UK Apprenticeships

Master Equine Grooming: Top 5 Tips For Level 2 Success

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Horse being groomed outside stables
Horse being groomed outside stables
Find your place on a team of animal care professionals

Are you looking to start your journey with equines or wanting to elevate your skills to the next level? Well, welcome to Apprentice Now’s ultimate guide to master equine grooming.

Here we will give you the 5 top tips you need for success in your Level 2 Apprenticeship.

WHAT IS EQUINE GROOMING?

Equine grooming refers to the process of cleaning, caring for, and maintaining the appearance of horses, ponies, donkeys and there hybrids. Furthermore, it involves takes such as brushing, combing, bathing, trimming and sometimes clipping and braiding the equine mane and tail. However, grooming is not the only essential for keeping the horse clean and healthy but also building a bond between the horse and its handler.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THIS LEVEL 2?

This outstanding course offers a solid foundation in the essential skills and knowledge required to pursue a rewarding career in the equine industry.

Apprentices will dive into a curriculum covering various factors of equine care and management, including nutrition, grooming techniques, handling and restraint, tack maintenance and health and safety protocols.

OUR TOP 5 TIPS TO MASTER EQUINE GROOMING

Now for the moment you have been waiting for! What 5 tips can you take into this Level 2 apprenticeship to make yourself an expert in the equine industry

UNDERSTAND EQUINE BEHAVIOUR

master equine grooming. horse in a field

Firstly, one of the keys to becoming a skilled groomer is understanding the behaviour of horses. Take the time to observe and learn about their body language, preferences and signals, remember they’re all different! Building a strong rapport with the horses you work with will make your job a lot easier.

MASTER GROOMING TECHNIQUES

a girl mastering euqine grooming

From brushing to hoof cleaning, mastering grooming techniques is essential for achieving professional results. In the meantime, practice regularly and seek guidance from experienced professionals to enhance your skills and ensure the comfort and well being of the horses in your care.

PRIORITISE SAFETY

horse trainer riding a horse

Additionally, safety should always be a top priority when working with horses. Familiarise yourself with safety protocols and equipment, such as wearing appropriate footwear and handling grooming tools with care. By prioritising safety, you can minimize the risk of accidents and create a secure working environment for both yourself and the equines.

EMBRACE CONTINUOUS LEARNING

a woman working at the stables mastering equine grooming

The industry is constantly evolving, so its important to stay up to date with the latest trends, techniques and advancements. Hence, you should take advantage of training opportunities, workshops and online resources to expand your knowledge. You’ll not only master equine grooming but also demonstrate your dedication to excellence in your field.

SEEK MENTORSHIP

student getting mentorship from a professional

And finally, seeking mentorship is crucial for honing your skills, gaining industry insights and navigating challenges. A mentor provides personalised guidance accelerating your learning curve professional growth in a specialised field.

HOW CAN I TAKE MY QUALIFICATION FURTHER?

Transitioning from a Level 2 apprenticeship in equine grooming involves expanding your skill set and industry knowledge. However, seeking additional certifications or specialised training could enhance your expertise and marketability. Moreover, actively seeking mentorship and staying updated on industry trends can further propel your career and open doors to senior positions.

Upon completion, you will emerge equipped not only with the skills to maintain the health and well being of horses, but also with a solid foundation to pursue further qualifications such as a Level 3 Senior Equine Groom apprenticeship.

In summary, these 5 tips at your disposal will make you well-equipped to excel in your Level 2 apprenticeship in equine grooming. Remember to always approach each day with enthusiasm, dedication and a commitment to improvement. ApprenticeNow is here to support you every step of the way to becoming a skilled and successful equine groomer.

To conclude, make sure you look out for our other blogs and for more information on apprenticeships, check our our website below!

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Why should you be an Industrial thermal insulation technician apprentice?

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Are you interested in perusing an apprenticeship in construction, but not wanting to go to university? Well becoming an Industrial thermal insulation technician apprentice might just be for you. You will learn to be responsible in the bespoke designing and fitting of insulation for properties. Gaining valuable specialist skills to start your journey in construction.

Thermal Insulation technician apprentice working on a commercial building
Thermal Insulation Technician apprentice, Josh, working overseas on a new development

About the apprenticeship

Course name: Industrial Thermal Insulation Technician Apprentice

Qualifications: Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment

Level: This is a Level 3 Apprenticeship.

Duration: The Apprenticeship will typically be completed in 24 months.

What is a Thermal Insulation Technician?

