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Level 5 Technician Scientist Apprenticeship

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Laboratory background and white text saying “Level 5 Technician Scientist Apprenticeship” with science graphics.

Further your career in science with this Level 5 Technician Scientist Apprenticeship 

Have you completed a qualification within science and are wondering where to go next? Do you love working in a lab? If so, read on, because a career as a technician might be what you’re looking for – and the Level 5 technician scientist apprenticeship can help you get there. A lab based role, you’ll be at the heart of scientific experiment.

Role overview 

The Level 5 Technician Scientist apprenticeship aims to give you with the knowledge needed to carry out basic scientific experimentation within a lab environment. You’ll be working in a dynamic team of scientists to learn specialised skills and procedures. This largely depends on your company’s research area. This role requires you to employ excellent critical thinking and decision making skills to improve your research. This apprenticeship takes place typically over 36 months. Successful completion makes you eligible to register with professional scientific bodies like The Science Council for Registered Scientists (RSci), making you recognised within your field. Typically, a qualified technician scientist in the UK has a salary ranging from anywhere between £17,500 to £40,000. That is depending on your skills and experience, meaning that there is plenty of room for progression up to management level roles.

Entry requirements

As this is an advanced apprenticeship, you must have a Higher National Diploma or a Foundation Degree. It should be in a science or technology discipline that is relevant to the specific job role you are applying to. If you’re unsure about your experience, this is something you might want to contact the employer to discuss. This experience will provide you with the UCAS points necessary for a higher education programme like this. You will also need to have a Grade C or above in at least 5 GCSE’s – this includes English, maths and a science. 

A female scientist in a laboratory looks through a microscope.
As a Level 5 Technician Scientist Apprentice, you will be working in a laboratory.

Core competencies

Your employer will want you to demonstrate specific knowledge, skills and behaviours before starting your apprenticeship. Most of these you should have experience with based on your completion of a qualification within sciences already, so not to worry. Some of the most important examples include:

  • Knowing the most basic lab and scientific techniques for experimentation, including appropriate health and safety.
  • Good theoretical knowledge in the sciences.
  • An ability to understand and analyse data, using computer based tools where you need to. 
  • Plan and implement projects to a high standard independently, including keeping to any necessary regulations. 
  • Work well as part of a team, contributing to new processes and recommendations.
  • Be able to find solutions to problems.
  • Be a good communicator. Both to scientific and non-scientific audiences, be able to listen, write and present in a way that meets your goals. 

This is just an overview of the most important skills for the role. Prior to any applications you should have a thorough read through the occupational standard, brief and assessment plan related to this apprenticeship so that you can feel confident you fit the criteria set out.

Assessment plan

The main method of assessment throughout the duration of this apprenticeship is in the form of on-the-job training. There is an expectation that you will be evaluated on your skills at regular points within this time. there would be a workplace based project to evaluate your problem solving towards the end of your apprenticeship. This is to prepare you for your end point assessment (EPA). This will consist of a workplace problem solving project and report, followed by a discussion and presentation on which you’d be graded. There is also a vocational competence discussion. Your employer and apprenticeship provider would provide you with the support you need to be able to complete these successfully.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the next step in your career within science, you can see that the Level 5 technician scientist apprenticeship can act as an excellent route into the lab. This apprenticeship values the skills and learning you have developed in previous roles. It aims to qualify you to work more independently in a research setting.

Competition for these roles is often high, and a recognised qualification such as an apprenticeship can help set you apart from other candidates. Following completion of level 5, there is potential for you to progress onto a Laboratory Scientist level 6 apprenticeship. This is the equivalent of a degree qualification and could open you up to progressing to management level.

If you want to hear about similar exciting apprenticeships in the future, sign up to our mailing list here.

Level 6 – Control / Technical Support Engineer Degree Apprenticeship

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Control technical support engineer apprenticeship

Media Source: https://apprenticeshipguide.co.uk/apprenticeships/control-technical-support-engineer-apprenticeship/

Are you passionate about solving difficult problems? Let your creativity be free with a Control / Technical Support Engineer degree apprenticeship. You will learn and earn on the job whilst working towards becoming a Technical Engineering Graduate all debt-free!

Career progression & Recognised Professionally

This standard has been designed to meet the professional standards of the Engineering Council for initial registration as an Engineering Technician (Eng Tech) in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Further professional development and registration is subject to candidates successfully completing the appropriate learning, developing the appropriate competence, and undergoing professional review.

Apprenticeship Jobs & Entry Criteria

The Level 6 Control / Technical Support Engineer Apprenticeship will help you to develop a range of key skills in technical, engineering, and manufacturing. This will help unlock paths for your future job prospects! The typical job titles include Control support engineer, Technical support engineer, and Maintenance technician. The average salary for Technical Support Engineer jobs is £37,500!

If this sounds like something you are interested in doing then you can apply to enroll now! This can be done if you are eligible to meet the minimum entry requirements. Most requirements are set by employers however this can differ. It is also important that you can try to gain work experience as a volunteer or being able to set a great impression in an interview otherwise.

Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their Apprenticeships. In order to optimise success candidates will typically have 5 GCSE’s at Grade C or above, including Mathematics, English and a Science, Technology or Engineering related subject, as well as A Levels at grade C or above in both a Mathematical based subject and a Science, Technology, Engineering or additional Mathematics related subject, or 90+ credits in an Engineering BTEC at level 3.

