Engineering Apprenticeship

Opportunities within the Engineering Industry are vast and at a broad level include mechanical, manufacturing, industrial, electrical and electronic engineering. Engineers apply science to solve problems or meet needs and this can range from the design stage through to development and manufacture. If you are interested in engineering and the challenge of work but want to keep learning in a practical way, then the Engineering Apprenticeship scheme is for you.

The College will assist you in finding employment with a suitable local employer in the first instance. You will receive comprehensive training both at work and at college, following a training programme that is tailored to you and your employer’s needs.

What qualifications will I gain?

HLC offers 3 pathways for this apprenticeship:

• Mechanical Maintenance
• Electrical - Electronic
• Design Draughtsperson

Advanced Apprentice (Level 3)

In order to progress to the Advanced Apprenticeship, you would have either already achieved an Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2) in Engineering or will have been selected by your employer to fast-track on to the Advanced Apprenticeship, based on your GCSE results.

• Units from the Level 2 NVQ in Performing Operations: to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of working safely and effectively in an engineering environment

• Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Engineering: This is the competency part of the qualification and essential for you to achieve the full apprenticeship.

• Level 3 BTEC Engineering qualification (Diploma) - This will show that you have the necessary technical skills, knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts as well as of the relevant market and industry. 

• Functional Skills - Level 2 Maths, English.

• (Or GCSE grade 4 or above).

Duration:

Year 1: Advanced apprentices typically spend 1.5 days in college completing the first year of the core Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations NVQ units, along with Functional Skills.

Year 2/3: More time is spent in the workplace, completing the Level 3 NVQ, which is tailored to suit your day-to-day job. You will attend college for one day per week to complete the Level 3 BTEC qualification.

How will I be trained?

Apprenticeships are designed with the help of the employers in the industry, so they offer a structured programme that takes you through the skills you need to do a job well. There are targets and checks to make sure that your employer is supporting you and you are making progress.

As an employee you will be in the workplace for the much of your time as most of the training takes place on the job. The rest takes place at HLC. All the things you study at college during this time will be useful in your job and help you to succeed in your future career.

How will I be assessed?

The NVQ is assessed through a portfolio of evidence and observations in the workplace by the NVQ assessor. The BTEC qualification is assessed by a combination of assignments, projects and internal phase tests. Functional Skills is assessed by external exam.

What are the entry requirements?

You would normally be expected to have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above (including maths and English), or a relevant vocational qualification at Level 2 or above.

Those applicants without formal qualifications but who can evidence substantial and relevant sector work experience will also be considered.

All applicants are offered a place subject to satisfactory interview and an initial assessment in Maths and English.

Key Facts

Campus: Hereford

Minimum Age: 16

Duration: 3-4 years for the Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) depending on mode of attendance (see above).

Typical Employment:
Fully qualified apprentices will go on to have successful careers in the Manufacturing, Mechanical, Maintenance, Electronic / Electrical fields as operators, supervisors, project managers and design engineers.

Progression:
There is scope to progress further to a higher level of employment and management training at NVQ Level 4 or 5 or progress to an HNC/HND or University.

Contact

Telephone: 0800 032 1986
Email: apprenticeships@hlnsc.ac.uk