Apprentices Archives - ApprenticeTips.com

Aims of Web Content

Before you post anything on your website it is important to identify what the aims and objectives are for that web content. This should have been agreed in a marketing plan or campaign plan during the planning stage of a project/campaign. An example of this could be: To provide information on apprenticeships in the UK to help grow the business.

All content should work together to help reach the agreed goal, in other words don’t just post for the sake of posting but upload content that is engaging, original and targeted.

Having a content/project managing plan is helpful to ensure what you are posting matches the aims.

User Experience

Now you know why you are posting; the next step is thinking how you are posting. You will have heard the phrase ‘customer is king’, this applies to web content too! If the user doesn’t find what you are posting easy to read, engaging and original it is unlucky they will return to your site or content in the future. Using the Yoast plugin’s readability function can help with ensuring your content is of the highest quality and what you may need to improve it. If text is too long and confusing then it may need simplifying, think to yourself can I say this in less words?

You need to ensure all links within your content are up-to-date and working because if someone is sent off your site to the wrong place, they might not find your content trustworthy or could not return. Using website monitoring tools such as SilkTide and Monsido run regular scans of your site’s content and provide reports on spelling mistakes, grammar issues and broken links.

Accessibility within your Web Content

When posting anything to your website you need to take everyone into consideration. As a result of this you provide yourself the biggest possible user base. When including links into your content make sure it is within the text and makes sense instead of just having a ‘click here’ link, as these can cause an issue for those using screen readers on your site. Similarly, if an image has been used Alt-text should be applied to it. Alt-text allows for an image to be described to someone who is using a screen reader on your site, so this will allow them to engage with your content the way you intended.

"Designers should always keep their users in mind" on laptop screen

SEO Optimisation

The next step is to ensure your web content can be found. There is little point to posting content no one is going to see; this is where SEO comes in. You will need to do some keyword research and decide what search terms you want to be found for. Using tools like Google Trends can help you decide if you want to target a highly competitive keyword which will be harder to be found for or a less competitive keyword which will have a lower possible user base. Now you know your keyword you want all the content you post to be SEO Optimised. Using Yoast plugin will help you track how optimised your content is.

Key factors in SEO Optimisation include:

Keyword Density
Meta Description length
Mobile Friendliness
Internal and External Links
Content length

Success of your Web Content

You’ve posted your engaging, optimised and accessible now what? The next stage is to track the success of your web content. The most popular tool used by digital marketers is Google Analytics, this is because Google is the most used search engine, this is what you want to be ranked on.

Google Analytics provides a wide variety of data such as:

Unique Page View
Time on Page
Bounce Rate
Sessions

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will have been agreed in a marketing plan and these will provide the framework for what you are tracking. An example of a KPI for web content could be: Increase our average page views each month by 20%, this can be achieved with SEO optimising the posts and increasing the rankings.

Conclusion

These tips should help you on your way to posting engaging, optimised and accessible content, to meet those aims! If you would like to know more about any of the topics mentioned within this article, please find out more on our website.

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Kickstart your career with a Level 4 Vehicle Damage Assessor Apprenticeship

December 6, 2021December 6, 2021 by Eleanor Cox

Do you want to gain a higher level of education and have a full-time job in a vehicle garage? Could you see yourself as an individual that wants to fix vehicle damage in a motoring apprenticeship? If your answer is yes, this could be the apprenticeship to kickstart your career, working on vehicle damage repair as a level 4 Vehicle Damage Assessor.

With the use of the latest electronic estimating systems, you can provide customers a first-class service. You will assist in making assessments on what repairs are needed and how much it will cost for customer vehicle damages.

The role of a Vehicle Damage assessor apprentice

Working within the automotive body shop industry as a vehicle damage assessor you will accurately inspect and assess all elements of a motor vehicle that has sustained damage and requires repair. During the course of your apprenticeship, you will gain everything you need to become an advanced Vehicle Damage assessor.

The course will involve studying a range of theory and practical tasks that you will need in today’s automotive repair industry. You will be employed by industry-leading professionals that will help you to acquire valuable skills and experience including an excellent training provider to guide and assist you through your apprenticeship course.

Vehicle Damage Assessor Apprentice Knowledge

Health and Safety

In the workplace, you will be expected to carry out and understand all vehicle safety systems. You will also gain a good understanding of the current Health & Safety legislation during your apprenticeship.

Tools and Equipment

During your apprenticeship, you will learn how to use the tools and equipment used in given processes including the use of electronic costings systems. You will also have an understanding of vehicle construction and the materials needed to carry out a damage repair.

