engineering apprenticeships

Building Services Engineering – Service and Maintenance Engineer Apprenticeship – Level 3

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View Above Construction Site
Photo by CHUTTERSNAP on Unsplash

Keen for more of a hands on learning approach? Interested in maintenance and engineering? If so, a building services Service and Maintenance engineer apprenticeship could be just what you need to start your career. Read on for more information about what you could expect from this course.

Chapters

  1. Occupational Profile
  2. Core Competencies
  3. The Qualification
  4. Future Steps
  5. Conclusion

Service and Maintenance Engineer – Occupational Profile

Building services engineering is vital in making sure buildings work. Service and Maintenance engineers work across a whole range of maintenance jobs. For instance, their role covers both industrial and commercial engineering systems. These can include ventilation, heating, water supply, waste and drainage. A Service and Maintenance engineer will make sure that these systems are operating within specific specifications and oversee the management of them. In addition, they also have the responsibility for fault finding, fault diagnosis, maintenance and repair and components and equipment found in industrial settings such as offices, hospitals, factories, schools and more.

These engineers undertake work with a high level of autonomy. They therefore require advanced diagnostic skills and specific, detailed knowledge about each system and its principles. As well as the practical elements of the role, a Service and Maintenance engineer will also need to deal with clients. This is important as they need to make sure that work is completed efficiently and with as little impact on the buildings use as possible.

In order to meet the high standard that is expected, an engineer will need to be able to demonstrate complete competence in the following areas;

  • Health and safety
  • Quality control
  • Communication
  • Environmental requirements
Engineers looking out over a construction site
Photo by Scott Blake on Unsplash

Core Competencies of a Service and Maintenance Engineer

This role requires that you can demonstrate a number of skills and behaviours that are essential to carrying out work. A selection of these can be seen below.

  • A good knowledge of safety legislation and safe working practices. The ability to apply these to yourself and others where relevant.
  • Working sustainably. Planning, organising and working in a way which uses resources most efficiently. Therefore being able to consider cost, quality, time, safety, security and environmental impact are vital.
  • A good knowledge of the procedures, standards and codes of practice required. And subsequently, the ability to put these effectively and efficiently into practice.
  • Being able to communicate effectively across a range of methods with colleagues, clients, supervisors and more.
  • Being aware of your own personal development – maintaining and enhancing competencies across all areas of your role as your career progresses.

In order to further understand these and the other competencies required in more detail, have a look at the ‘Occupational standard’ and ‘Assessment plan’ for this role.

Male engineer working on some machinery
Photo by ThisisEngineering RAEng on Unsplash

The Qualification

This course is for a Level 3 Building Services Engineering Service and Maintenance Engineer Apprenticeship.

The duration of the course can vary from 36 to 48 months depending on previous experience.

Entry requirements are subject to the individual employer. Apprentices without Level 2 in either English or Maths will need to complete these before the end of the apprenticeship.

Future Steps

This course would provide you a great foundation to further your career in the building services industry. Whether you want to continue your learning journey, or jump straight into a permanant role. Here is a few steps you could take when you achieve the Level 3 qualification.

  • Level 6 Building Services Design Engineer. Upon successful completion of this course, apprentices would receive a BSc or BEng building services degree with accreditation by the relevant professional engineering institution. Read more about this course here.
  • If you loved everything about the Level 3 course, you could look to become a full time Service and Maintenance engineer.
  • Or, if there a particular element of the role you enjoyed, you could look to specialise by going on to qualify in plumbing and heating for example where the average salary is over £32k.

The skills and behaviours you learn in this course will set you up to a wide range of potential careers. As well as the above, you might also be interested in supervisory roles, project management roles or even training apprentices just like yourself.

Conclusion

Hopefully this blog has helped you identify whether Service and Maintenance engineering is for you. Whether it leads you onto further learning opportunities or lands you that new job, there is no doubt of the benefits.

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Should you do an apprenticeship as an Acoustics Technician? – Level 4 Acoustics Technician Apprenticeship

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Acoustics Technician and Engineer surveying railway development

So you are interested in starting your profession as an Acoustics Technician but not sure how to go about it? Don’t worry! We’ll cover everything you need to know in the article below. From what an Acoustics Technician is and what they do, plus what an apprenticeship involves.

  1. What is an Acoustics Technician?
  2. What does an Acoustics Technician do?
  3. How much do Acoustics Technicians earn?
  4. How can you become an Acoustics Technician?
  5. What does the Acoustics Technician apprenticeship involve?
  6. How can you apply to be an Acoustics Technician?
  7. What do you receive when you complete the apprenticeship?
  8. Future prospects

Doing an Acoustics Technician apprenticeship is a great way of starting your career. You’ll learn useful skills and gain knowledge in areas such as the calibration of acoustic equipment and understanding the science of sound and vibration for uses in construction, engineering and product design.

What is an Acoustics Technician?

When new railway lines are laid, tunnels created, products such as cars designed and theatres updated, sound and vibration have to be considered. This could be due to how much noise is being generated or where the sound and vibrations are being focused. This is where an Acoustics Technician comes in. They take sound and vibration readings, create models and make suggestions to assist architects and designers to improve or comply with regulations. Sound good!?

What does an Acoustics Technician do?

An Acoustics Technician is focussed on the science of sound and vibration. They do a variety of tasks, typically supporting Acoustic Engineers. Technicians are normally involved in projects where they focus specifically on the acoustic aspects alongside other acoustic experts, such as consultants and engineers. These projects are often in really varied locations such as stadiums, theatres, railways and many more.
As an Acoustics Technician you will typically undertake:

  • Noise and vibration surveying
  • Data collecting, processing, analysing and reporting
  • Acoustic modelling
  • Calibration of acoustic equipment

How much do Acoustics Technician earn?

An important question when it comes to careers, how much could you earn? Well, according to Glassdoor the typical Acoustics Technician earns around £27k a year based on the national average.

How can you become an Acoustics Technician?

There are various paths you can take too, such as studying in a university full time, doing an online course or taking an apprenticeship. This is the route that we would recommend as the hands-on experience you will gain whilst learning is invaluable to further your career and understanding.

Also, you won’t have any tuition fees or student debt to worry about. As employers normally cover the bill for the course, so you get paid whilst learning!

Acoustics Technician surveying a railway tunnel with yellow hard hat
A Acoustics Technician viewing a railway tunnel with yellow hard hat

What does the Acoustics Technician apprenticeship involve?

It is a 24-month course (not including EPA period) where you will learn the required knowledge, skills and behaviours to become an Acoustics Technician.

The knowledge you will gain:

  • Following law, regulations and standards in regard to acoustics
  • Scientific principles of sound and vibration
  • Level 4 mathematics
  • Use of various sound and vibration measuring equipment
  • Sustainable practices in the design and manufacture of acoustic products
  • Using Computer Aided Design software packages
  • Acoustic modelling, reporting and analysing data

The skills you will learn:

  • Identifying risks related to acoustics
  • How to do acoustics calculations manually and using spreadsheets
  • Interpreting sound correctly
  • Communicating effectively in both oral and written form
  • Produce models and reports

The behaviours you will display:

  • Accuracy and diligence
  • Teamwork
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Commitment to Equality and Diversity

How can you apply to be an Acoustics Technician?

You can find out more information about applying using the contact form below.

To be eligible to take the course you are required to have an equivalent of a level 3 apprenticeship preferably in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields. If you haven’t already achieved level 2 in English or Mathematics. You can do so during apprenticeship, however you need to finish it before the EPA (End Point Assessment).

What do you receive when you complete the apprenticeship?

Once competed you will have the skills and ability to do a wide variety of acoustic-based jobs such as:

  • Architectural and Environmental Acoustics Technician
  • Acoustics Laboratory Technician
  • Acoustics Calibration Engineering Technician
  • Supporting Environmental Health Practitioner for noise
  • Acoustics Product Design Technician

You will be eligible to register with the Engineering Council at EngTech level. Which is a globally recognised profession registration title. Valued by numerous employers and customers in the field so is a great option.

Future prospects

Once you have completed the apprenticeship you can progress on to becoming a Acoustics Engineer or Consultant. You can also develop into other senior roles detailed under the construction occupational map.

Finally, there are additional CPD (continuous personal development) courses which can be found through the Engineering Council or other engineering bodies.

If you require any further information or are interested in becoming an apprentice, please fill out the contact form below. We would love to hear from you!

Level 4 Road Transport Engineering Manager Apprenticeship

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Interested in a career in engineering and road transport? Want to kickstart your career in a field of steady growth and learn alongside seasoned professionals? The Level 4 Road Transport Engineering Manager apprenticeship might be for you – Find out what this role entails, and what your journey could look like.

Role overview and entry criteria for the Level 4 Road Transport Engineering Manager apprenticeship

The duration of the apprenticeship is 36 months, but may be reduced for a candidate with previous relevant experience. It is recommended that candidates have completed a Level 3 apprenticeship, or has prior work experience in an engineering supervisor role.

In this role you are responsible for managing the road transport engineering department of a bus, coach or commercial vehicle operator – this includes managing the safety of the team and the reliability of the vehicle fleet. You will ensure that vehicles are compliant with health and safety regulations, and relevant industry regulations and codes of practice for Passenger Carrying Vehicles (PCV). You will also constantly review working practices in the depot, managing the infrastructure and resources efficiently and managing environmental impact.

Displays cones and road sign
Traffic cones and road signs

Personal and professional skills required as a Level 4 Road Transport Engineering Manager

Those who take on the role will need to display and develop the following key skills throughout their apprenticeship:

  • Customer relationship management – managing and building relationships with internal and external customers
  • Results driven – take full ownership of work and collaborate with team members to exceed expectations
  • Proactive and enthusiastic – consistently identify opportunities for growth in yourself and others and recognising the contribution of others, providing constructive feedback
  • Active listening – use a range of communication methods to suit the diverse audiences you will be working with
  • Deconstructing and managing complex situations – accepting responsibility and making decisions based on personal initiative, technical knowledge, and situational analysis
  • Resilience and drive – seeing work through to completion and prepared to try new things and redefine best practices
  • Natural authority – consistent leader, acting as a role model

Responsibilities of a Level 4 Road Transport Engineering Manager

Within the role you will take on various responsibilities, some of which are:

  • Developing plans and schedules to maintain the fleet maintenance schedule in order to provide safe and reliable operational performance standards
  • Working with drivers and internal and external customers
  • Prioritising and managing breakdown and maintenance issues, such as road accidents
  • Apply engineering solutions using established and emerging technology
  • Monitor the efficiency of engineering activities and proposing improvements to efficiency
  • Ensuring industry best practice is adhered to by all staff, identifying and reducing all risks
  • Managing the performance and development of staff, leading by example
  • Managing the engineering budget in accordance with realistic targets
  • Managing the storage, removal and disposal of waste on site, actively seeking to minimise environmental impact
  • Building strong relationships with all stakeholders, such as suppliers, manufacturers, and regulators
  • Delivering performance reports using relevant technologies
Road work at night, engineers repairing the road
Low angle view of street workers and a welder while repairing the rail tracks in the city at night. Road sign is in front and truck with equipment is in the background.

Career progression for a Level 4 Road Transport Engineering Manager

Upon completion of this apprenticeship you can expect to gain a qualification which meets the professional standards of the relevant professional bodies of the Engineering Council for initial registration as an Engineering Technician. This will make you ready to pursue either a full-time career in the field, or continue onto higher levels of education and training, leading to a business management or engineering degree.

Conclusion

The Level 4 Road Transport Engineering Manager role has wide scope for the development of both your personal and professional skills and can set you up for a successful career in the engineering industry.

If you would like to learn about other engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship offerings, check out our other posts here.

Rail Engineering Operative Apprenticeship

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Level 2 Rail Engineering Apprenticeship Overview

Are you looking for a meaningful career in The Railway? The Railway has been an incredibly essential part of our development as a nation. Each year, over 1.7 billion train journeys are made in the UK and 9% of all of the UK’s domestic freight was moved by rail. A Rail Engineering Apprenticeship is a fantastic way to build on your existing skills and develop new ones that will be invaluable to a Railway Engineer.

This apprenticeship can put you on the path to becoming a Rail Engineer, a lucrative job that earns on average £53,425 per year (range £22,880 to £143,000).

Level 2 Rail Engineer Apprenticeship employees discussing on a railway track with orange vests
Two engineers discussing on railway tracks with orange vests

Entry Criteria and Core Skills

To be a successful applicant for this job, training providers and employers are looking for a Rail Engineering Apprentice who is aware of safe and professional working practices, general engineering techniques, how to work effectively and contribute towards engineering solutions, has awareness of commercial principles and it’s implications.

So, Core skills for this apprenticeship include the ability to understand and comply with safe working practices, willingness to prepare for and deliver a high standard of technical work, the ability to identify and report problems, to utilise tools, materials and equipment effectively and finally all applicants must possess effective communication skills.

What do I need to be a Rail Engineer Apprentice?

To be a Rail Engineer, you would be on the front line of the railway, keeping all the trains running smoothly through managing safe construction, installation and upkeep of the extensive network.

The day-to-day responsibilities of this apprenticeship include…

  • Assisting in the Construction and maintenance of The Railway and it’s components
  • Contributing to functional and operational tests using specialist equipment
  • Helping to diagnose equipment failures and prevent future faults

Specific Knowledge and Skills required

TRACK Understand the process for track installation, methods and techniques for track inspection, maintenance and replacement, what constitutes a track defect or variation, track work instructions, hot weather restrictions and extreme weather plans. Maintain the track and its environment including vegetation and drainage.

ELECTRIFICATION Understand electrical principals. Under direction: assist in maintenance and installation of railway electrification equipment and components; assist in isolation and earthing of electrical systems at different voltages and frequencies, working on live battery & inverter systems and maintaining substation plant.

OVERHEAD LINES Understand mechanical principles and construction design. Follow instructions to assemble overhead line components so to keep in line with detailed specification, using lifting and access equipment while working at heights.

SIGNALLING Understand function and characteristics of railway signalling systems, including electrical, electronic and mechanical principles. Under direction: install & wire signalling or control systems; install position and label equipment, components and cables, undertake relevant checks; assist in testing of components and equipment plus maintain and rectify signal control systems equipment.

TELECOMS Understand principles of electronic devices, circuits, data and communications equipment. Understand the types of operational constraints when carrying out telecoms installation and maintenance activities.

TRACTION AND ROLLING STOCK Understand vehicle design, construction, maintenance and operation. Under direction, carry out preventative and scheduled maintenance activities and follow vehicle maintenance instructions on T&RS communication equipment and check subsystems are operating correctly.

What Qualifications do I gain?

Qualifications gained during this Apprenticeship:
– Level 2 Rail Engineering (Competence)
– Level 2 Rail Engineering (Technical Knowledge)
Duration of Apprenticeship:
12 months

Maximum Funding available:
– £12,000
Level of Apprenticeship:
Level 2 – Equivalent to 5 GCSE passes (see below)

A Diagram showing the different levels of apprenticeships, and to what they are equivalent. A level 2 apprenticeship is classified as intermediate and is equivalent to 5 GCSE passes.
A diagram to show the different Apprenticeship Levels. This Apprenticeship is a Level 2.

Possible job titles include; Track Operative, Overhead Line Operative, Electrification Operative, Traction & Rolling Stock Operative, Signalling Operative, Telecoms Operative.

Ready to Apply? See some employers / training providers ready to hire in the links below:

Or, check out some of the other engineering and manufacture apprenticeships listed on our website:

Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship – Level 3

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Sheet metal bending in factory

Have you always wanted to work hands-on creating some of the most impressive pieces of craftsmanship from giant structures, to crucial components within some of the most important machines in our modern society? If this sounds like you then read through this information to find out how completing a level 3 metal fabricator apprenticeship can help you kickstart a career to fulfil your passion.

Entry requirements for a level 3 Metal Fabricator Apprenticeship

The entry requirements for a Level 3 metal fabricator apprenticeship are generally set by the individual employers. However, something that can increase the chances of success would be to have 4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or equivalent, which should include Mathematics, English, and a Science. Furthermore, showing enthusiasm and a passion for the work through being able to talk about aspects of the role even on a basic level can go a long way.

Future job opportunities

The Metal Fabricator apprenticeship provides opportunities to work manufacturing anything out metal which includes bridges, ships, aircrafts, automotive parts, etc. From this apprenticeship, you can initially move into a full-time position as a metal fabricator, which can from there possibly move into roles such as an engineering technician, Civil engineer, and design and development engineer. For a job such as the latter, you could be earning an estimated salary of £45k which shows that this is a path that could prove to be rewarding.

Main responsibilities of a metal fabricator apprentice

The role of a metal fabricator is primarily working with metals such as rolled steel joists, columns, metals sheets, etc, to manufacture parts for multiple industries. This work may be carried out alone or within a team, in factories or operational sites. The size and aspects of the metalwork will be varied, with small intricate components, to structures that will require cranes to manoeuvre. Furthermore, you will be responsible for communicating with multiple other people involved in the manufacturing, production and repair processes.

Metal fabricator in action

Skills Involved

This apprenticeship will allow you to gain a solid foundation of skills that will not only help prepare you for the complexity of the role itself but also prepare you for the workplace and building relationships. Skills that you will find during this include:

  • Work safely at all times, comply with health & safety legislation, regulations and organisational requirements
  • Comply with environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements
  • Obtain, check and use the appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation)
  • Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity
  • Carry out the required checks (such as quality, compliance or testing) using the correct procedures, processes and/or equipment
  • Complete any required documentation using the defined recording systems at the appropriate stages of the work activity
  • Cut and form Metal for the production of fabricated products
  • Carry out the relevant preparation before starting the joining fabrication activity

Conclusion

The Level 3 Metal Fabrication Apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to gain crucial on the job experience in a competitive industry, as well as increasing your level of knowledge and qualifications to help further your career opportunities.

If you’re scrambling for more knowledge on the metal fabrication industry and want to read up further on relevant news give some of these pieces a read.

For even more information on apprenticeships as a whole come over to our blog. Similarly, why not give our socials a follow.

Level 3 Marine Engineer Apprenticeship

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A container ship at sea

Would you love a career designing, building and maintaining all sorts of boats, from submarines to superyachts? If so, read on to find out how the level 3 marine engineer apprenticeship could be an ideal choice for you.

Jobs and entry criteria for the level 3 marine engineer apprenticeship

A marine engineer’s tasks are varied: from installing marine engines to working on boat layout and engineering systems. A marine engineer’s yearly salary is a lucrative £44,720, plus there’s currently a shortage of marine engineers in the UK, with 36,000 job openings predicted by 2027 (Source: LMI For All). Whilst individual employers set specific requirements for entry, a marine engineer apprenticeship typically requires GCSEs (or equivalent) at A*-C in Maths, English, a Science, and Technology. You’ll also be able to demonstrate great problem solving abilities, plus strong teamwork, IT and numeracy skills on your CV.

Key responsibilities of a marine engineer apprentice

A marine engineer is meticulous, reliable, and able to work both individually and in a team. As a marine engineer apprentice, you’ll learn about the design layout of a marine system or component, how to interpret the designer’s technical plans and data, and how to finalise the cost and time length of a project. You’ll study how to select, maintain and store tools and technical equipment, as well as be able to source, choose and interpret technical data. You’ll also learn advanced engineering skills to install and maintain marine engines and marine ancillary systems and components.

Marine engineers at work
Marine engineers at work

Level 3 Marine Engineer Core Competencies

As part of your job, you will carry out duties that will satisfy a number of competencies. Some examples are:

  • make recommendations to ensure optimal performance of boats
  • consider sustainability and environmental impacts when making, safety, quality and cost decisions
  • use hand tools to cut, drill, shape and finish components to tolerances
  • check/inspect components for robustness, fit and tolerances
  • check/test/diagnose marine engineering components to company and manufacturing standards
  • apply safety and social responsibility practices when working at sea
  • undertake basic crew roles

The occupational standard, assessment plan and occupational brief for the marine engineer apprenticeship will help you understand these and other competencies in more detail. These three documents are key to understanding what you should to do to prepare for end-point assessment.

Professional recognition after completing the marine engineer apprenticeship

After you’ve completed the marine engineer apprenticeship, you’ll be recognised by the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (ImarEST) at Engineering Technician level.

Conclusion

The work of a marine engineer is fascinating and varied, and a marine engineer apprenticeship opens you up to a career path with lots of opportunities. You could work on leisure boats, such as canal barges or superyachts, or join the Royal Navy and specialise in submarines! Plus, extremely experienced marine engineers can expect to earn up to £55,000 a year!

Learn more about engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships.

Level 6 Food and Drink Advanced Engineer

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Job Overview for the Level 6 Food and Drink Advanced Engineer Apprenticeship

If you find yourself wanting to push yourself more and wanting to open more doors of opportunity for yourself then this apprenticeship may well be what you’ve been searching for. The Food and Drink Advanced Engineer role is a level 6, Degree level, apprenticeship and will be the perfect opportunity to go further in your career.

Combining engineering competence with an understanding of the principles of food safety, science and technology their focus is on developing and designing improved production systems, which are safe to operate and environmentally sustainable. Food and Drink Advanced Engineers have core knowledge, skills and behaviours and specialist knowledge and skills in one discipline: mechanical, automation or production engineering.

Sound Interesting…?

Skills You Will Learn and Develop

  • Project Management Skills
  • Research Skills
  • Leadership Skills
  • Problem Solving
  • Evaluation Skills

Food and Drink Advanced Engineers have roles across food and drink organisations, from infrastructure, asset care, production management and process development and work closely with a range of other engineers, functions and managers in their own company and interact with external equipment and ingredient providers. They contribute to business strategy and performance as leaders of teams.

Typical Entry Requirements

Individual employers will set their own entry requirements in terms of prior academic qualifications and vocational experience. Typically candidates will have 3 A-levels at Grade B or equivalent, including A-level in maths or equivalent and at least one further STEM based subject and 5 GCSEs including English and maths (grade C or above). The Apprenticeship as a Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer provides a preparation route for this Apprenticeship.

Apprentices must achieve level 2 English and Maths prior to taking end-point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualifications for those whom this is their primary language.

Conclusion

To conclude, the Level 6 Food and Drink Advanced engineer Apprenticeship is a role that requires someone with the base knowledge and motivation to move forward in their career and is someone who is willing to take on more challenges. However, with the completion of this 5 year apprenticeship you will open a dozen more doors for yourself where your skill will do the talking.

For more information on this apprenticeship, please visit: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/food-and-drink-advanced-engineer-(integrated-degree)-v1-0

Level 3 Drinks Dispense Technician Apprenticeship

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Coca Cola bottle in drinks dispenser

Interested in the installation and maintenance of drink dispense systems? Love hospitality, retail, leisure or the catering industries? Then read on to see how the Level 3 Drinks Dispense Technician apprenticeship could kickstart or change your career.

Jobs and entry criteria for the level 3 Drinks Dispense Technician apprenticeship

The drinks dispense technician apprenticeship provides the opportunity for the apprentice to get into the world of technician roles but can also lead to roles closer to beverages and hospitality. These roles include Beer quality technician, Cellar technician, Coding, Customer technical engineer, drinks dispense technician, Field service technician, technical representative, and technical services technician. These roles average at about £30k a year with experience. The drinks dispense technician apprenticeship provides an excellent opportunity for learners to be working at multiple locations and venues, depending on the role.

Coffee machine, Drinks dispenser

If this sounds just your cup of tea, then keep reading… there’s more!

Although normally set by employers, the entry requirements for the drinks dispense apprenticeship are typically 5 or more GCSEs. Alternatively, a level 3 college course or apprenticeship or maybe even less than this. Please note if you do not have a level 2 in English and Maths this will need to be achieved before you can finish your apprenticeship. But don’t fret! This training can be provided by the apprenticeship training provider for free, meaning no matter your background and qualifications, you can still be considered for the role if the employer thinks you fit the job description or more.

Key responsibilities of a drinks dispense technician apprentice

The primary role of a drinks dispense technician is to install and maintain drinks dispense systems Drinks dispense technicians will typically be interacting with venue staff such as managers, service staff and site security on a daily basis. They are expected to self-manage their workload and will typically report to a technical manager. As drinks dispense technician you will make informed judgements and decisions while taking into account the situation. In addition to this, you will understand and be responsible for adhering to health and safety, current legislation, British Soft Drinks Association Codes of Practice and more.

Alcoholic drink dispensers on a bar

Level 3 Drinks Dispense Technician Core Competencies

As part of your job role, you will carry out duties that will satisfy a number of competencies. Some examples are:

  • Conduct surveys of sites
  • Remove and decommission redundant equipment
  • Building trusting relationships and offer excellent customer service
  • Completing documentation associated with the specified job
  • Using relevant techniques to build, install and maintain and repair drinks dispense equipment.
  • Being able to inform, educate and provide guidance to the customer in equipment use.

The occupational standard, assessment plan and occupational brief for the drinks dispense technician apprenticeship help you understand these and other competencies in more detail. These three documents are key to understanding what you should to do to prepare for end-point assessment.

Drinks dispense technician knowledge modules.

As a drinks dispense technician you will need to equip yourself with the knowledge of how to install, maintain and repair systems in a professional manner. The knowledge modules and vendor exams will help you understand the following:

  • Health and Safety legislation
  • Codes of practice
  • Guidelines including British Soft Drinks Association, British Beer and Pub Association, brand matrix and more.
  • Proper tool usage
  • Managing assets, value of stock and equipment, disposal and more
  • Cleaning symptoms of infected/contaminated line, identifying the need for effective pest control
  • Electrical systems including polarity testing, codes, Portable Appliance Testing and more.

To demonstrate that you understand the knowledge covered on the level 3 drinks dispense technician apprenticeship, you will need to complete the standard’s knowledge, skills and behaviours and a compilation of portfolio evidence.

Conclusion

As you can see, the level 3 drinks dispense technician is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to pursue a career in the engineering and hospitality industries. The core skills covered in the apprenticeship will open up a wide range of job opportunities. In addition, you will earn while you learn. Employers are keen to use apprenticeship to shape how their employees learn and progress. The type of job roles that will open up over the coming years could be endless for anyone that commits their future to a career in engineering

For more information on this apprenticeship, you can visit https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/drinks-dispense-technician/

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Aerospace Software Development Engineering – Level 6

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coding on a laptop

Do you have a passion for coding and technology and would like to apply your skills and knowledge to the aerospace industry? This career opportunity in aerospace software development engineering may just be the right fit for you.

Career overview

As an aerospace software engineer, you will influence the way products and systems are built to accommodate for modifications as well as upgrades in the product life cycle. On this degree apprenticeship, you will gain insight on interpreting and analysing data such as code, engineering requirements and designs.

You will be expected to work both as individuals and as part of wider Engineering teams. This could include research and development teams as well as other teams from different engineering disciplines. 

Entry criteria

These entry requirements are subject to change depending on individual employers, however, a typical apprentice will have already completed at least two STEM-based subjects at A-level standard or an equivalent. These include subjects such as Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Computing, Chemistry and Biology, while achieving 96 UCAS points or above.

This would be alongside 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or a grade C and above including Maths, English and Double Science.

Additionally, apprentices without Level 2 Maths and English must achieve these qualifications before taking the end-point assessment.

While the timeframe may vary the typical duration of this apprenticeship is 48 months. This can be reduced if the student has already demonstrated expertise in this discipline or has prior experience in it.

Skills you will learn on your Aerospace Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

  1. Degree apprentices will be able to define all stages of the software lifecycle, as well as the interactions between them.
  2. Apprentices will learn about the procedures and tools that are used to control the change and modification of software products.
  3. Develop and apply algorithms, including specification, design, and implementation.
  4. Apprentices will use the standard methodologies for software production and the toolsets that assist efficient development to apply appropriate engineering operations and toolsets.
  5. Analytic approaches (engineering mathematics): apprentices will use mathematics to reason about software properties such as safety and performance.
  6. Apply Systems Engineering principles: apprentices will learn the criteria for making architectural decisions in order to get the best possible solution for potentially competing system goals.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency with “Modelling & Simulation” software: apprentices will learn how to use “Modelling” toolsets to develop software more rapidly and reliably.
  8. Demonstrate an understanding of code, design, and requirements documentation by reading and interpreting software engineering data.
  9. Apprentices will apply systematic approaches to identify and reduce waste and inefficiencies in their software production activities, using business improvement strategies to ensure the optimisation of processes, resources, and budget.
  10. Apprentices will explore chances to demonstrate compliance with acceptable standards such as statutory, quality, organisational, environmental, and health and safety regulations.
Rocket taking off.

Knowledge Modules

In order to complete the apprenticeship, you must first obtain two certifications. These are the following:

  • Level 4 Diploma in Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (Development Competence)
  • Level 6 Bachelor Honours Degree (BEng or BSc) Stipulated by the employer and accredited by an Engineering Council licenced Professional Engineering Institution

For the completion and final certification of the Apprenticeship Standard, all of the qualification requirements in the foundation and development phases are required.

Conclusion

This course is a great place to start if you want to work in the engineering industry and begin to learn while you earn.

Design, development, and production of both airborne and ground-based software for test equipment, training systems and simulators are typical roles after completing your Degree apprenticeship.

If this isn’t what you’re searching for, follow us on Twitter to keep up with the most recent blog postings or take a look at our different engineering apprenticeships.

Level 3 Advanced Furniture CNC Technician Apprenticeship

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From creating quality craftsmanship to undertaking critical, precision orientated tasks, in the Advanced Furniture CNC Technician Apprenticeship you’ll be exposed to the multitude of responsibilities and challenges which come with understanding Computer Numerically Controlled machinery. Not only that, with this rewarding earn-while-you-learn role you will see your work used everywhere and anywhere: from your coffee table at home, to the chair at your local pub.

What will I learn as a CNC technician apprentice?

In this exciting and technical role, you will undertake a number of duties which are designed to help you meet the KSB competencies you’re required to demonstrate. There are 12 occupational duties in total which you will undertake, these vary from setting up, operating and maintaining CNC machinery, identifying and rectifying any faults within the furniture production process, and checking that all furniture produced fits quality standards and necessary specifications. The duties you carry out will ensure that within the 24 months you’ll develop a solid understanding of how the furniture CNC process works. And more importantly, you’ll understand how to effectively use the processes in a safe and dependable manner.

How will I be assessed in the apprenticeship?

For this apprenticeship, your performance will be judged against a variety of KSBs; these are different competencies relating to knowledge of your role and industry, skills you’ve developed within your role, and behaviours you undertake when working both independently and with your team. In total there are 28 knowledge, 23 skill and 12 behaviour competencies which you will be judged against.

To demonstrate your knowledge, you’ll be expected to understand the technical processes within CNC and how to fix any problems that arise with machinery, as well as having an in-depth understanding of machine maintenance.

To demonstrate the skills you’ve developed, you’ll be expected to show how you’d set up and operate CNC machinery, whilst using appropriate safety measures and procedures. Another skill demonstration will involve showing how furniture can be modified from CAD drawings to suit the CNC processes you’ll be using.

To demonstrate behavioural developments in your role, you’ll be expected to show how you’ve displayed integrity in your work, how you’ve asked questions to further understand your responsibilities, and how you perform with minimal supervision.

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The Apprenticeship Standard

This apprenticeship typically lasts for 2 years, however this does not include your EPA period. Upon completion, you will have attained a level 3 qualification in the role and it will set you up to further advance your education and career in the engineering and manufacturing industry. Maximum funding you’ll receive for the course is £11,000 and the apprenticeship is provided by Ofqual.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

If an exciting career in furniture engineering is what you’re looking for, this apprenticeship is certainly a great way to kick-start that. Whilst there are no requirements for qualifications to apply and begin the apprenticeship, you must have achieved a level 2 in English and Maths prior to the End Point Assessment. However, if you have an education, health and care plan, or a legacy statement, an Entry level 3 for English and Maths is required before completing your EPA.

So, is this the right apprenticeship for you?

If you’re someone who isn’t afraid of a challenge, loves to fixate on the finer details and is inspired by a rewarding role which is pivotal in a process, then the Advanced Furniture CNC Technician Apprenticeship could be the perfect role to help you launch your career in the industry. Not only will you get paid whilst you develop crucial skills for the role and workplace, but you’ll also be exposed to a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities to ensure that you develop your understanding and your skills to the best of your ability.

To find out more and research other engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships, take a look here.