Engineering
What does a career in Engineering involve?
Engineers design and build the things that make our world go round. Everything, from aeroplanes to buildings, comes back to engineering. This hugely diverse field can be divided into seven sub-categories: aerospace, automotive, metals, electrical equipment, electronics, marine maintenance, and mechanical engineering. This Apprenticeship covers a range of job roles in these sub-sectors.
On this Apprenticeship, the sort of work you’ll be doing will depend on your employer. Generally, engineering apprentices will learn to take on an operator role in a certain area of engineering. This could involve anything from assembling car engines to installing telecommunications systems. Most duties will involve the maintenance of equipment and machinery.
Through the Advanced Apprenticeship you can become either a skilled craftsperson (skilled in practical trades, like fitting or machining) or a technician (involved in technical matters and problem-solving).
Both Apprenticeships begin by learning about work safety, how to communicate technical information, and identifying engineering equipment.
Working in this field requires a good head for figures and IT literacy. You’ll need good written and verbal communication skills; and you’ll have to be a team player.
What type of Job Role can this lead to?
Level 2 (Apprenticeship)
- Electrical/Electronic (semi skilled)
- Aero engine component assembly
- Aero engine fitter (semi skilled)
- Aero engine fitter/tester’s mate
- Aero engine strip and wash fitter
- Airframe riveter
- Automotive instrument repairer
- Avionics fitter (semi skilled)
- Avionics instrument calibration technician
- CAD operator
- CNC cutter
- CNC Fabrication operator
- CNC operator
- Cycle Maintenance mechanic
- Cycle maintenance technician
- Electrical fitter’s mate
- Electronics service rep
- Engineering fitter Semi- skilled
- Fitters mate air-con manufacture
- Instrument fabricator (semi skilled)
- Instrument repair fitter
- Jig welder
- Line Maintenance fitter
- Maintenance welder (semi skilled)
- Manufacturing calibration control technician
- Manufacturing expeditor
- Manufacturing operator
- Metrology operator
- Military vehicle repair fitter/welder (semi- skilled)
- Motorsport technician
- Planned maintenance controller
- Plant maintenance fitter’s mate
- Production CAD programmer
- Production control operator
- Production fabricator (semi-skilled)
- Production operator
- Production planner
- Production process control operator
- Quality Control Operator
- Repair of instruments and control systems – military vehicles
- Repair technician
- Vehicle body repair technician
- Vehicle body welder (semi skilled)
- Watch service technician
- Welder /Fabricator (semi skilled)
- Welder/fabricator aero engine pipework
- Welder/Fabricator’s mate
- Welding equipment maintenance fitter (semi skilled)
- Welding inspector
- Workflow control operator
- Commissioning fitter (semi skilled)
- Lift control systems maintenance engineer
- Military vehicle fitter (semi skilled)
- Plant fitter heating & ventilation (semi skilled)
- Plant maintenance planner
Level 3 (Advanced Apprenticeship)
- Manufacturing maintenance engineer
- Maintenance controller
- Watchmaker/ Clockmaker
- Maintenance welder (Skilled)
- Aircraft service engineer (un-licenced)
- Plant maintenance engineer H&V
- Specialist vehicle maintenance engineer
- Facilities manager
- Telecommunications maintenance / service engineer
- Micro electronics maintenance engineer
- Electronics Systems maintenance engineer
- Facilities maintenance engineer
- Systems maintenance engineer (hydraulics, pneumatics)
- Repair and overhaul engineer (aircraft engines)
(Source: www.apprenticeships.org.uk)
What do I need to start?
1. Previous qualifications/training
Good GCSEs in Maths and English. Entry to the course will be by interview, initial assessment and industry test.
2. A Job
You will need to have an Engineering related job and be employed for a minimum of 16.5 hours every week.
What will I get out of it?
1. Earnings
The National Minimum Wage for Apprentices is £2.50 per hour, however research has found that Apprentices earn an average of £170 net pay per week. Research also shows that Apprentices earn, on average, over £100,000 more throughout their lifetime than other employees.
The starting salary (once qualified) is £12,000 - £16,000.
(Source: www.apprenticeships.org.uk)
2. Qualifications
When you have successfully completed your apprenticeship you will gain:
- City & Guilds Award or BTEC National Certificate in Engineering
- Sector Skills Council (SEMTA) framework
- Key Skills in Numeracy, Communication and IT, relevant to the Apprenticeship level
3. Prospects
Apprenticeships train you in the skills employers want, they give you choices in your career. When you’ve finished you can carry on working, maybe get promoted or go on to higher education in a college or university.
How much does an Apprenticeship cost?
The government cover the full cost of training for 16-18 year olds and contribute towards costs for those aged 19 or above.
How do I apply?
Not sure if an Apprenticeship is right for you?
Call Employer Services on 01902 317691 for more information or to book an appointment with a Careers Advisor