Day to Day Duties

To be able to apply the importance of teamwork in the workplace
Communicating effectively in the workplace
Have knowledge of the systems and operations which cover steering, suspension and braking
Learn about Transmission and drivelines
Have knowledge of the principles of electrical systems
Ability to show a clear understanding of electricals and the use of electronic components
Keep up to date with vehicle repair technologies including Paint, Panel and MET.
Have a good understanding of commercial aspects of a body shop
Know how to produce a job card
Tend to non-accidental related vehicle damage
Get to know how to carry out industry vehicle repair methods.

Desired Skills for the job

You will be able to:

Recognise properties of different types of vehicle damage
Maintain records
Use manual and digital image technology
Locate vehicle unique identification details
Diagnose safety faults on vehicles
Read, adhere to and apply relevant legislation
Use repair methods
Make judgements on vehicle damage, taking into account safety and cost
Commercial decision making
Prepare costings based on parts and labour ratios
Oral communication, listening and negotiation skills
Use industry guidelines appropriately
Recognise the importance of gaining approval before work commences
Use of estimating software, spreadsheets, online databases

Level 4 vehicle Damage Assessor apprenticeship key behaviours

As a vehicle damage assessor you will be expected to demonstrate the following:

Being Customer-focused, always putting the customer first.
Have a right-first-time approach to tasks, showing you are committed to delivering and maintaining high-quality workplace standards.
Present a calm and reasoned approach to any situation.
Be able to deliver a professional approach, demonstrating integrity and confidence in daily activities.
Adherence to company values, showing passion and enthusiasm for the industry.
The ability to take responsibility for health and safety is imperative.
Have good attention to detail.

What requirements do I need as a Vehicle Damage assessor?

All apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment.

Please note that we would accept holders of the British Sign Language (BSL) qualification if it is your primary language.

Working Hours

Monday – Friday between 8:00 – 5:00pm

You will be required to be employed for 40 hours a week for a duration of 36 months. This does not include your End Of Point Assessment (EPA) period.

Additional Details

Maximum Government funding – £9000
Occupational Level – Level 4
EQA Provider – Ofqual
Level 4 equivalent – Foundation degree
Earliest start date – 18/04/2019
1 position available

Conclusion

In summary, the level 4 Vehicle damage assessor apprenticeship offers a great opportunity for those who want to learn to develop themselves in an automotive career path. Whilst gaining experience and life skills in the workplace you will also receive a level 4 qualification in the field which you can take with you on your career journey. The automotive industry is ever growing with employment at around 200,000 so why not earn while you learn and kick start your career today!

Want to learn more about the apprenticeships we currently offer or know someone our roles may benefit from? Take a look at our most recent available roles:

Level 3 Utilities Engineering Technician Apprenticeship
Level 2 Textile Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship
Level 7 Systems Engineer Apprenticeship
Level 3 Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship
Level 6 Rail and Rail Systems Senior Engineer Apprenticeship

Don’t forget to follow us on Linkedin and Twitter to keep up to date with the latest job opportunities!

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Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Operator – Level 2 Apprenticeship

October 22, 2021October 21, 2021 by Melissa Rooney

Non destructive testing operator surveying large metal pipe for quality check

Step into the world of science-based engineering with the Non-Destructive Testing Operator Apprenticeship. If you’re looking to start a career in some of the biggest industries in the world such as Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Energy, Power, Nuclear, and Transport, look no further as NDT qualifications can provide you with opportunities for all of the above. Read on to find out if the Non-Destructive Testing Operator Apprenticeship is the right fit for you.

Job Opportunities and Entry Criteria

Non-Destructive Testing Apprenticeships can provide a vast array of opportunities to kick start you into a well-paying career. Some of these include training in the product technology industry sector, education into NDT methods, and working as part of a team with workers at a similar level to yourself and of a superior level, allowing you to make contacts within the industry and potentially progress within the ranks

Entry level salaries after the completion of an apprenticeship usually start at around £26,000 and can go up to anything from £55,000 a year for experienced engineer level employees. If that isn’t enough to get you interested, some big organisations involved in creating the standard for the Non-Destructive Testing Operator were The British Institute of NDT, and Rolls Royce, meaning that popular companies similar to these organisations are sure to have a need for hiring NDT Operators.

Non-destructive testing operator surveying plane engine parts to ensure they are quality checked before being installed

Apprenticeship Entry Requirements

There are no educational entry requirements for this role, however you will need to achieve a level 1 in English and Maths in a level 2 English and maths test prior to taking the end-point assessment when completing the apprenticeship if you have not already achieved this through GCSEs. You will also be required to pass the NDT eyesight test, meaning you should have good, aided eyesight or good unaided eyesight for health and safety reasons. Adequate physical fitness is also beneficial for this role.

