Engineering Operative Apprenticeship

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, 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.

Course Information

Engineering Operative will work on developing the core skills to:

Work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines
Identify and deal appropriately with any risks, hazards, hazardous situations and problems that may occur within the engineering environment within the limits of their responsibility
Demonstrate effective communication skills which include oral, written, electronic
Complete appropriate documentation accurately, efficiently and legibly using the correct terminology where required
Obtain and follow the correct documentation, specifications and work instructions in accordance with time constraints and the roles and responsibilities identified for the engineering activities, extracting the necessary data/information from specification and related documentation
Select and use appropriate tools, equipment and materials to carry out the engineering operation
Deal appropriately with any problems that may occur within the manufacturing environment within the limits of their responsibility
Work efficiently and effectively at all times maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste

Engineering Operative will work on developing the core knowledge to:

How to obtain the necessary job instructions, engineering drawings and specifications and how to interpret them
Relevant statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures/systems, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to engineering operations
Their individual roles and responsibilities within the organisation and the flexibility required to support the achievement of company targets
Engineering operational practices, processes and procedures

Engineering Operative will work on developing the following behaviours to:

Personal responsibility and resilience – Comply with the health and safety guidance and procedures, be disciplined and have a responsible approach to risk, work diligently regardless of how much they are being supervised, accept responsibility for managing time and workload and stay motivated and committed when facing challenges.
Work effectively in teams – Integrate with the team, support other people, consider implications of their own actions on other people and the business whilst working effectively to get the task completed.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills – An open and honest communicator, communicates clearly using appropriate methods, listen well to others and have a positive and respectful attitude.
Focus on quality and problem solving – Follow instructions and guidance, demonstrate attention to detail, follow a logical approach to problem solving and seek opportunities to improve quality, speed and efficiency.
Continuous personal development – Reflect on skills, knowledge and behaviours and seek opportunities to develop, adapt to different situations, environments or technologies and have a positive attitude to feedback and advice.
In addition to the core skills and knowledge above, specific skills and knowledge will also apply to individual job role within the Engineering Operatives standard.

Engineering Operative will be required to achieve the following before EPA:

Level 2 in Engineering Operations (Skills).
Level 2 in Engineering Operations (knowledge).
Complete a minimum of 20% off-the-job training.
Complete a portfolio evidence, used to inform the Professional Discussion.

Model of Delivery

We must ensure that an apprentice spends 20% of their contracted working hours developing the skills, knowledge and behaviours illustrated on the Standard. This is achieved via a flexible approach and also by using learning that occurs as part of the job role within the workplace.

Regular visits at workplace (Every 8 to 10 weeks)

Reviews in the workplace with Mentor

1 day per week at college

End Point Assessment

End-Point Assessment is the final test for apprentices during their apprenticeship. It is designed to be an objective and impartial assessment of an apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours developed during the course of their apprenticeship programme. At the end of an apprenticeship, the apprentice will go through a 'gateway' process where they are signed-off by their employer as ready for a final assessment of their knowledge and practical capabilities. The assessment will be conducted and graded by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation.

End Point Assessment Methods:

Practical skills Observation
Professional discussion supported by portfolio

Entry Requirements

Maths and English are a vital part of your apprenticeship and can really support your progression on your chosen course. If you do not already hold the described levels of maths and English we have a friendly and experienced team of lecturers who can support you throughout and who will arrange exams once you are ready. We deliver Functional Skills in a variety of ways including classroom based and also using an online platform.

Level 2 English and Mathematics beneficial.