9 minute read
Engineering and Manufacturing
Next Article
Design your future with a career in engineering. If you are an excellent problem solver with an analytical mind and have a desire to improve and innovate then there are many opportunities available to you following an apprenticeship in engineering.
Employers we work with ElringKlinger, Caterpillar UK, Wilton Engineering, Labman, Engie Fabricom, Hitatchi Rail EU, Tees Components, Jacobs, UCL Robotics, IPN, Francis Brown.
LEVEL 2 LEAN MANUFACTURING OPERATIVE
Length: 12-15 months
Occupational Overview A lean manufacturing operative will be expected to carry out their work safely and meet the exacting quality standards demanded in a fast paced and efficient processing environment and develop into a multi-skilled operator through process ownership. A lean manufacturing operative can be required to carry out manufacturing activities on multiple products with different specifications consecutively
All lean manufacturing operatives must complete one of the following job role options: • Inspection quality • Logistics • Production assembly • Production processing
Entry Requirements Apprentices without Level 1 (or equivalent) in English and maths must ensure that they achieve Level 1 and take the test for Level 2 prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Progression This apprenticeship may lead to more specialist occupations through further training, or alternatively higher level study. LEVEL 2 ENGINEERING OPERATIVE
Length: 12-15 months
Occupational Overview 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.
All engineering operatives must complete one of the following job role options: • Maintenance • Mechanical manufacturing • Electrical and electronic
Entry Requirements Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprenticeships. apprentices without Level 1 (or equivalent) in English and maths must ensure that they achieve Level 1 and take the test for Level 2 prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Progression This apprenticeship may lead to more specialist occupations through further training, or alternatively higher level study.
LEVEL 2 GENERAL WELDER (ARC PROCESSES)
Length: 18-21 months
Occupational Overview General welders are fully competent in manual welding using at least one arc process. General welders are required in a number of sectors for example, the steelwork construction sector.
Entry Requirements Apprentices without Level 1 (or equivalent) in English and maths must ensure that they achieve Level 1 and take the test for Level 2 prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Progression There are numerous pathways for general welders who may wish to pursue higher level careers in welding. These include progression to multi-positional welder, high integrity welder or welding instruction and teaching, welding inspection and managing and supervising welding operations. LEVEL 3 DESIGN AND DRAUGHTSPERSON
Length: 42 months
Occupational Overview Engineering designers and draughtspersons produce designs and drawings for structures, piping, electrical systems, control and instrumentation systems and mechanical components used in industrial and commercial construction.
All design and draft person apprentices must complete one of the following job role options: • Mechanical • Electrical • Structural
Entry Requirements Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprenticeships. This will typically include a requirement for a minimum of 5 GCSE at grades 4 (C) or above.
Progression Professional registration is subject to candidates successfully completing this apprenticeship and undergoing professional review.
"I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship and have picked up a great deal of knowledge alongside developing practical skills. Mitre Plastics have been so supportive. I would like to complete both a HNC and a HND in engineering - I feel like my studies so far have helped me to get there!"
Leo Neville Level 3 Engineering Technician apprentice working at Mitre Plastics
LEVEL 3 ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
Length: 42-45 months
Occupational Overview Engineering Technicians in the aerospace, aviation, automotive, maritime defence and wider advanced manufacturing and engineering sector are involved in highly skilled, complex work. Engineered and manufactured products and systems that technicians work on involve mechanical, electrical, electronic, electromechanical and fluid power components/systems.
All Engineering Technicians must complete one of the following job role options: • Machinist advanced manufacturing engineering • Mechatronics maintenance technician • Product design and development technician • Technical support technician • Toolmaker and tool or die maintenance technician
Entry Requirements Individual employers will set the recruitment and selection criteria for their apprenticeships. In order to gain entry onto the course, candidates will typically have 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or equivalent, including maths, English and a science.
Progression Completion of the apprenticeship is designed to be recognised by relevant professional engineering institutions at the appropriate level of professional registration (EngTech). LEVEL 3 ENGINEERING FITTER
Length: 42-45 months
Occupational Overview This occupation is found in manufacturing and process sectors. The broad purpose of the occupation is to produce complex high value, low volume components or assemblies in full or part, using machines, equipment or systems, to the required specification. For example, turbines, cranes, gearboxes, production lines, rigs and platforms. Fitters may typically have a mechanical, electrical, electronic, control systems, pipe fitting or instrumentation bias or operate across multiple disciplines depending on the type of assembly.