English & Maths

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

Key Responsibilities of a Control Technical Support Engineer Apprenticeship

Control technical support engineer primarily assists in the smooth running of manufacturing activity in activities such as site maintenance. Typically they work closely with other production roles in a fast-paced and cost-conscious manufacturing environment, where complex problem-solving is key.

Duration of This Apprenticeship

Typically the duration of this apprenticeship is 5 to 6 years. This duration may differ depending on the candidate with previous relevant experience and/or already part qualified. Alternatively, this may also be a progression route from a relevant advanced apprenticeship.

Core Competencies of a Control / Technical Support Engineer Apprentice

You will need to develop a strong grasp of core engineering skills. This will not just benefit you in being able to demonstrate work tasks efficiently but be able to transfer your skills elsewhere and build on them even further. The skills that are required are:

  • Complying with statutory regulations and stringent organisational safety requirements
  • Using and interpreting a range of engineering data sources and supporting documentation
  • Understanding key performance indicators and using lean techniques to improve efficiency and effectiveness
  • Supporting installation, testing and commissioning of a wide range of equipment as needed
  • Carrying out complex fault diagnosis and repair on high technology-engineered systems
  • Maintaining mechanical, fluid and pneumatic power equipment
  • Maintaining electrical, electronic and process control equipment
  • Minimising machinery downtime by carrying out preventative planned maintenance
  • Confirmation testing and subsequent smooth handover of equipment and plan
  • Leading complex maintenance or technical support activities
  • Carrying out testing and calibration of instrumentation control equipment
  • Carrying out maintenance activities on electrical equipment.

This may seem a lot more complex however these are main objectives/competencies you will need to hit within the duration of your apprenticeship.

The Apprentice’s Behaviour & Attitude Towards Work

It is vital for the apprentice to have a set mindset and attitude especially in a modern high value engineering industries. This will ensure success in both your current and future roles as well as being able to meet the company’s targets. These are some of the key required behaviour:

  • Having a safety mindset as you will be working in high level risky activities
  • A strong work ethic
  • Problem Solving Orientation
  • Independent, Adaptablility, Team Player
  • Clear Communicator  
  • Applies Lean Manufacturing Principles
  • Commitment, Quality Focus, Self-Motivation

Control / Technical Support Engineer Exams & Knowledge

As a Control / Technical Support Engineer; it is important to be up to date with all the necessary knowledge. The apprentice would complete a HND or Foundation Degree which would provide the foundation stage of the knowledge elements in the competence qualification. This will support you further in understanding the requirements to operate effectively and efficiently at a high level within this sector of work. As a core the engineer needs to cover around 960 academic Guided Learning Hours, in order to have a solid grasp of:

  • Analytical, mathematic and scientific methods for engineers
  • Project design, implementation and evaluation
  • Instrumentation and control principles and applications
  • Mechanical, electrical, electronic, process control and digital principles and applications
  • Applications of pneumatics and hydraulics
  • Health, safety and risk assessment in engineering
  • Industrial control systems and applications
  • Materials and manufacturing processes
  • Product improvement and engineering project management

To confirm that you do understand this information and knowledge covered in your apprenticeship; you will need to:

  1. Complete all exams and assessments required to complete this apprenticeship
  2. A complete summative portfolio of evidence for your real work
  3. Synoptic project
  4. Show completion of required OTJ hours
  5. EPA interview

Explore further apprenticeship opportunities within the engineering industry, check out this post!

Learn more:

LinkedIn , Twitter 

Reference source to some of the text provided within this post: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/control-technical-support-engineer-v1-0

Tips for a Level 3 Digital Marketing apprentice

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Are you looking for or beginning an apprenticeship in Digital Marketing and want to know more about what apprentices should look out for when completing their qualification? Or have you started your apprenticeship and would like some tips on how to stay on top of everything? Well continue reading this blog for more information.

Apprenticeship: school, studies, profession, skills, performance, career, motivation, goals
Apprenticeships consist of school, studies, profession, skills, performance, career, motivation and goals!

Training

As a learner, you will have a training provider to assist you in your continued learning throughout the apprenticeship. You will be given various training on digital marketing for example, coding boot camps, social media and digital etiquette, search marketing etc. These training’s are all important for your development throughout the course.

However you may find it becoming overwhelming balancing your work life with course work but there are a few things you can do to manage effectively:

  • Allocate yourself training days: Choose a specific day of the week to help you focus on apprenticeship-related work only.
  • Speak to your team and be clear on the apprenticeship work that needs to be completed for your course and some of the time you may take off due to training.
  • Speak to your training coach to let them know if you need extra time or support on course work.

Portfolio

text that says 'digital marketing portfolio' picture with templates in the background

Produced towards the end of this apprenticeship, a portfolio allows you to contain all evidence from real work projects which have been completed during the apprenticeship. At the end of the apprenticeship, the portfolio is assessed as part of the end point assessment.

To ensure your portfolio is successful when assessed make sure to:

  • Use the following structure to clearly demonstrate your work: the context, the objective, the research you carried out and the how.
  • Use a navigational system to allow examiners to follow through, for example this can be a page of contents.
  • Be sure to show any achievements i.e. peer bonuses or kind message(s) from your manager.
  • Take screenshots of each stage of projects to share as evidence in your portfolio.

