured products and systems that Engineering Technicians work on could involve mechanical, electrical, electronic, electromechanical and fluid power components/systems. |
What will you learn | Level 2 Foundation Competence qualification Level 3 Development Competence qualification Level 3 Development Technical Knowledge qualification Understanding the importance of complying with statutory, quality, organisational and health and safety regulations. Understanding of general engineering/manufacturing mathematical and scientific principles, methods, techniques, graphical expressions, symbols formulae and calculations used by engineering technicians. Understanding the structure, properties and characteristics of common materials used in the sector. Understanding the typical problems that may arise within their normal work activities/environment. Understanding approved diagnostic methods and techniques used to help solve engineering/manufacturing problems. Understanding the importance of only using current approved processes, procedures, documentation and the potential implications for the organisation if this is not adhered to. Understanding and interpreting relevant engineering/manufacturing data and documentation in order to complete their job role. In addition to lots more relevant to your chosen option. |
The training will include | Face to face workshops together with online learning 1:1 support from a Tutor who will visit your workplace Progress reviews to be completed with your Tutor and line manager Development of a work-based portfolio to evidence learning End-point assessment (EPA) Functional Skills English and/or maths Level 2, if required |
Entry Requirements | Individual employers will set the recruitment and selection criteria for their Apprenticeships. In order to optimise success, candidates will typically have 4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or equivalent, including Mathematics, English and a Science. In order to complete the apprenticeship, you will need English and maths at Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grade 9-4), but if you don’t have these qualifications don’t let this stop you from undertaking the apprenticeship as we can help you gain the Level 2 requirement during your studies |
Duration | 42 months plus 3 months EPA |
Professional Membership | Completion of the Apprenticeship is designed to be recognised by relevant Professional Engineering Institutions at the appropriate level of professional registration (EngTech). |
Standard Title | Science Industry Maintenance Technician Level 3 |
Brief Description | A science industry maintenance technician contributes to the fault free and safe operation of science industry plant by the installation, maintenance, testing and repair of mechanical, electrical equipment and instrumentation. They will be proactive in finding solutions to problems and identifying areas for improving their work environment. As well as core engineering skills, maintenance technicians need to understand and follow working practices that are specific to the safety critical science industry. They may work in varied conditions including using specialist safety equipment, shift work and on sites running 365 day operations. They will be expected to work both individually and as part of a maintenance team. They will be able to work with minimum supervision, taking responsibility for the quality and accuracy of the work they undertake. They may be part of in house maintenance teams or engineering maintenance contractor teams who work for different companies across the science industry. |
What will you learn | Understand and follow quality procedures to meet the requirements of quality standards relevant to the workplace. Understand the internal and external regulatory environment pertinent to the sector and the sponsoring company and comply with regulations proficiently whilst keeping up to date with any changes. Understand and apply problem solving techniques. Understand the business environment in which the company operates including personal role within the organisation, ethical practice and codes of conduct. Understand and apply the practices and procedures for planning to maintain systems and equipment, relevant to a single specialist discipline or a number of disciplines (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation) as required by the job role whilst following applicable codes and standards. |
The training will include | Face to face workshops together with online learning 1:1 support from a Tutor who will visit your workplace Progress reviews to be completed with your Tutor and line manager Development of a work-based portfolio to evidence learning End-point assessment (EPA) Functional Skills English and/or maths Level 2, if required |
Entry Requirements | Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprentices. Most candidates will have achieved grade C or above in English and Maths and a STEM-related subject at Level 2 prior to commencement of apprenticeship. In order to complete the apprenticeship, you will need English and maths at Level 2 (equivalent to GCSE grade 9-4), but if you don’t have these qualifications don’t let this stop you from undertaking the apprenticeship as we can help you gain the Level 2 requirement during your studies |
Duration | 36 months plus 3 months EPA |
Professional Membership | This standard aligns to the core engineering skills required for similar occupations in other industries. This Standard has been designed to deliver sufficient Underpinning Knowledge and Understanding (UKU) and allow apprentices sufficient experiential, work based learning opportunities to satisfy the requirements for Professional Registration as Engineering Technician (EngTech) as defined by the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). |
Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship
This apprenticeship is designed to cover the skills and knowledge of a wide variety of mechanical manufacturing engineering activities such as CNC machine operating, composite manufacture and optical engineering.
This apprenticeship would be suitable for anyone who is looking to work as an Engineering Craft/CNC Machinist, Manufacturing Production Planner, Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Plastics Process Operative or Production Engineer
During your apprenticeship, you will specialize in one of the following:
• Machining
• CNC Machining
• Machine Tool Testing
• Fitting & Assembly
• Pipe Fitting & Assembly
• Spring Making
Assessment will be carried out in the workplace (unless otherwise specified) via observation and the collation of evidence in a portfolio.
Engineering Maintenance
Maintenance Engineers are likely to be responsible for the maintenance and repair of engineered systems, both inside and outside buildings and structures such as houses, hospitals, schools, factories and shops etc.
A maintenance engineer's job will vary and be dependent upon the type and range of work that their employer does. However, all have a broad range of similar technical knowledge and practical skills to enable them to carry out their work safely and correctly.
During your apprenticeship, the following will be covered:
• Mechanical
• Electrical
• Fluid Power
• Services Maintenance
Engineering Tool Making Apprenticeship
The Tool Making Apprenticeship offers a complete introduction for the professional tool maker. Beginning with a systematic review of pre-technical skills in safety, drawings, and measurements, the curriculum takes apprentices, step by step, through the fundamentals of tool grinding, metallurgy, and the manufacturing process
During your apprenticeship, you will cover one of the following:
• Tool Maker
• Tool Room NC/CNC Machining
• Mould, Tool and Die Equipment Maintenance
• Jig and Fixture Manufacture
• Tool Room and Manual Machining
Assessment will be carried out in the workplace (unless otherwise specified) via observation and the collation of evidence in a portfolio.
Engineering Technical Support
The apprenticeship in Engineering Technical Support is designed to cover the skills and knowledge of a wide variety of engineering technical support activities such as engineering drawing, inspection and testing and technical services.
This apprenticeship would be suitable for anyone who is looking to work CAD Draughts Person, Measurement and Control Technician, Quality Control Inspector or Technical Support Person
During your apprenticeship, the following will be covered:
• Engineering Drawings
• Quality Control
• Technical Services
Assessment will be carried out in the workplace (unless otherwise specified)via observation and the collation of evidence in a portfolio.Engineering Leadership
The Engineering Leadership apprenticeship is aimed at candidates whose job role involves working as a Manager or Supervisor in a key Technical role within engineering companies. The course will further develop the skills and knowledge associated with key management activities and ensure these are performed to national standards.
Assessment is a combination of mandatory and optional units relating to the leaner’s job role.
The learner is required to complete two mandatory units:
• Maintain a healthy, safe and productive work environment
• Maintain activities to meet requirements
The learner is also required to complete a further six additional units, which can be chosen from a variety of different pathways.
Assessment will be carried out in the workplace (unless otherwise specified) via observation and the collation of evidence in a portfolio.
For more information on Engineering Apprenticeships call us on 01706 631417
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