If the sound of problem solving, engineering design, gaining industry experience and a recognised qualification sounds like the perfect mix; then the Level 3 Engineering design and draughtsperson apprenticeship is perfect for you. Want to know more? Read on and kick-start your dream career.
Engineering design and draughtsperson overview
An engineering design and draughtsperson apprenticeship is the perfect route if you have a passion for construction/engineering, problem solving and design. This apprenticeship will cover a number of areas such as: Electrical Design, Control and Instrumentation Design, Mechanical Design, Piping Design and Structural Design. When you become and official engineering design and draughtsperson you could be looking at an average salary of £28k, meaning that this is not a career path you want to miss out on. The engineering design and draughtsperson apprenticeship will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to progress into a full-time career. Engineering design is needed now more than ever due to population, business and economic growth; this is the perfect time to build your skills and knowledge and start a career path that you can be proud of.
Entry criteria for the engineering design and draughtsperson apprenticeship
The level 3 engineering design and draughtsperson apprenticeship will take up to 42 months to complete, so patience and dedication will be needed. Depending on the employer’s needs, the entry requirements for the engineering design and draughtsperson apprenticeship typically stands with a minimum of 5 GSCEs. If you have completed A-Levels or have experience in areas such as engineering, it can increase your chances of being offered an interview. If you haven’t been able to complete or gain the results needed in Maths and English, don’t worry! You will be given the opportunity to complete your qualifications during the apprenticeship.
Key Responsibilities of an engineering design and draughtsperson apprentice
The main objectives to the role of engineering design and draughtsperson are to help with the inner workings of the build. This includes looking at and designing the layouts for electrical, structural, mechanical and piping elements. You can primarily focus of one of these areas, but you will explore and understand each section. Your role will be to understand technical drawings and specifications for each build and design you own layouts; be able to identify problems and offer solutions; produce CAD (computer aided design); be able to effectively communicate with 2nd and 3rd parties and much more. An important aspect to this apprenticeship is communication as you will be discussing designs/layouts, changes made etc. to ensure the everything runs smoothly and up to standard.
Level 3 engineering design and draughtsperson apprenticeship Core Elements
By the end of the apprenticeship, you will have the knowledge and understanding to progress and become a full time Engineering design and draughtsperson.
What you will learn by the end of the apprenticeship:
Skills
- Work safely at all times, complying with relevant national and industry health and safety requirements
- Work in accordance with company management systems, policies and procedures
- Employ the appropriate use of computer-based technology
- Review and interpret technical information and requirements from different sources e.g. specifications, concepts, stakeholders
- Identify inaccuracies or discrepancies in engineering drawings and specifications and propose solutions
- Identify and assess factors that affect designs e.g. materials, application, location, risk and environment
- Design engineering concepts to solve engineering challenges
- Develop effective solutions which satisfy the required standards and can be manufactured, proven, operated and maintained in a cost-effective way whilst minimising costs
- Evaluate engineering designs to determine the most effective solution
- Produce detailed engineering drawings to relevant standards and codes, using paper and computer
- Check completed drawings for quality, technical compliance and completeness – both own or those of peers
- Communicate and co-ordinate engineering design options with relevant stakeholders, colleagues and clients using sketches, schemes, models, detailed drawings and reports
Knowledge
- Relevant national and industry health and safety, standards and legislation and those relevant to the specific disciplines, as appropriate
- Company management systems, policies and procedures
- Document management and change control
- Engineering codes and standards
- Common engineering principles and the application of maths and science to engineering
- Fundamentals of engineering drawing and design
- Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, its appropriate application including 2D and 3D modelling
- Understand the impact of relevant factors that are important to the design e.g. the context in which you are working, the materials, components, assemblies, cost, quality, safety, security, risk, environmental impact, ergonomics, aesthetics, the end use and purpose of the design
- Manufacturing and/or construction methods as appropriate to the specific disciplines
- Relevance and application of Building Information Modelling (BIM)
Behaviours
- Have a strong work ethic including attention to detail and commitment to completing the task in hand
- Take personal responsibility for own work, set the right example for others and actively seek opportunities for quality improvement
- Apply and uphold principles of ethics and sustainability
- Commitment to advancing own learning and competence, showing a willingness to learn new skills and an openness to others’ ideas and input
- Use effective communication and interpersonal skills, showing sensitivity to others and working collaboratively
- Accept and promote equality and diversity
Conclusion
The level 3 engineering design and draughtsperson apprenticeship isn’t something to take likely, a lot of time and dedication will be involved but it will be worth every minute. By going through the apprenticeship you will not just gain a highly recognised qualification, but first-hand experience and industry knowledge. Other advantages to the apprenticeship scheme are that you earn while you learn, the apprenticeship is free to you and you can continue down the apprenticeship route once you have completed your Level 3! There is no better time to start your dream apprenticeship then now and gain the skills for a successful career.
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