It is also important to develop your language dimension throughout the portfolio with:

  • Breadth: Show you understand a range of tools and methods and how to apply them in your work
  • Depth: Show the level to which these tools and methods are understood and applied
  • Complexity – the extent and prevalence of inter-related and interdependent factors in the work and how well you have dealt with these factors.

Make sure to have your portfolio checked by your training coach when you have made updates or added a new project, your coach can help mark competency you have or are missing and how to achieve them.

Log Off-the-Job Hours

As part of your apprenticeship, you are required to use 20% of your time learning. To ensure you are able to find opportunities to learn more outside of your work you can:

  • Think out of the book (excuse the pun!): Learning is not always the old-school textbook style learning; you can network with colleagues and learn more about different area outside of your immediate work.
  • Join events related to digital marketing and learn more about the industry.
  • Shadowing opportunities are a great way to learn more about technical aspects of your work.

Gateway

Finally, once you come towards the end of your apprenticeship, you have to go through the Gateway process to confirm you are ready for the End Point Assessment process. Make sure to complete the following steps to get through Gateway successfully:

  • Make sure to log your OTJ Hours
  • Upload your portfolio
  • Upload all your qualifications: Marketing Principles, Google Analytics Individual Qualification and Principles of Coding.
  • Employer Reference

The apprenticeship is a great way for you to begin your career in Digital Marketing, so we recommend reading through the Digital Marketer profile created by the Institute for Apprenticeships to know what is expected of you as an apprentice. Or check out more blogs on our website, if you want to learn more about other apprenticeships we provide.

text that says content ready with laptop

Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship in the Leisure and Entertainment industry

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Engineering Technician Apprenticeships in the Leisure and Entertainment industry - Earn while you earn

Would you like to earn while you learn? You can successfully achieve a level 3 qualification as well as full time on the job experience. Are you interested in the landing yourself in an Engineering Technician Apprenticeship? If yes, this might be the perfect opportunity for you to gain exposure in real life day to day activities!

What is the Leisure and Entertainment Sector?

Do you want to be responsible for the safe maintenance of park rides, machinery, and equipment? This is exactly what the sector entails! It is an exciting field to kick start your career and offers a wide range of opportunities that are not found in other sectors of work. Are you interested in learning about the engineering infrastructure of rides and attractions? You could potentially be working on the biggest theme parks – doesn’t this sound like the best job! Technicians play a vital role in maintaining the safety of rides which contributes massively to the customer experience.

What are the entry requirements for the Engineering Technician apprenticeship?

The entry requirements for the Engineering Technician Apprenticeship are typically as follows:

  • 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above – Including Maths and English
  • Must be 16 or over
  • Not already in full time education
  • Have a right to work in the UK

What will you learn to become a well-trained Engineering Technician?

There are so many opportunities to learn and develop your understanding of the Engineering industry! You will deliver outstanding customer user experience and gain skills in the following activities, for example, fault finding and diagnostic tests regularly, ensure all maintenance activities are conducted safely and comply with strict legislations. Above all, the qualification you will gain will equip you with the breadth of both mechanical and electrical engineering roles Consequently, you will receive two for the price of one, this is a great opportunity for you.

  • The Entertainment and Leisure industry and your role within it
  • Learn the principles of fault finding on rides and attractions
  • Principles of First Aid and supporting the evacuation of customers if there was a fault on the ride
  • Instrumentation and control principles and applications
  • Aligning to the Health, Safety, and Risk Assessment standards
  • Analytical, scientific, and mathematical methods to implement in your everyday role

Want to learn more about the industry?

The useful infographic below will provide you with a further insight into what you will be learning in the apprenticeship. Secondly, it will show whether you are willing to develop in these areas below to become an excellent trained Engineer!

List of the behaviours that you will learn doing an Engineering Technician Apprenticeship
Do these behaviours match with your individual characteristics?

Employment post the completion of your apprenticeship

Most importantly. you will be highly employable once you have completed your apprenticeship and earnt your recognised qualification. It’s important to realise that there are various roles you can go into including these:

  • Engineering Technicians
  • Maintenance Engineering Technicians
  • Electrical Engineering Technicians
  • Mechanical Engineering Technicians
  • Multi-skilled Engineering Technician
  • Ride Technicians

Companies you could be working with during your Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

There are many attraction companies you could potentially be working for. You can find out more information by using the links below to find out if this is something you would like to pursue as a career:

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can see that choosing this apprenticeship is an excellent chance for you to get yourself in the industry whilst gaining a nationally recognised qualification standard without the trouble of getting yourself into debt! Moreover, the apprenticeship will open many doors in the industry and therefore lead you to a successful career ahead. As shown above, the Engineering industry is an exciting one to be in as there are lots of opportunities to get involved in. Lastly, the apprenticeship will equip you with the main building blocks to boost your understanding and knowledge and after all become a well-rounded technician.

“The Engineering Technician Apprenticeship has been one of the best experiences I have ever done, there is so much to learn, and I’ve had the best opportunities to work on maintaining the safety of massive theme parks! As a result of my apprenticeship, I have landed myself in a full time role as a multi-skilled Engineering Technician.”

Jerry Smith
Alumni Apprentice

Any questions or queries which you may have regarding Engineering Technician Apprenticeships, feel free to head over to our Linkedin page and join the discussion with individuals like yourself who are seeking opportunities in the Leisure and Entertainment industry. Additionally, you can take a look at the other blogs that you may find interesting and spark your interest!

Level 2 Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic Apprenticeship

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Are you wanting a future career in the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy? Are you looking to be an Engineer? If so, read on to find out how the Level 2 Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic Apprenticeship could help start a new career.

