Anne Colgan
The course is great fun - whether it’s for a career or just to enjoy. Most people are nervous when you meet a bunch of new people, but everyone was there to learn and have fun!
Entry Requirements
English and Maths GCSEs Grades 3/D or above or equivalent plus 2 other GCSEs Grades 3/D or above or equivalent. Individual employers may have their own higher entry requirements.
Details
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.
The role covers a wide range of common and job specific skills sets that can be transferred across the manufacturing engineering industry sectors during the course of their careers. Dependent on the sector that they are employed in there may be subtle differences in terms of composition and application of the job role specific skills and knowledge they will require, however the core skills and knowledge will be the same regardless of the sector/area they work in.
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.
End Point Assessment:
The EPA consists of 2 assessment methods:
- Practical Observation – to assess the apprentice’s application of skills within the apprentice’s place of work or in a suitable environment away from the workplace (e.g. In a centre approved by the EPAO)
- Professional Discussion – to holistically assess KSBs across the standard and will be informed by reflective portfolio
Dates/Lengths:
Duration - Typically 12 - 18 months. The next start date for this Apprenticeship will be September 2025. Apprentices will attend college one day at week at our Middleton campus.
Work Experience
As part of the apprenticeship there is a dedicated off the job learning requirement. This is a minimum of 6 hours per week for the duration of the apprenticeship. This could include:
Role Development:
- Observing colleagues
- Receiving mentoring
- Shadowing
- Training
Programme Development:
- Teaching or learning the theory related to their roles
- Coursework
Progression
On completion of this standard, apprentices can progress into a wide range of employment opportunities or further education, such as a Level 3 Apprenticeship (Subject to meeting entry requirements).
Examples of the occupational roles from across the engineering and manufacturing sector that would be covered within this standard are:
- Servicing and Maintenance Operative
- Machine Setter/Operative
- Mechanical Engineering Operative
- Fabricator
- Engineering Fitter
- Multi-disciplined Engineering Operative
- Materials
- Processing and Finishing Operative
- Technical Support Operative
- Founding/Casting Operative
