Where will this course lead?

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 be able to apply safe systems of working.

They make a technical contribution to the design, development, quality assurance, manufacture, installation, commission/decommission, operation, or maintenance of products, equipment, systems, processes and/or services.

Apprentices apply proven techniques and procedures to solve engineering and manufacturing problems, as well as demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in communicating both technical and non-technical information and 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 and complement the wider business strategy and its development, as this will enable them to support their long term career.

Engineered and manufactured products and systems that Engineering Technicians work on could involve: mechanical, electrical, electronic, electromechanical and fluid power components/systems.

This apprenticeship is suitable for currently working in, or progressing into the following roles:

Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Machinist; Mechatronics Maintenance Technician; Product Design & Development Technician; Toolmaker & Die Maintenance Technician; Technical Support Technician; Aerospace Manufacturing Electrical/Mechanical and Systems Fitter; Airworthiness, Planning, Quality & Safety Technician Maritime Electrical/Mechanical Fitter; Fabricator; Pipeworker.

Professional Recognition

Completion of the Apprenticeship is designed to be recognised by relevant professional engineering institutions at the appropriate level of professional registration (EngTech). In the case of the Military specific pathway in the Aircraft Maintenance Fitter/Technician Standard, professional competence will be recognised by the Military Independent Assessment Authority (MIAA).

What will I study?

You will study the knowledge, skills and behaviours as set out within the apprenticeship standard, which will include the following subjects…

· Compliance with statutory, quality, organisational and health and safety regulations and environmental legislation

· General engineering/manufacturing mathematical and scientific principles

· The structure, properties and characteristics of sector materials

· Problems that arise within typical work activities and the environment

· Diagnostic methods and techniques for finding solutions to faults

· Approved processes, procedures, documentation and the potential implications if they're not adhered to

· Different roles and functions within the organisation and their interaction

· Reviewing processes and procedures to obtain the correct resources and equipment for use in the workplace and managing waste

· Effective and professional communication and interpersonal skills

How will this course be delivered?

The apprenticeship programme consists of 'on-the-job' and 'off-the-job' training. You will receive on-the-job training from your employer and will also be allowed 20% off-the job training, which will involve your college day-release and independent study.

Your independent study will be recorded in a learning journal, to capture evidence of your experiences, reflections and achievements. An assessor coach will be allocated to you and will visit your workplace on a regular basis, liaising with your work-based mentor, but you will also receive master-class workshops from college tutors.

This will give you the opportunity to do real work, developing work-based skills that employers' value and helping you to progress in your chosen career.

What qualifications will I get?

· Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard

· Level 3 Development Technical Knowledge Qualification

· Level 3 Development Competence Qualification

· Level 2 Foundation Competence Qualification

· Level 2 Functional Skills Maths and English (if required)

How will I be assessed?

The apprentice's progress and development will be assessed at regular stages - this is likely to be a combination of assignments, activities, exams, reflective discussions and observations in the workplace.

The employer and training provider will formally sign-off the apprentice's readiness for the independent End Point Assessment (EPA) at 'gateway'. Gateway is the point at which the apprentice has met and can confidently apply the minimum knowledge, skills and behaviours required, as detailed within the apprenticeship standard.

The End-Point Assessment (EPA) will consist of 2 distinct components:

· Occupational competence validation interview (Viva)

· Professional competence assessment

Performance in the EPA will determine your overall apprenticeship grade i.e. pass or distinction.

How do I get a place on the course?

In order to gain a place on this course, applicants must meet the entry criteria and attend a formal interview. All applications are to be submitted via the college website:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/apprentice/how-do-i-apply

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. If you need help with completing your application and at interview, we can provide support:

https://www.solihull.ac.uk/uni-level-learner/student-services

What are the entry requirements?

To secure a place of study on the Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship programme, the minimum entry requirements are as follows:

· 5 GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above and the below…

· English GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Mathematics GCSE Grade 4/C, Level 2 Functional Skills, or equivalent

· Demonstrate a passion for the engineering and manufacturing industry

· Be at least 16 years of age

You must also be employed in a relevant field (as indicated above) for a minimum of 30 hours per week.

What else do I need to know?

This course is a part-time programme and you will be expected to attend 1 day per week, between the hours of 09:00 to 17:00. Timetables will be issued to successful applicants prior to induction and enrolment, at the beginning of the course.

As part of the national apprenticeship guidance, you will also undergo Equality and Diversity, British values and Prevent Training, which will prepare you with the necessary behaviour needed to work within the construction industry.

Furthermore, you will also be required to complete 20% 'off-the-job' training as a minimum requirement for the apprenticeship course, which may require self-directed study, where will be supported by your assessor coach and work-based mentor. 

There are no direct additional costs for this course, but you may want to purchase some text books for further reading. A suggested reading list will be supplied at the beginning of your course; however, we also have a wide selection of library books and electronic books for you to use too. You will be expected to supply your own stationery, such as folders, pens and paper. Connection to the internet is expected, but facilities are available at college to do this if necessary. Please contact the Employer Services Team for more information regarding funding and costs: apprenticeships@solihull.ac.uk

Please note that employers are responsible for providing, replacing and paying for the apprentice's Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), which is required for training in our workshop environments.

What can I do after this course?

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, you can:

· Continue your employment in the industry

OR

· Progress onto the Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship