WLC Higher Education Guide to Engineering

ENGINEERING APPRENTICESHIPS

HIGHER TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS

FUNDING AVAILABLE

RECRUITMENT

01942 761851

employerengagement@wigan-leigh.ac.uk

ENGINEERING AT WIGAN & LEIGH COLLEGE Wigan & Leigh College has a long standing history of training engineering specialists across the region.

We offer both apprenticeships and higher technical qualifications that can be studied part time and flexibly, within the evening or during the day.

For more than 70 years we have been working with companies like yours to develop the nation’s engineering specialists, helping to close the skills gap within your industry. This year we have been awarded Engineering and Manufacturing Apprenticeship Provider of the Year by AAC, further cementing our reputation as one of the best.

You will have ready access to a talent pool of engineering students who have studied full-time with us and are keen to take up an apprenticeship to progress within their chosen field.

As the largest college provider of apprenticeships in Greater Manchester we work with more than 1,500 employers and 2,000 apprentices. We support our engineering apprentices and their employers throughout the journey from Level 2 through to higher Level 6.

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE We have spent millions over the last few years to expand and provide upgrades to robotics, artificial intelligence, mechatronics and 3D printing facilities. The Centre reflects industry environments with the latest technology for mechanical engineering and sustainable energy.

It is also home to interactive workshops, and a dedicated learning resource centre.

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HIGHER APPRENTICESHIP OFFER Course Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer (Degree) - Construction Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer (Degree) - Electrical Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer (Degree) - Mechanical Nuclear Technician - Construction Nuclear Technician - Electrical Nuclear Technician - Mechancial Engineering Manufacturing Technician - Mechanical Power Network Engineer

Level 6 6 6 5 5 5 4 4

Duration Min 36 months Min 36 months Min 36 months Min 30 months Min 30 months Min 30 months 42 months 42 months

3 3 3 3 3

42 months 42 months 42 months 42 months 42 months

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42 months

3 3 3 3 3 3

42 months 42 months 42 months 42 months 36 months 30 months

2 2

24 months 42 months

ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP OFFER Engineering Fitter Machining Technician Engineering Technician - Mechatronics Maintenance Engineering Technician - Product Design & Development Engineering Technician - Technical Support Engineering Technician - Toolmaker & Tool and Die Maintenance Technician Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer Food and Drink Technical Operator Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Metal Fabricator Motor Vehicle and Service Maintenance Technician (Light Vehicle) Power Network Craftsperson

INTERMEDIATE APPRENTICESHIP OFFER Construction Equipment Maintenance Mechanic Science Manufacturing Process Operative

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APPRENTICESHIPS AT WIGAN & LEIGH COLLEGE Apprenticeships work well for businesses and apprentices - they develop talent and drive organisations forward. Apprenticeships are recognised as a fantastic route to develop careers.

Apprentices are employed, they earn a salary and gain a recognised qualification. Our programmes range from level 2 to 6, including higher and degree apprenticeships. They may last 12 to 48 months, depending on the apprentice and the sector.

The government has placed apprenticeships at the heart of the skills system in the UK, making sure that apprentices develop the required skills, knowledge and behaviours they need to thrive in their chosen career.

WHY SHOULD I EMPLOY AN APPRENTICE?

Apprenticeships are an exciting option for both apprentice and employer. You can employ apprentices at different levels, from school leavers and university graduates, to people who want to further their careers or change career direction completely. You can hire someone new or upskill an existing employee. As an employer, you can get funding from the government to help pay for apprenticeship training.

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BENEFITS FOR YOUR BUSINESS 86% of employers said apprenticeships helped them develop skills relevant to their organisation.

78% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve productivity.

74% of employers said apprenticeships helped them improve the quality of their product or service.

OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDE: • • •

You can adapt their training according to the needs of your business.

They’re motivated to learn new skills.

You can expand and upskill your workforce.

FUNDING OPTIONS AVAILABLE All employers must now have an online apprenticeship service account whether you pay the apprenticeship levy or not.

Do you pay the apprenticeship levy?