Two Navy Engineers working together to carry out a task.

Job Role

Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic’s work will be undertaking the testing, fault diagnosis and maintenance of electrical, mechanical and fluid power equipment on ships and submarines.

In your apprenticeship you will learn how to test common and specialist equipment and hand/machine tools by using of a range of measuring and diagnostic equipment to check the performance of the equipment and tools meet the required specification. You will understand and comply with statutory regulations and safety requirements.

Your daily tasks will include checking all machinery to ensure the ship remains operational. To do so, you will learn to maintain and operate technical equipment and fully understand a variety of advanced mechanical systems. The role will entail working individually and as part of a team, supporting the Chief Engineer in the maintenance and fault diagnosis of all the ships machinery and systems. You will be responsible for the quality and accuracy of your work.

Skills/Knowledge you will gain:

  1. Understand mathematical calculations and Engineering data/drawings appropriate to your role.
  2. Electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and fluid power engineering technology and principles.
  3. Know the basic operation and maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment and systems used on board vessels.
  4. Understand the types/uses and the maintenance of electrical and mechanical hand tools and test equipment.
  5. Learn how to use electrical and mechanical hand tools and test equipment
  6. Undertake testing and maintenance on components, equipment and systems, making adjustments where applicable.
  7. Entry procedures and precautions for confined spaces.
  8. Understand and comply with health and safety regulations.

Behaviours Needed

There are certain behaviours that are expected of employees by Engineering organisations. This is in order for the employee to be successful in their role and meet the company objectives. The expected behaviours are:

  • Be able to follow Health, Safety and Environment practices
  • Having a strong work ethic
  • Being a dependable employee and taking responsibility of duties
  • Have a positive attitude
  • Be able to work effectively within a team and respectful of colleagues
  • Effective in every kind of communication
  • Be honest and have integrity
  • Be self-motivated
  • Able to make personal commitment and comply with the rules
A Navy Engineer soldering to repair a small electrical issue.

Entry Requirements

Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprenticeships.

Apprentices without Level 1 English and Maths will need to achieve this level and Apprentices without Level 2 English and Maths will need to take the tests for this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.

Duration of Apprenticeship

Typically 18 to 24 months including EPA period. To learn more about the EPA please see the linked PDF.

Typical Job Options

Maritime mechanical and electrical mechanic will typically work in either the Royal Navy as a Marine Engineer or Weapons Engineer, or the Royal Fleet Auxiliary or Merchant Navy as a Motorman. 

Summary

If you are wanting to pursue a career in the Navy or become an Engineer, Level 2 Maritime Mechanical and Electrical Mechanic Apprenticeship is a great way to start your journey. With this apprenticeship you have the opportunity to earn while you learn and open many doors for progression in your career. You will be working with likeminded people, who can offer you advise and support you with your career.

The engineering knowledge and skills used in the role can be transferred to other entry level engineering roles in other industries. You may even wish to take the next step and commence with Level 3 in Mechanical and Electrical Maritime Fitter.

For any questions you may have regarding this apprenticeship or any others you may have seen, please contact us via email at info@ApprenticeTips.com. Alternatively follow our social media for more updates, LinkedIn and Twitter.

Level 4 Electrical Power Networks Engineering Apprenticeship

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Level 4 Electrical Power Networks Engineering Apprenticeship

Are you looking for an alternative to university, and want to start you engineering career? If so, we have the perfect apprenticeship for you. This role will allow you to plan, manage and undertake a variety of engineering tasks involving the electrical network, and gain a level 4 qualification alongside 30 months of experience.

Job Summary

Electrical power network engineering involves 6 roles: Asset Management Engineer, Planning Engineer, Design Engineer, Control Engineer, Electrical Project Engineer and Operational Delivery Engineer. This role will involve safely planning, managing, maintaining, constructing, and repairing parts of the power network, solving electricity network problems, and working in teams with other engineers.

Male engineer in hard hat pointing

Key Job Information:

  • Salary: Up to £27,000
  • Duration: 30 – 36 months
  • Entry requirements: 2 A levels at grade A-C in maths and a science, English GCSE grade A/B or an equivalent level 3 engineering qualification
  • Level: Level 4

Competencies required:

  • Organizational skills
  • Safe/risk aware
  • Problem solving
  • Teamwork and good communication
  • Manage expectations of stakeholders

What you will learn:

  • Electrical power principles
  • Design, operation, capabilities and limitations of electricity network
  • Safety and risk management
  • Company policy
  • Time management and communication with stakeholders
  • How to produce precise reports
  • How to create project plans
  • Learn to use company tools and IT systems

Different electrical network engineer roles:

Asset management engineer – You will help develop policy solutions for customers and stakeholders. Plan and develop network reinforcement plans and evaluate and make recommendations on equipment proposals. Also identify effect of low carbon on the network’s operation.

Planning engineer – You will build plans and manage conflicts, negotiate and confirm area plans and document and communicate planning decisions. Ensure assets comply with all policies and criteria, and accountability for resource and outage planning ownership.

Design engineer – You will turn company strategies into designs and make proposals about benefits of plant and equipment to be used. You will design approvals, wayleaves, consents, appropriate regulations and costing information, and account for effects of safety requirements and standards on designs and proposals.

Control engineer – You will control the electrical network, ensuring safety and efficiency and ensure security risks are minimized. Also manage operations to ensure a safe electricity supply and provide technical and operational advice. And gain necessary Control Engineer Authorization in-line with company requirements.

Electrical project engineer – You will project manage to ensure work is delivered on time and meets stakeholder requirements. Also Interpret criteria for project designs to fit the environment while also managing stakeholder relationships. You’ll produce final construction plans, takeover contractor management and issue, review and communicate safety requirements to onsite personnel. And ensure final hand back documentation is complete to specifications given.

Operational delivery engineer – You will meet design, safety, time and commercial requirements on a range of engineering activities. Take control of testing, maintenance and inspection and take responsibility of the team. Issue, review and communicate safety requirements to onsite personnel and ensure final hand back documentation is complete to specifications given.

Engineering Construction Erector Rigger.

Learn more about being a network engineer here!

Engineering Apprenticeships

As well as working as an electrical network engineer, there are many other engineering apprenticeships available. These are also offered at different levels and vary in time and salary. You can find more engineering apprenticeships here.

Benefits of doing an apprenticeship

There are many benefits to doing an apprenticeship rather than going to university:

  • Gain experience and a qualification simultaneously and become more employable for the future
  • Get paid to learn (no student debt)
  • Learn about engineering on the job rather than in a classroom
  • Enter the industry without requiring a degree and go on to have a successful career
  • Meet people who have industry experience and network to help with your future career

Where to find us

In addition, if you have any questions on this apprenticeship, or are interested in working in a different industry you can explore our website and message us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

A guide to Social Media for your Digital Marketing Apprenticeship

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A guide to Social Media for your Digital Marketing Apprenticeship

Have you recently started or are looking to start a Digital Marketing Apprenticeship? Well Social media is a huge part of digital marketing, so if you want to learn the basics of social media keep reading…

What is Social media marketing?

Social media marketing is an aspect of digital marketing where a business promotes their product or services on social media platforms

social media marketing platforms

Examples of Social media platforms include:

  • Meta
  • Twitter
  • Reddit
  • TikTok
  • Snapchat
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • and more

Organic vs Paid Social Media Marketing

There are 2 main types of social media marketing: Organic and Paid. Organic social is when a business posts content without spending money to reach more people, earning loyalty and growing their business organically. Paid social is when a business pays for campaigns on social platforms to reach more people and target specific demographics. Paid social requires setting up the campaign with specific goals in mind, such as: brand awareness, reach or traffic.

We’re going to be focusing on paid social…

What makes up a Paid Social campaign?

Audience:

One of the key parts of a paid social campaign is deciding the audience. You can target: age, location, device, gender, interests, and past user activity. For example: if you received a brief for the newest iPhone, you may want to target technology lovers, in the UK, aged 18-34.

Placements:

You also need to decide which ad placements you want to do for each platform. For example skippable vs non skippable ads, in feed, collection ads, carousel ads, stories etc.

Influencers:

Recently, influencers have become a huge part of paid social media marketing. With platforms such as TikTok and Instagram producing more and more influencers, brands can pay them to promote their product. You can do this in 2 main ways: Pay the influencer to create content advertising your product, which you can then post from the client’s account with paid reach, or the influencer can post the content from their account, and you can then boost the reach from the client’s account. The use of influencers is great for targeting specific groups of people with specific interests, and younger audiences who use TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat more than other platforms that have less influencers.

Tests:

Your client may also want you to perform an A/B test within your campaign. This is when you split the budget and run (usually 2) identical campaigns, changing 1 variable. This could be: campaign objective, placements, targeting, creative etc.

Measuring performance:

You also need to decide on a KPI (key performance indicator) for your campaign so you can measure success. These could be: increased revenue, increased traffic to website, brand perception, purchase intent and many more. To measure your KPI, you’ll use a metric such as revenue, link clicks, CTR, impressions etc. These help you conclude whether your campaign was successful, and how you can improve the campaign next time.

Ready for your Digital Marketing Apprenticeship?

Now that you’ve learnt the basics of Social Media Marketing, you are ready to start your digital marketing apprenticeship. This will include learning all areas of digital marketing such as search, display and programmatic, as well as social. Doing a digital marketing apprenticeship will help you gain experience, knowledge, and a qualification, to help you kick start your digital marketing career!

Learn more about digital marketing apprenticeships:

Click here to learn more about digital apprenticeships and the different qualifications you can earn!

So what can you do to learn more about paid social before your apprenticeship?

Most of the social media platforms offer training on how to use their ads manager platforms, such as Twitter flight school, which will help you get a head start with your paid social career. If you want to improve your general digital marketing knowledge, why not complete the Google Analytics exam, as employers will love to see this on your CV.

Where to find us:

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us on any of our social medias!

Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter!

Level 6 First Officer Pilot Apprenticeship

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Are you an individual who would thrive in the opportunity to work with a variety of aircrafts? If the answer is yes, then the Level 6 First Officer Pilot Apprenticeship could be perfect for you.

Pilot flying aircraft
First Officer Pilot flying aircraft

Summary of the role

The first officer is also known as a co-pilot. They work in a variety of aircrafts, such as, commercial, military, passenger, or freight. The primary role is supporting the aircraft Commander assisting them to ensure safe and efficient conduct of a flight. If the Commander becomes incapacitated, the First Officer will assume the authority and responsibility for the aircraft and its crew, passengers, and load.

