Engineering Manufacture

An Apprenticeship or Advanced Apprenticeship offers a firm foundation for career progression through a framework of qualifications offered within an environment of real work experience. Most of our apprentices secure employment during the programme.

Manufacturing is still the largest employer in the region. Companies either manufacture their own products or are part of the supply chain for others. There are many jobs within this industry such as Toolmaking, Machining, Welding, Maintenance, Fabrication, Fitting, Design, Quality and Technical Support.

Qualifications
The qualifications required to achieve an Apprenticeship or Advanced Apprenticeship are laid down within a framework recognised by a nationally accredited awarding body.

Apprenticeship

  • An NVQ Level 2 in Engineering Manufacture
  • A Technical Certificate at Level 2 (usually delivered on day release at a local FE College)
  • Employment Rights and Responsibilities (ERR)
  • Key Skills Units at levels 1 or 2 (suitable GCSE grades may offer full or partial exemption)
    • It is possible to progress to an Advanced Apprenticeship after you complete your Apprenticeship.

    Advanced Apprenticeship

  • An NVQ Level 3 in Engineering Manufacture
  • A Technical Certificate at Level 3 (usually delivered on day release at a local FE College)
  • Key Skills Units at levels 2 or 3 (suitable GCSE grades may offer full or partial exemption)

    • In both cases, it is usual to receive training and qualifications additional to those required to achieve the framework. These will often be job specific and are incorporated into your learning plan through discussion with you and your employer.

    Your Training Programme
    Within your training programme there will be the opportunity to select modules best suited to both yourself and your employer. Typical modules are:
  • Engineering Drawings
  • Maintenance
  • Measurement
  • Electrical
  • Materials
  • Welding
  • Machining
  • Fabrication
  • Bench Fitting
  • Health and Safety

    • Employment
    Apprenticeships
    Some apprentices join the scheme sponsored by a local company with employed status. In this case you would continue with your employer with the necessary qualifications delivered through a combination of training and assessment at your place of employment and day release at our centre.

    If you are not employed, Sandwell Training Association will locate a local company that is able to provide you with the right learning environment. In some cases you will be directly employed by that company from the commencement of your training programme or, more usually, you may be employed at a later stage. In either case you will receive either a wage or training allowance.

    Advanced Apprenticeships
    Advanced Apprentices, whether progressing from an Apprenticeship or by direct entry, will invariably be employed, as many of the criteria require an established role within the working environment.

    Duration of Training
    The length of your programme will vary depending on its content and your own ability. Any prior experience or learning will also affect the time taken to complete the framework.. As a guide, typical examples may be 6-9 months for an Apprentice, and 1-2 years for an Advanced Apprentice.