Entry Requirements Individual employers will set the recruitment and selection criteria for their apprenticeships. In order to gain entry onto the course, candidates will typically have 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or equivalent, including maths, English and a science.
Progression Completion of the apprenticeship is designed to be recognised by relevant professional engineering institutions at the appropriate level of professional registration (EngTech).
LEVEL 3 PIPE WELDER
Length: 48-51 months
Occupational Overview This occupation is found in a wide range of sectors where piping systems are used for fluid transport and pressure containment. This will include engineering construction, maintenance and project upgrades.
Entry Requirements Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Progression This apprenticeship may lead to more specialist occupations through further training, or alternatively higher level study. LEVEL 3 PLATE WELDER
Length: 36-39 months
Occupational Overview This occupation is found in a wide range of sectors associated with the fabrication, construction and upgrade of major capital plant items and facilities.
Entry Requirements Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Progression There are numerous pathways for multi-positional welders who may wish to pursue higher level careers in welding. These include progression to high integrity welder, welding instruction and teaching, welding inspection and managing and supervising welding operations.
“I would highly recommend the apprenticeship route as a way of progressing in industry and earning whilst you learn. It’s a completely unique experience, getting the opportunity to train in the factory and learn in such a hands-on way!”
Tony Elston Level 3 Engineering Maintenance apprentice working at Caterpillar
LEVEL 3 SCIENCE MANUFACTURING TECHNICIAN
Length: Minimum 18 months
Occupational Overview Science manufacturing technicians work in a wide range of companies, including, but not exclusively, chemical, primary and secondary pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products and nuclear manufacturing. A science manufacturing technician will operate the systems and equipment, involved in the production of products.
Entry Requirements Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to completion of their apprenticeship.
Progression The standard is recognised by the relevant professional bodies at Registered Science Technician (RSciTech) level, for which there is a requirement that the technician will participate in subsequent continuing professional development on completion of the apprenticeship.
This standard meets the professional standards of the Engineering Council for registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech). Registration is subject to candidates successfully completing the appropriate learning, developing the appropriate competence, and undergoing professional review. LEVEL 3 SCIENCE INDUSTRY MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
Length: Minimum 36 months
Occupational Overview 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.
Entry Requirements Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprentices. Most candidates will have achieved grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths and a STEM-related subject at Level 2 prior to commencement of apprenticeship.
Progression 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).
LEVEL 3 UTILITIES ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
Length: 48 months
Occupational Overview Utilities engineering technicians perform reactive and routine maintenance on equipment to ensure safe and efficient running of the sites, supporting other disciplines as necessary.
Entry Requirements Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to completion of their apprenticeship
Progression Successful apprentices will be eligible for Engineering Technician (EngTech) (or equivalent) professional registration. LEVEL 3 MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
Length: 36-42 months
Occupational Overview To support the business and operational requirements of modern integrated engineered production plant and services, electrical systems and process control technicians and electromechanical technicians will need to apply a range of conventional skills and knowledge to undertake engineering activities on a selection of electromechanical and process control plant, systems and equipment.
Entry Requirements Typically 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or higher including maths, English and science, or equivalent and/or relevant experience. A technician must have the core requirements below and demonstrate the specialist requirements in one role.
Progression This standard will meet the professional standards of the Engineering Council for registration as Engineering Technician (EngTech) by an appropriate professional engineering institution.
LEVEL 3 LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
Length: 24 months
Occupational Overview The broad purpose of the occupation is working at the forefront of technology to carry out both routine and one-off laboratory testing (and manufacturing where relevant) and perform a variety of technical support functions across the organisation.
Entry Requirements Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.
Progression This standard has professional recognition. LEVEL 4 PROCESS LEADER
Length: 24 months ( +3 months EPA)
Occupational Overview A Process Leader is responsible for directing production activities and operations. Candidates should have effective communication, organisation and planning skills and an understanding or the operational and strategic business requirements. Job roles will include Process Lead Manager, Production Lead, or Section Leader.
Entry Requirements Applicants are required to have gained a Level 2 English and maths (GCSE Grades 9-4 / A-C). If you do not meet these entry requirements, then applicants will be invited to complete an initial assessment prior to acceptance. An interview will take place.
If you do not have a grade 9 to 4 in English and / or maths (grade A-C for previous GCSE measures) you will be required to continue studying these subjects.
Progression This apprenticeship could progress to higher level management roles in the Engineering industry as well as further study, for example a degree in Engineering; Leadership and Management.