The Commander and the First Officer alternate roles during normal operations. These roles include ‘pilot handling’ and ‘pilot monitoring’. Ensuring the safety and security of the passengers and crew is always paramount.

Key Responsibilities and Roles

As a First Officer Pilot, you will be responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency of every flight. Here are some examples of how this is done:

  • Being fully aware of the planned route, contents of briefing sheets, the forecast meteorological conditions and runway states at the destination and alternate aerodromes
  •  Supporting the Commander in the maintenance of high standards of crew discipline and conduct
  • Complying with UK ANO (Air Navigation Order) and the UK AIP (Aeronautical Information Publication)
  • Complying with all flight time limitations, company occurrence reporting and rest requirements applicable to their activities
  • Reporting to the Commander any incident or defect that could endanger the safe operation of the aircraft
  • During any emergency or abnormal situation, carrying out the drills and procedures as laid down in the appropriate Company Manual
Plane at Airport
Plane at airport

Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours

As a First Officer Pilot, you will be required to understand a host of knowledge, skills, and behaviors (KSB’s). Some include:

  • How to implement pre-flight planning and respond to en-route and terminal conditions
  • The procedure for checking flight instruments and operating automatic flight control systems
  • How weather conditions and their effect, impact on the implementation of the flight plan, including wind, clouds, precipitation, visibility, ice accretion, air masses and fronts
  • Ensure personal preparation and presentation standards are upheld in accordance with professional and organisational regulations and standards
  • Establish the airworthiness and air readiness of the aircraft
  • Communicate clearly and professionally with ATC and airport ground staff
  • Be vigilant, alert and proactive in promoting a safe, reliable, secure and compliant working culture within the first officer role
  • Lead by example and command the operation of the aircraft and the team by communicating in a calm, decisive manner
  • Display loyalty, integrity and accountability to the aircraft operator

Entry Requirements

Note that employers will set their own entry requirements. You will require a class 1 medical certificate to comply with EASA/CAA regulations. You must be at least 18 years old in order to apply for a multi-crew pilot licence and at least 21 years old to apply for an Air Transport Pilot Licence.

Qualifications

Prior to taking an end-point assessment, apprentices will require a frozen Air Transport Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) or a Multi-Crew Pilot Licence followed by Aircraft Type Conversion Training and supervised Line Training.

Level 2 English and Maths is required before taking the End-Point Assessment. 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.

Additional Details

Occupational Level: 6

Duration: 24 months

Review: This apprenticeship will be reviewed after 3 years

Conclusion

If becoming a First Officer Pilot seems appealing, then this is the apprenticeship for you. During the apprenticeship you will cover the key roles, responsibilities and core duties required to be prepared and succeed in this job role. You will be provided with the relevant training and knowledge to set you on the right course to reaching you career goals. Follow our social media pages and newsletter for more up to date information and content.

Level 3 Broadcast Production Assistant Apprenticeship

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Working with a team of professionals to assist in the production and delivery of TV/Radio shows. Sound exciting? This level 3 Broadcast Production Assistant role could be the start of your new career!

The role and salary for a level 3 Broadcast Production Assistant Apprentice

The Broadcast Production Assistant provides key support to both editorial and technical colleagues which ensures the smooth delivery of content for TV and radio productions. These productions can be anything from factual to comedy and everything in between. Candidates will work as part of a production team and need to be both adaptable and willing to learn on the job. Broadcast production assistants may plan projects, events, manage guests, obtain equipment and importantly, manage resources (including finance). They may also be involved in operational areas such as camera, lighting, sound, and editing. For commercial sectors, it may be their job to develop branding, commercials and work closely with marketers.

The average Broadcast Production Assistant salary in the UK is between £15k – £18k but that can change very quickly as you start progressing through your career and into new positions. The Broadcast Production Assistant apprenticeship is a window of opportunity into a wide range of production roles within the commercial environment, a career choice that offers room for movement within the entertainment industry.

Pathways and requirements

Broadcast Production Assistants can progress into TV or radio creative, production management, or editing roles, such as Researcher, Production Co-ordinator, or Editorial Co-ordinator.

Regarding qualifications, apprentices without level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment. Employers will often set their own criteria for entry, but this can include 5 or more GCSE’s A* – C.

Broadcast Production Assistant: Core skills and knowledge

The apprentice’s job role will consist of responsibilities that will fulfill a range of competencies. These include:

Production Planning – skills

  • How new productions in TV/Radio are commissioned
  • The differences between genre and the type of production
  • TV/Radio production being developed
  • How to use tools and techniques to research ideas and concepts for a TV/Radio production
  • How to work within a budget allocation for a production
  • The legislation that may apply to cast and crew on productions including health and safety, licenses, working time directive

Knowledge

  • Follow the commissioning process for TV/Radio productions
  • Interpret the production brief, research and identify the audience for the TV/Radio production
  • Research and develop creative ideas and concepts for a TV/Radio production
  • Present persuasive ideas, pitches and proposals for TV/Radio productions
  • Identify and assist with sourcing resources for a TV/Radio production including equipment, crew, budget and existing media assets

Production Development – skills

  • Use tools to research the methods and tools that underpin the development of creative thinking
  • The different styles of writing that can be used according to the genre of production
  • How to establish the appropriate tone of voice for a TV/Radio production
  • The end-to-end production workflow process, the key stages, and own role within this
  • The regulatory and legal requirements when using media assets such as copyright, intellectual property rights etc
  • How to gather data to evaluate the success of a TV/Radio production    against its objectives