YES You only pay the apprenticeship levy if your annual pay bill is more than £3million

NO

Smaller employers who do not pay the apprenticeship levy share the cost of training and assessing their apprentices with the government. This is called ‘coinvestment’.

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HIGHER TECHNICAL EDUCATION Wigan & Leigh College redeveloped the Rushton Building enabling us to enhance our existing relationships with partners and develop a curriculum offer that meets the skills needs of the borough. The Centre for Advanced Technical Studies was opened in September 2020.

This centre focuses on providing a wider choice of higher technical education and apprenticeships in skill priority areas and allow students access to new state-of-the-art teaching. Facilities including lecture theatres, a BIM (Building Information Modelling) laboratory, a CAVE (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment) and other extensive digital facilities to support Industry 4.0 as well as social areas and business services

By focusing on the needs of the construction industry we work with you to prepare the next generation of creative, ingenious problem solvers, who help to raise standards within your organisation ensuring your reputation, business success and the bottom line.

You will benefit from our Assessors and Professional Mentors to guide apprentices through the process from start to end point assessment.

We offer flexible bespoke training programmes to meet your business needs with innovative teaching and learning that supports the nation’s and your business’ future economic growth.

We also enjoy strong links with professional bodies including the ICE (Institute of Civil Engineers) and RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors).

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HIGHER TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS THE NEW ROUTE TO REWARDING CAREERS Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) are practical, employerled study programmes which have been developed to ensure specific training, knowledge and skills required for employement are included within the course. HTQs are a highquality alternative to other experience-focused routes, such as apprenticeships, traineeships and degrees.

What are Higher Technical Qualifications?

HTQs are Level 4 and 5 qualifications (such as HNDs/ Foundation Degrees) that sit between A Levels and T Levels and Degrees.

They’ve been approved against occupational standards in their sector, so that you can get a head start in your career or further study.

What subjects are available?

The first digital HTQs started in September 2022. More courses in Construction will be available from September 2023.

Who are HTQs suitable for?

•

Anyone looking to upskill whether they are in employment or looking to retrain.

Why should I choose HTQs? HTQs have been specifically developed with employers and businesses to focus on the skills they are looking for, unlocking high-skilled and highly paid jobs. They are often shorter and cheaper than degrees.

What are the options after studying?

HTQs are designed to get the student ready for work, which means once they’ve completed the HTQ, they’ll be ready to jump straight into their chosen career. There are also clear progression pathways to further higher-level study or a degree or degree apprenticeships for those who wish to complete a degree.

OUR HIGHER TECHNICAL OFFER Course

Duration

HNC Automation and Control Engineering for England HTQ

24 months

HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering for England HTQ

24 months

HNC Mechanical Engineering for England HTQ

24 months

We also offer...

HNC/D Engineering (Mechanical)*

36 months

HNC/D Engineering (Electrical and Electronic)*

36 months

*This course is not a Higher Technical Qualification

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“Our partnership with the college has been highly beneficial. We have ready access to skilled apprentices who are job-ready and they bring fresh perspectives and innovation to our teams. The college’s tailored training programs align closely with our specific business needs, enhancing our workforce’s skills and productivity. The collaboration has also strengthened our industry relationships and established a reliable pipeline for future talent.”

“We find the college very approachable, supportive and helpful. When we decided to open our own Early Careers Academy, we started looking for a training provider of the specific course we needed but there were no local providers able to support us. We then approached the college and they were happy to support us and launched the apprenticeship course we needed. We are now planning to recruit apprentices for our next intake and hope our successful relationship with the college will continue for many years to come. We cannot thank the college and their apprenticeship team enough for all their support our apprenticeship journey.”

“Working with the college is different because the service that they provide has a more personal touch. I know I can contact the team anytime I like, and they will have time for us. They will come in, visit us, ask us how we are and ask how they can help both the business and the apprentices. Whereas other providers can be a bit remote, the college acts like a partner should.”

Get in touch

We work with a range of employers within the industry including: • Caddick Construction • Murphys • Sellafield

• Murraywood

For more information about how we can help contact Employer Engagement: employerengagement@wigan-leigh.ac.uk 01942 761851 wigan-leigh.ac.uk