Daily duties and Primary responsibilities

On a day-to-day basis an NDT Operator Apprentice can expect to take part in some of the following tasks:

Inspection of materials, welding, and other product components or items using one NDT method
Report defects on the external surface of a test item or component
Visually assess and inspect products
Refer inspection results to a more qualified member of staff
Training and safe use of equipment used for inspections and assessments
Being forthcoming to your supervisor when raising concerns over the frequency of a certain type of defect
Marking defective areas for other follow up validations and assessments by supervisors or colleagues

Some of the tools you can potentially be expected to learn to use during this apprenticeship can include devices that measure conductivity, resistivity, and corrosion, as well as thickness gauges, flaw detectors, material condition testers, and eddy current instruments.

Testing equipment used by a Non-destructive testing operator

Knowledge and behavioural modules

Some of the key aspects of NDT operating that you will have the opportunity to gain knowledge about are:

Health and safety – In regard to Non-Destructive Testing ensuring your safety and the safety of others in the workplace is incredibly important. Your training and understanding will be relevant to the NDT method you will be using based on your training provider.
NDT methods – To complete the Level 2 apprenticeship in this area you will be required to understand and action one NDT method, which will be taught to you by your training provider.
Identifying defects – During this apprenticeship you will be required to learn and understand how to assess products and identify defects effectively against acceptance/rejection criteria.
Sector specific technology – You will be expected to understand and use relevant industry technologies, have knowledge of quality aspects, and working practices, such as induction information and workplace confidentiality protocols.
Industry relevant materials – Knowledge of well-used, new, and upcoming materials and product technology within your industry sector is considered extremely beneficial to learn in the Non-Destructive Testing apprenticeship.

Important qualities for Non-Destructive Testing Operators apprenticeship candidates:

Ethics – Speak to all colleagues with respect and treat individuals with equality in mind. Discrimination in the workplace is not tolerated and all workers should report anything if they feel they are being treated unfairly.
Time Management – All projects, assignments, and duties should consistently be completed in a timely manner and deadlines should be met or an extension should be requested in advance depending on the circumstances.
Independence – Be able to work on assignments without assistance from others and having a positive impact on the work environment.
Comfortable Working in a Team – Work in a team and support team members by equally contributing to any workload in any given teamwork scenario.
Communication Skills – Communicating with senior members of staff and colleagues to ensure work is completed on time and to a high standard, and any issue are raised and resolved.
Initiative – Apply knowledge learnt and experience gained throughout your apprenticeship to your daily tasks and use your initiative to raise any issues with senior members of staff.

Non-destructive testing operator apprentice using testing equipment to survey the safety of train tracks

Conclusion

Does the Level 2 Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Operator Apprenticeship sound like the right fit for you? We hope this post has given you an insight into the NDT course and has encouraged you to start your journey in finding the perfect career that is enjoyable and supports you financially. Non-Destructive Testing can open up a vast range of doors within the working world, making it a great choice for if you are yet unsure of what industry you wish to work in and are looking for an apprenticeship that will give you transferrable skills and keep your options open.

If Non-Destructive Testing is not for you but you’re still looking for something at a higher level in the science-based engineering field, why not check out our blog on the Level 6 Manufacturing Engineer Degree Apprenticeship?

At ApprenticeTips.com we love to hear all your questions and strive to help as many people interested in apprenticeships as we can, so head over to our Twitter direct messages to ask us for tips personally.

Alternatively, you can follow the ApprenticeTips Twitter or LinkedIn for all the latest updates in apprenticeship developments and information posted in our blog.

How Canva Can Help You Shine As A Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprentice

June 3, 2021June 2, 2021 by Thomas Smith

Introduction

Learn more about our favourite marketing tool Canva, and how it can help you shine as a Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprentice.

Like many occupations, Digital marketing is, well… Digital. We’re almost certain you’ve seen a plethora of advertisements for various task management services, designed to streamline workflow within a digital environment. Asana, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet are examples of these services. These platforms excel at what they do due to the need of a stable method of communication and task management within a digital organisation.

It’s safe to say, demand for these platforms has increased dramatically in the past 15 months, with the current times having a huge effect on everyone’s working situation. Infact, Microsoft teams alone saw a 50% increase in daily users in the first 6 months of the global pandemic, most likely due to the large percentage of employees working remotely.

Using Canva As A Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprentice

With over 30 million active monthly users, Canva is a well established, industry standard web tool primarily used for content creation and digital marketing strategies. It’s been made even more accessible recently with the addition of a downloadable app version I can access from my desktop and mobile device.

Used to create social media graphics, presentations, printable documents, animated and other visual content, Canva offers users a platform for marketers to create digital content easily with in-built assistance.

Because of its unrivalled ease of use and low stress, this is a perfect tool for learners, as well as professionals.

What Is Canva Pro?