Knowledge

  • Work to a commission to develop content for TV/Radio
  • Write a brief for a production, or storyboard and outline script their ideas
  • Operate effectively within the production workflow
  • Obtain media assets for use within the TV/Radio production
  • Apply copyright/intellectual property rights to media assets
  • Clear copyright for productions
  • Develop and maintain positive working relationships when in production
  • Use lessons learned to evaluate the success of the TV / Radio production and identify areas for improvement for future productions

Industry Awareness – skills

  • How to manage and market your own skills and services
  • The structure and culture of broadcasters, creative media organisations and the wider creative industry.
  • Commercial pressures, production deadlines and organisational working practices
  • The safe use of equipment on TV/Radio Productions

Knowledge

  • Develop, maintain and use professional networks
  • Develop and maintain own competence and knowledge in specialist broadcast areas
  • Follow health & safety procedures when on a production
  • Identify and minimise hazards and risks in the workplace

Content Creation – skills

  • The principles of grammar, punctuation and spelling
  • How to capture video, pictures, graphics and sound from various formats, in preparation for non-linear editing
  • How to prepare for and conduct interviews
  • How to identify media assets from various sources
  • How to manipulate media assets

Knowledge

  • Write and edit scripts and cues for use in TV/Radio productions
  • Capture images and record audio on location or in a studio
  • Maintain records of material produced and its location using production logs
  • Prepare media assets for use in TV / Radio productions
  • Assist with co-ordinating productions end to end

Specialist skills and knowledge

The apprentice must demonstrate competence in three of the below areas. These have been tailored specifically to the needs of the role and the broadcast employer.

Editing and post-production – skills

  • How the editing approach affects the production of the final content
  • How to securely store and access media assets
  • How to archive, conserve and preserve media assets

Knowledge

  • Assist with importing and editing of media content from files/drives (ingest)
  • Use industry standard packages to carry out basic edits and post produce media content
  • Edit, process and mix audio assets
  • Manage and store media assets correctly

Technical support – skills

  • The procedures for obtaining technical equipment
  • How to set up and de-rig technical equipment

Knowledge

  • Obtain, prepare, and return technical equipment for use on TV / Radio productions
  • Operate technical equipment in the studio and on location

Production co-ordination – skills

  • The procedures to follow when sourcing locations, catering, accommodation and transport for productions
  • The processes to follow when monitoring resources and budgets on productions

Knowledge

  • Identify and source locations, catering accommodation and transport, fora TV/ Radio production
  • Monitor the production budget and resources
  • Complete and maintain production documentation

Live content creation – skills

  • How to successfully produce and broadcast live events for TV/Radio
  • How to work with transmission and broadcast engineering service partners for live broadcast

Knowledge

  • Assist with the production of live programming for TV/Radio
  • Work with transmission and broadcast engineering services to broadcast live content

Commercial – skills

  • Awareness of branding guidelines
  • The importance of branding for TV and Radio
  • How to develop and produce trails, promos and commercials

Knowledge

  • Support the production of branding, promos, trails and commercials for TV / Radio
  • Support the end-to-end production of sponsored/branded content

Broadcast Production Assistant behaviours and exams

To complete the Broadcast Production Assistant qualification, you must demonstrate the following behaviours and required knowledge to work within a wide range of production disciplines, in a safe and professional manner.

 

  • A passion for developing and producing content for TV/Radio productions
  • An ability to work effectively both individually and collaboratively as part of a production team
  • An ability to think critically and creatively
  • Working in an ethical and sustainable manner
  • A strong work ethic and commitment in order to meet the standards required
  • Recognition of and compliance with equality and diversity in the workplace

In order to complete the qualification successfully you must demonstrate your skills and knowledge gained throughout the apprenticeship. The apprentice will be required to complete an EPA (End-point assessment) to show they are fully competent in their occupational job role. The EPA is made up of three assessment tools:

  • Knowledge Test
  • Practical Test
  • Structured Interview

Further detail on the End-point assessment can be found in the Broadcast Production Assessment Assistant document here: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/media/1158/broadcast_production_assistant.pdf

Conclusion

Broadcast production assistants are in demand because without them no new media
content would ever find its way onto our screens. They are equally happy on set where the
filming happens, presenting ideas to commissioning editors, or at their desks mastering
technology around end-to-end content creation. If you are reading this blog you will have
picked up on the really vital skills for success in this career: You must be able to write well
and think creatively, be capable of managing a wide range of people and resources to
make a production run smoothly, follow processes, present ideas, and develop a
commercial mindset to predict, monitor and evaluate success of new productions. You
need to be comfortable around using new technology, and adept at relationship skills – as
you progress you will be pulling people together to work as one team with an agreed vision
and purpose. If you want to start thinking like a Broadcast Production professional, start by
paying attention to anything you watch on a screen and ask yourself a few simple
questions: Why will people want to watch this, who are they, when will they watch and on
which channels?

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Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship

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Working with your team to define, design, build and implement your campaigns across a range of digital platforms. Sound good to you? If so, then read on and find out how the level 3 Digital Marketing apprenticeship could help kick start your new career!

Profile, job roles and entry requirements for the level 3 Digital Marketing Apprenticeship

The Digital Marketing Apprenticeship provides the opportunity for an apprentice to learn the skills required to build and implement digital campaigns across a variety of online and social media platforms; to drive customer acquisition, customer engagement and customer retention. Here you’ll work as a team but also be responsible for your own elements of an overall marketing plan.