“It is essential to have good tools, but it also essential that the tools are used in the right way” – Wallace D. Wattles

Digital tools are absolutely vital for a level 3 digital marketing apprentice, and professionals. One of the most popular has unquestionably been Canva Pro, a digital marketing tool used by new and established businesses as an alternative to heavy, expensive software with a much higher skill ceiling.

Canva Pro is the paid-subscription version of Canva, which brings a number of additions at a reasonable price of £99 per year, including:

75+ million premium stock photos, videos, audio and graphics
420,000+ free templates with new designs daily
Create 1 Brand Kit and upload your own fonts and logos
Unlimited use of Background Remover
Resize designs infinitely with Magic Resize
Save designs as templates for your team to use
100GB of cloud storage
Schedule social media content to 7 platforms

Top 5 Uses For Canva Pro

75+ million premium stock photos, videos, audio and graphics

Finding the right stock photo for a project can be a time consuming and sometimes pricey investment, however with Canva Pro’s large bank of stock images, you’ll be able to find the perfect image, 100% of the time. By entering simple keywords into the search bar, you can find exactly what you’re looking for all in one location.

Unlimited use of Background Remover

Want to be able to remove an entire background from an image? Well Canva gives you the option to do that with 1 click…pretty good right? Well Canva Pro removes the limit cap on this function, allowing you to remove as many backgrounds as I want!

Upload your own fonts

A disadvantage about the regular Canva compared to Canva Pro, is the inability to upload user fonts. This can be particularly problematic when a client has specifically requested a font for a piece of marketing, ruling Canva out of the question as a resource tool. Canva Pro removes this issue by allowing users to create a Brand Kit, adding logos and fonts to the application without restriction.

Instagram Stories

With 1 billion monthly Instagram users and over 500 million daily story users, engagement has never been more important on the platform. With the sheer amount of traffic, incorporating stories into your strategy is a great way to advertise to consumers, and take up all that screen space. Stories aren’t the easiest thing to design, that’s where Canva comes in. With tons of story templates you’ll be able to harness this digital tool to save me time, and create relevant content.

Content Planner

Exclusive to Canva Pro and Canva Enterprise, introduced in 2021 is the content planner feature. If you’re familiar with content planners such as Buffer and Hootsuite, then this feature needs no explanation. However if you’re not familiar, we will provide an explanation here at ApprenticeTips.

This feature turns Canva from a tool which focuses on content curation, into a platform capable of publishing content directly to social media accounts from the application. By simply linking an account to the right project folder, with a few simple clicks we can add images to a calendar, picking and choosing the dates and times for our freshly created content to be published out to the world wide web.

Conclusion

If you’re an aspiring or professional digital marketer, I advise this tool over many of the others. It combines versatility with ease of use, removing the stigma that good visual content can’t be achieved without heavy duty software. While Canva is a free to use application, the amount of assists and benefits the Pro Subscription brings will certainly help you shine as an apprentice!

To learn more about the Level 3 Digtial Marketing Apprentice course in its entirety, click this link.

To discover more about Canva Pro, you can visit the website here.

Not what you were looking for? We at ApprenticeTips publish regular blogs about tools and best practices for learners. We also offer training programs and apprenticeships from a huge library of options, including the level 3 digital marketing apprentice.

Be sure to follow our Twitter for instant updates on when our blogs are live, and subscribe to our mailing list for all future updates.

Footwear Manufacturer

March 10, 2021March 10, 2021 by Anita Wu

If you’re interested in footwear and would love to get involved with a highly respected and skilled trade – this new apprenticeship is one for you. This role includes exciting opportunities available with the likes of sportswear, high-street staples and luxury makers such as New Balance, Dr Martens, Cheaney Shoes and Gaziano & Girling.

History

The British footwear manufacturing industry, like Saville Row, supports the pursuit of excellence that embraces innovation and technology. With approximately 30 larger footwear manufactures in the UK and 60 smaller specialist ones, they together make up 5.6 million pairs of footwear that is exported and dotted around on our pavements from one street to another.

An artisanal craft that is greatly rewarding, footwear manufacturers are now looking for apprentices to join their small-scale operations making specialist or bespoke / personalised footwear. Depending on the company, your apprenticeship can have you working all the way up to larger factories with extensive teams and international departments, creating larger runs of footwear that can be exported overseas.

The Role of a Footwear Manufacturer

This Level 2 Apprenticeship teaches everything you need to know about the full end-to-end process on how to manufacture a piece of footwear.

Over the course of 12-15 months, you will learn how to work quickly and accurately use hand tools, technical equipment and machinery. You’ll learn how to follow briefs with specification for different types of footwear and learn how to create a majestic range of shoes with varied timescales and quality standards.

If you have a strong eye for detail and quality with a flare for design – this is one to consider!

Footwear manufacturers will join a team, reporting to Team Leaders, Supervisors or Owners as well as interacting with Production Managers, General Managers, Quality Managers and production colleagues. For those in a smaller team, you will also have possible access to clients and designers

Typical day-to-day duties of a Footwear Manufacturer include:

Cutting materials (mainly leather) by hand or by machine/laser
Skiving (thinning materials)
Closing (sewing the upper part of the footwear)
Lasting (forming the footwear)
Attaching the sole either cemented or stitched
Finishing the footwear
Quality inspection and packing to company specification

This falls under the engineering and manufacturing route with maximum funding of £5000.

Core Requirements – Knowledge & Skills

Health, Safety & the Environment

Safe working practices to minimise hazards and risks from storing equipment to maintaining work procedures
Health & Safety legislation to your area of responsibility for others and the environment
Effective use of equipment and safe working methods
Hazard and risk identification in the work area

Footwear Construction Process

Learning the importance of brand quality standards with attention to detail throughout
Understanding footwear construction terminology as well as sizing and variations of production for different product types
Gaining insight on materials, machinery and equipment required for each stage of the production process

Footwear Materials Tools & Equipment

Understanding the characteristics, properties and behaviour of a variety of materials and components used in footwear construction and their suitable application (such as high quality leather for premium footwear or softer materials for ballet dance shoes)
Identification of production problems and correct materials and components
Preparation for quality check and reporting faults to upper management
Learning advancements of production problems and associated corrective actions
Performing routine maintenance to ensure the efficiency of machinery, tools and equipment

Footwear Work Practices

Instilling company’s history, policy, brand values towards the customer base and product range
Helping run a cost effective workflow, following through on specification and appropriate work instructions to meet customer and company requirements
Implementing efficient and effective use of materials by closely following instructions and minimising waste
Undertaking processes to consistent speed and quality requirements as outlined by the company

Core Requirements – Behaviours

A proactive approach to Health & Safety procedures, personally and towards colleagues
Demonstrates a positive mind-set towards maintaining high standards of quality, precision and excellence
Self motivated, punctual individual who is flexible with change, new requirements and changing priorities
Team player that upholds equality and diversity in the workplace

Entry Requirements:

Individual employers will set the selection criteria and specify the entry requirements applicable to their work.

Should you be without a Level 1 English and Maths certificate, you will be required to take a test for Level 2 prior to taking the end-point assessment towards the end of your contract.

For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, an Entry Level 3 and British Sign Language qualification will also be allowed.

Conclusion

There are plenty of training opportunities out there, whether you’re looking to up skill, grow dynamically or kickstart your career in another direction whether it’s design, engineering or marketing based. Feel free to browse our other apprenticeships to see what’s best for you.

More on Engineering and Manufacturing opportunities can be found here.

Want to hear more? Follow along on our Twitter and LinkedIn pages for further tips and guidance.

Level 3 Boatbuilder Apprenticeship

December 18, 2020December 17, 2020 by Milly Rowe

Do you love Boats, building, and repairing? Are you handy with tools, interested in engineering, or looking to change careers altogether? Read on to find out how the Level 3 Boatbuilder apprenticeship could land you your dream job and kick-start a new career!

Key responsibilities of the Level 3 Boatbuilder Apprenticeship

What does a Boatbuilder Apprentice do?

A boatbuilder apprentice builds boats such as yachts, workboats, and superyachts and/or refit and repair existing boats. A variety of different materials such as composites, metals, or wood will be used. A boatbuilder apprentice will learn to work with and understand the capabilities of these materials.

You will learn to read and interpret engineering and technical drawings to produce molds, jigs, plugs, and templates during your boatbuilder apprenticeship. As an apprentice, you will learn to use these to create complex shapes using and variety of measuring equipment, machines, and hand tools. You will be expected to work individually and as part of a team.

You will manufacture and assemble components that form the structure of a boat as well as the interior and exterior as a boatbuilder. A understand and compliance with organisational and statutory safety including sustainability requirements is a must.

During your apprenticeship, you will be responsible for the quality and accuracy of your work. Apprentices should eventually be able to work with minimum supervision, therefore, you must be able to communicate and solve problems well.

During your boatbuilder apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to work with associated trades such as Marine Engineers, as a result, you will gain a strong understanding of the marine industry.

Upon successful completion of the boatbuilder apprenticeship, you will be multi-skilled and capable of adapting to changing demands. Boats are becoming more complex, and new materials and methods are regularly being introduced. This means throughout your exciting career as a boatbuilder, you will be learning, adapting, and evolving.

This apprenticeship will be recognised by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) at ‘Engineering Technician’ level on successful completion.

Level 3 Boatbuilder Apprentice working with mentor.

Entry criteria for the Level 3 Boatbuilder Apprenticeship

Wondering how to become a boatbuilder?

Individual employers will identify any relevant entry requirements when applying for a boatbuilder apprenticeship. Most candidates will typically have GCSEs (or equivalent) at A*- C including maths, English, and possibly a relevant science.

If you’re applying for the boatbuilder apprenticeship without GCSE English and maths will need to achieve this level before taking the End-Point Assessment (EPA). Your apprenticeship provider will be able to assist you with this. Head over to ApprenticeNow.com to find out more about this.

For those with an education, health and care plan, or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Level 3 Boatbuilder Apprentice working. — Level 3 Boatbuilder Apprentice working with material.

Level 3 Boatbuilder Apprenticeship Core Competencies

Behaviours – Level 3 Boatbuilder Apprenticeship

Appropriate safety behaviours individually and towards others
A commitment to quality and continuous improvement
Commercial awareness and business acumen
A focus on the requirements of the customer
An ability to work effectively individually and as part of a team
An ability to communicate with all levels of the organisation
A strong work ethic including motivated, committed, meticulous, reliable, proactive, and adaptable behaviours
A recognition and appreciation of equality and diversity in the workplace

Level 3 Boatbuilder Apprenticeship – Skills

Work method – Skills:

Prepare the work area and maintain safe, clean, and efficient work methods and environments
Identify and minimise hazards and risks in the workplace
Select, use, maintain and store equipment, tools, and materials
Follow and maintain work procedures, method statements, and production records
Make the most efficient and effective use of resources, time, and materials

Identify and respond to customer needs – Skills:

Prepare for meetings and discussions and use appropriate listening, questioning, recording, and presentation techniques
Use appropriate marine terminology
Use estimating techniques to support discussions

Planning and set up – skills:

Review and verify designs and plans
Finalise time and cost of the work to be done
Identify and source equipment, machinery, tools, and materials
Make, produce and use jigs and templates as required
Set up tools and machinery

Manufacture and assemble/ disassemble and repair components – Skills:

Manufacture or repair components to the required specification
Move components using the appropriate safe methods
Check components for robustness, fit, and tolerances
Analyse problems with machinery, equipment,
tools and material, proposing/implementing solutions where appropriate
Move, shape, and manipulate components to achieve the best fit
Select and use appropriate methods for holding materials and components in place, and for the connecting, fixing, and assembly of materials and components
Safeguard materials and components during assembly
Select suitable methods of repair that are effective and maintain original construction
Select suitable methods for fault finding and analysis
Make repairs whilst safeguarding the integrity of components and the surrounding area
Identify, mark, store and organise dismantled parts for reassembly

Fit-out – skills:

Determine the order and work methods
Install and fix components using the most appropriate method and material
Ensure that joins are suitably made and treated
Position and fit items
· Finalise fit-out for deck hardware

Finish – skills:

Check joins are sealed and fit for purpose
Prepare surfaces, treat suitably and ensure are free from defects and protected
Soften or suitably finish edges
Assess the quality of work

Support commissioning and sea trials – Skills:

Assess fixtures and fittings for quality and stability
Contribute to the commissioning of the boat as required
Assemble required documentation
Brief recipients verbally with the necessary documentation

Level 3 Boatbuilder Apprenticeship – Knowledge and understanding

Work methods – Knowledge and understanding:

The purpose of a range of equipment, tools, and materials
The characteristics and reaction of materials to their environment e.g. temperature, humidity, pressure
Safe and efficient methods of use, maintenance, movement, protection, and storage of materials
Work hazards and safe working methods
Broad knowledge of other marine trades to understand their needs
How to produce and interpret engineering drawings and understand boatbuilding terminology

Identify and respond to customer needs – Knowledge and understanding:

The international marine industry and the company’s place within it
The company’s products and services
The role of formal and informal communication
The uses of information technology in the workplace
Principles of costing, pricing, and budgeting

Planning and set up – Knowledge and understanding:

The company’s process for design, planning, and set up
How to obtain the required specifications using selected procedures
The conventions underpinning technical documentation the roles and safe and efficient uses of machinery
The uses of templates
Vessel design and construction, complex shapes, and the applications of geometry
The bill of materials methodology and reporting of discrepancies
Feedback on drawing and specification errors of modifications required

Manufacture and assemble/ disassemble and repair components – Knowledge and understanding:

The appropriate uses of measuring aids and equipment
The basic principles of contingency planning and of problem-solving
The options and constraints during assembly
Working with complex shapes and curves
The scope of materials for shaping and manipulation
Methods ptions for holding and clamping components before assembly
The properties, uses, and limitations of materials for connecting, fixing, and assembling components
De-storing a vessel for repair, safeguarding and protecting all removed items.
Methods of disassembling boats for repair
Fault finding techniques
A range of new and traditional techniques for boatbuilding

Fit out – Knowledge and understanding:

The options for connecting similar and dissimilar materials
Types and uses of deck hardware and the forces applied
The options for fixing components in place
Understanding service and maintenance requirements

Finish – Knowledge and understanding:

The options for connecting similar and dissimilar materials
Types and uses of deck hardware and the forces applied
The options for fixing components in place
Understanding service and maintenance requirements

Support commissioning and sea trials – Knowledge and understanding:

Manufacturers’ specifications and requirements
Guidance for the care and maintenance of materials
The relevant documentation
Boat handling skills
Understand the requirements for basin and sea trials
Principles of practice for working on or near water

Conclusion

As you can see, the level 3 Boatbuilder apprenticeship is an exciting and excellent starting point for anyone looking to pursue a career in boatbuilding. The core skills, knowledge, and behaviours covered in this apprenticeship will open up a range of future opportunities for you.

With an apprenticeship you will earn while you learn, also your training is free to you, and there are plenty of opportunities for further education after completion. Why not take a look at our full list of approved Engineering & Manufacturing Apprenticeships here.

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Level 3 Live Event Technician Apprentice [New Update]

December 9, 2020December 9, 2020 by Alexandra Arnold-Jones

Music concert hall — *You could be involved in events like this as a Live Event Technician Apprentice*!

Could you have the skills to be a Level 3 Live Event Technician Apprentice? Are you the sort of person who loves setting up huge, exciting events all over the country? Would you be interested in helping organise the tech for a vast range of live events from concerts, festivals and theatrical performances through to exhibitions, conferences, product launches and showcases?

Well if this sounds like you, read on to find out how a Level 3 Live Event Technician Apprenticeship could help you kick start your career in events. Alternatively this could provide a new, exciting opportunity to move sideways in your career.

Description of your role as a live event technician apprentice

During thirty months as a live event technician apprentice, you will have the opportunity to participate in setting up a range of live events, from concerts and festivals, through to product launches and showcases. Live Event Technicians prepare and set up the technical equipment for such events. Sound exciting? Well it is! Live Event Technicians will be required to carry out routine and one-off technical preparation and set-up of the equipment for these events, often within a strict time frame.

Along the way, you will pick up a deep knowledge of the equipment used and the vital skills needed to store, pick, maintain, transport and build components into a functioning system as well as operate these systems. The job is based around team work, and it is fundamental that you act as a team player to transform the venue into a functioning, thriving event environment. Outside of the event environment, it will also be your job to organise the control, servicing, repair and storage of the complex technical equipment. Indeed, it is paramount to maintain health and safety in these fast moving, dynamic workplaces. Working both individually, and as part of the production team, you will work nearly independently to take responsibility of your work. You must be diligent and proactive, able to find solutions to problems and streamlining workplace processes.

Job and entry requirements for the event technician apprenticeship

This is a level 3 apprenticeship that provides you with the skills and knowledge to lead a variety of roles in the tech event industry – from on-site Technician, to in-house Project Manager, and potentially on to Account Managers & Project Managers of the future. The possibilities for progression are endless! The Apprenticeship course will typically last around 30 months however, this is subject to multiple factors including your previous experience – the apprenticeship will be tailored to you. Apprentices will be required to achieve their Level 2 English and Maths qualification prior to the end of the apprenticeship, so you are able to apply without these. It is also specified that basic IT skills and a pass level in GCSE Science are desirable to have however, this is not fundamental to the employer’s decision. In addition to this, you must be physically fit and comfortable working at certain height requirements.

Showcase event — *Huge showcase events like the one picture require a team of dedicated professionals behind them – could this be you?*

Core behaviours, attitudes and interpersonal behaviours required for the role

Working in such a dynamic and diverse role means that Technicians will need the ability to work within a variety of tense, pressured team environments. You will need to adopt a crucial safe working attitude and be respectful of those working around you in different jobs. Other required attitudes, behaviours and interpersonal skills associated with this workplace include:

The ability to work as part of a team.
The drive and determination to complete the job on time.
The ability to work and remain calm & safe under pressure.
A safe attitude – specifically regarding working with electricity, work at height, manual handling & noise.
The ability to adapt to change with enthusiasm.
The ability to demonstrate problem-solving abilities.
A willingness to work unsociable hours in varying locations for extended periods.
Punctuality, reliability and personal responsibility.
Self-motivated with a positive ‘can do’ attitude, clear goals and ambition.
The ability to be an effective communicator.

The skills and knowledge you will develop along the way as a level 3 live event technician…

Preparation, test, repair and maintenance of equipment such as Amplifiers, Speakers & Sound Control Desks; Lights, Dimmers & Lighting Control Desks or Video Screens, Projectors & associated Control Equipment.
Assembly of systems from component parts.
Fault finding in components and systems.
Operation of specialised technical equipment & tools.
People management and Interpersonal skills especially the ability to react to varied working environments.
Computer literacy including specialist software systems such as CAD/Design and Rental Management.
Understand and interpret system specifications and drawings.
Logistics, with specific reference to truck pack, the ability to judge required space for loads, and prepare Carnets & Manifests for shows travelling outside of the UK/EU.
Lifting/Ground Rigging – much of the technical equipment used in live events is hung from pre-rigged support systems.
Customer Service – dealing politely & respectfully with customers, ranging from Account Managers to Production Managers to the end client when on site.
Product knowledge and terminology including the theory surrounding chosen specialisms such as sound, light and video.
Understand planning processes required to deliver a live event and the importance of eliminating errors that can prove costly on site.
Selection of the correct tools and equipment for tasks.
Electricity and Temporary Electrical Supplies; theory, practice and safety.
Understand Management Structures within event environment, site etiquette and culture, including on site communication and interdependencies between departments.
Working knowledge of stock control, warehousing, storage, logistics and transportation.
Knowledge of First Aid and Health & Safety including manual handling, work at height, noise, working hours & fatigue and related legislation.
Knowledge of the environmental impact of live events and how it is managed.
Lifting operations; theory and practice.
A clear understanding of the sectors within the live events industry.

Conclusion

As you can see, this level 3 apprenticeship is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to pursue a career in live events. The core skills covered in training will open up a wide range of job and career advancement opportunities, giving you the ability to earn while you learn.

Live Event technician not for you? Check out some more great apprenticeship opportunities at https://www.apprenticetips.com/

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Level 4 Assistant Technical Director (Visual Effects) Apprenticeship

November 9, 2020November 9, 2020 by Gabriella Field

*Unlock your potential with an Assistant Technical Director Apprenticeship*

Are you interested in a property management apprenticeship or job in visual effects?

If you’re interested in the sector, find out how a Level 4 Assistant Techincal Director Apprenticeship could help you jumpstart a new career, or take a step in a new direction in your current one.

Duration is typically 18 to 24 months.

Overview of the Assistant Techincal Director Role

The visual effect assistant role is an entry-level role. It is a role where you can create imagery that can alter or enhance moving media. It involves a mixture of live-action footage and computer-generated imagery to create realistic images.

Assistant technical directors (ATDs) may perform a diverse series of technical support functions to ensure the smooth running of a visual effects project.

They are responsible for:

supporting and troubleshooting the pipeline and workflow tools
providing technical assistance to people in creative departments
managing data and resources

ATDs utilise a variety of industry-standard graphical applications, scripting languages and operating systems. You can support projects by gathering artist requirements, designing solutions and coding small-scale tools.

What knowledge and skills will I acquire?

Approach to loading data from internal and external sources
Delivery and output formats
Visual effects terminology
Familiarity with industry-standard software packages, e.g. Maya, Houdini, 3D Studio Max etc.
Select and use appropriate software tools and techniques
Use appropriate techniques to reduce degradation of the source material (for example colour correction concatenation and single-step filtering on transformations)
Use appropriate VFX terminology.
Show technical competence in at least one industry-standard VFX software.
·Use FTP clients (tools to transfer computer files) and external hard drives
Create Quicktimes
Package assets for client delivery
Data management
Digital images and manipulation techniques
Disk management and general processes
Convert, resize and rename various file types
Monitor, track and report data usage.
Identify data for archival and removal.
Undertake final archiving and subsequent data restoration from archives
Render management
Grid computing
Render optimisation techniques
Databases
Project organisation
Maths
Trigonometry
Matrices
Vectors
Applied mechanics
Basic algebra
Software design
Investigate existing solutions or frameworks
Plan and document development roadmaps
Scripting and Python scripting language
Shell scripting
Support or troubleshoot pipeline and workflow tools
Document tools/developments
Computing
VFX Craft

Entry requirements

Individual employers will set the selection criteria, but this is likely to include A levels (or equivalent level 3 qualification) in an ICT or moving picture related subject.

Most candidates will also have English and Maths at level 2 on entry.

Some employers may also ask for an online portfolio, coding examples or the completion of a timed assessment.

Conclusion: an excellent start for visual effects careers

As you can see, this level 4 apprenticeship is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to pursue a career in visual effects. The core skills covered in training will open up a wide range of job and career advancement opportunities, and you will earn while you learn.

More great apprenticeship opportunities

We hope this post has inspired you to find out more about this apprenticeship, but if this programme isn’t for you, why not check out some of the other great ones on offer?

Welcome to apprenticetips.com

Employers involved in creating the standard:

Double Negative, MPC, The Mill, ILM, Milk Visual Effects, Jellyfish Pictures, Framestore, Molinare, BlueBolt, Bandito, Baseblack, Prime Focus World, Outpost VFX