This can lead to a number of great marketing roles such as: Digital Marketing Executive, Digital Marketing Co-ordinator, Social Media Executive. Digital Marketing apprenticeship salaries in the UK average a start at £16k but with lots of room for progression in the years to follow. This apprenticeship provides an excellent opportunity for you to begin your career in digital with a basis in effective, practical experience.

Employers will set their own criteria for entry, but this can include:

  • 5 or more GCSE’s A* – C
  • Level 2 in English and Mathematics, or the equivalent in functional skills.

Digital Marketing: Key technical competencies

  • Written communcation: Skills for a range of audiences with regard to the sensitivity of communcation
  • Research: Able to analyse and contribute with regard to the digital environment to nform short and long-term strategies
  • Technologies: Recommending effective and appropriate solutions using a vareity of technologies and tools to meet marketing objectives
  • Data: reviews, monitors and analyses online activity and provides recommendations and insights to others
  • Customer service: responds efficiently to enquiries using online and social media platforms
  • Problem solving: applies structured techniques to problem solving, and analyses problems and resolves issues across a variety of digital platforms
  • Analysis: understands and creates basic analytical dashboards using appropriate digital tools
  • Implementation: builds and implements digital campaigns across a variety of digital media platforms
  • Applies at least two of the following specialist areas: search marketing, search engine optimisation, e mail marketing, web analytics and metrics, mobile apps and Pay-Per-Click
  • Uses digital tools effectively
  • Digital analytics: measures and evaluates the success of digital marketing activities

Interprets and follows:

  • latest developments in digital media technologies and trends
  • marketing briefs and plans
  • company defined ‘customer standards’ or industry good practice for marketing
  • company, team or client approaches to continuous integration
  • Can operate effectively in their own business’s, their customers’ and the industry’s environments

Core technical knowledge and understanding

  • Understands the principles of coding
  • Understands and can apply basic marketing principles
  • Understands and can apply the customer lifecycle
  • Understands the role of customer relationship marketing
  • Understands how teams work effectively to deliver digital marketing campaigns and can deliver accordingly
  • Understands the main components of Digital and Social Media Strategies
  • Understands the principles of all of the following specialist areas: search marketing, search engine optimisation, e mail marketing, web analytics and metrics, mobile apps and Pay-Per-Click and understands how these can work together
  • Understands the similarities and differences, including positives and negatives, of all the major digital and social media platforms
  • Understands and responds to the business environment and business issues related to digital marketing and customer needs
  • Understands and follows digital etiquette
  • Understands how digital platforms integrate in to the working environment
  • Understands and follows the required security levels necessary to protect data across digital and social media platforms
The Secret to Being a Successful Digital Marketer

Skills, attitudes and behaviours

  • Logical and creative thinking skills
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and to take responsibility
  • Can use own initiative
  • A thorough and organised approach
  • Ability to work with a range of internal and external people
  • Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of situations
  • Maintain productive, professional and secure working environment

Qualifications

New apprentices:

Apprentices who start their studies after the 1st June 2020 will use the qualifications listed in Table 2 below.

Apprentices must achieve one internationally recognised vendor or professional qualification, from the right-hand column in the table below. This then exempts one of the Ofqual-regulated knowledge modules, as shown in the left-hand column.

Table: The knowledge modules are summarised below, and further details are available in the occupational brief available from https://www.nsar.co.uk/digital-eqa/digital-apprenticeship-standards/

Knowledge Modules Vendor or Professional Qualifications
Knowledge Module 1: Principles of Coding (for level 3 Digital Marketer Apprenticeship) MTA HTML 5 Application Development Fundamentals (98-375) CIW – Site Development Associate
Knowledge Module 2: Marketing Principles (for Level 3 Digital Marketer)   Google Squared CIM Level 3 Award in Digital Fundamentals Dot Native CIW – Internet Business Associate
Knowledge Module 3: Digital Marketing Business Principle (for level 3 Digital Marketer Apprenticeship) Google Analytics IQ CIM Level 3 Award in Digital Fundamentals CIW – Data Analytics CIW – Social Media Strategist Dot Native Google Squared

Individual employers will select which vendor or professional qualification the apprentice should take.

To note: if apprentices started their studies prior to the 1st June 2020 but have not yet selected or started their mandated qualifications, then they will select their qualifications from Table 2.

Further detail on the End-point assessment can be found in the Digital Marketer Assessment document here: https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/media/1125/digital_marketer.pdf

Conclusion

Digital marketers have a great future ahead of them, playing a central role in defining the way people buy, sell and consume goods and services. In this sense, they are key to a vibrant economy that can embrace opportunity through technology and a deep knowledge of what people want next. If you are reading this blog you will have identified some key skills vital to success in your career: Teamwork, problem solving, meeting client deadlines flexibility, logic, creativity, and the ability to use your own initiative. In addition, you need to develop a mindset of continuous learning and a genuine curiosity about the digital marketplace. To start thinking in the right way, every time you do a Google search and an advert pops up, ask yourself a few simple questions: How did this advert suddenly appear, what makes it appealing, and why did the digital marketer choose this particular combination of words and images to make me click?

That concludes this page on the level 3 Digital Marketing Apprentice qualification. Take time to ask yourself: Is this a role I could see myself in? Did I find it interesting? Do I think I could bring something to this position?

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