Thermal Insulation Technicians apply multi-layer applications of specialist insulation systems, comprising of layers of high performance insulation, vapour barriers and weatherproof cladding. You will be involved in the creation of bespoke patterns using technical drawing equipment to fabricate specialist cladding materials, which are applied on top of specialist insulation systems to complex pipework, ductwork and vessels.

Thermal Insulation Technicians may work on a diverse range of sites including:

  • Power Generation, Nuclear, Oil and Gas sites
  • Petrochemical and Process Plants including Food, Brewing and Dairy
  • Shipyards
Thermal Insulation Technician apprentice at work on the construction site
On the left is Ben, he has recently finished as a Thermal Insulation Technician apprentice and is fully qualified

Ben Green (pictured above) recently finished his apprenticeship, he is now a qualified L3 Thermal Insulation Technician. He is now travelling around London with his team working on office development sites.

“The apprenticeship gave me the practical skills I needed to move forward in my career. Not only was I earning money, it set me up for my future. I love my job, from designing to installing and managing my team. Every day is different and exciting. I couldn’t have done it without my apprenticeship”

Ben Green

What will being a Thermal Insulation Technician apprentice teach me?

  • the accurate interpretation of relevant product information and design specifications
  • how to use technical drawing equipment
  • the process used to design and develop patterns
  • understand the specific project procurement processes
  • jointing, sealing, weatherproofing and fitting specialist insulation systems
  • how to comply with organisational health and safety policies and procedures
  • hazard recognition
  • identification of any asbestos risks
  • how to supervise, coach and mentor a team of thermal insulation operatives
  • scheduling and managing work activities
  • the relevant industry quality standards and ensure that they are adhered to
  • how to communicate instructions accurately and effectively

What skills will I leave with?

  • design and develop patterns from which to fabricate cladding from a range of specialist base materials
  • fabricate specialist cladding from patterns, including bespoke elbows, bends and T sections
  • install fabricated cladding to pipework, ductwork and vessels
  • install insulation systems using staggered and grooved joints that fit together precisely
  • resize and re-configure cladding components on site
  • use specialist hand tools and equipment
  • work reliably and safely, without close supervision, to approved industry standards and safe working practices
  • work effectively and efficiently, both individually and as part of a team, maintaining effective relationships
  • use the appropriate communication style
  • supervise and mentor other thermal insulators, providing technical advice as required
  • assist with the management of projects
  • procure resources in line with site specific procedures
  • ensure resources are moved, handled and stored safely and securely
  • implement all organizational security arrangements and procedures
  • competently erect and dismantle portable scaffold towers, ensuring safe working at heights
  • identify risks by checking information and being aware of changing external circumstances

How do I get started?

We hope that this post has helped you on taking the first steps in your search to be an apprentice. Make sure to check out job sites such as TotalJobs and Indeed to set job alerts. Don’t forget to look at apprenticetips.com to find more information on writing your CV, interviews and so much more. Don’t forget to check out our apprenticeship page to browse other jobs!

Email Marketing 101

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Email campaign

Email Marketing plays a crucial role in any digital markers marketing campaign. It is a great way to nurture your leads as it allows you to communicate with those who are already subscribed to your mailing list, meaning that you are communicating with those already interested in your company. It can also increase brand awareness and drive traffic to your website to ultimately reach your goals.

In 2022, Litmus found that the average ROI (Return On Investment) for email marketing was $36 for every $1 spent. With many different types of emails, you can send to your customers, email marketing is a great way for businesses to reach out to their target audience, It is no surprise that Litmus found that 79% of marketers list email marketing as their top 3 most effective marketing channels.

Getting started with email marketing

Getting started with email marketing is easy but the first thing you must do is work out what you want to achieve from your campaign. Do you want to drive traffic to your website? Convert your audience into leads? Encourage people to sign-up for an event? Establishing your goals is key to a successful email campaign and aligning those goals with your KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) means that you can easily measure the success of your campaign as well.

Gmail

Building a mailing list

When getting started with email campaigns companies will need to bring together a mailing list. A mailing list is a list of people to whom you want to send your email campaign. These are the people who have given consent to receive email marketing from your company. If you do not already have a mailing list you will need to start thinking of any which you can get people to sign-up for your emails. You can do this by:

  • Putting links/buttons to sign-up forms on email signatures, your website, your social media pages, the end of blog posts, etc.
  • Making sure that the sign-up form is short and easy to fill in.
  • Providing sneak peeks of your newsletters, this could be in social media.
  • Advertising offers only available through email sign-ups.

When building your mailing list you should also consider segmenting your list. You can put your audience into different categories depending on characteristics they may have stated on your email sign-up form, such as location, interests, etc.

Types of email marketing

Another thing to consider is deciding the type of email campaign you will send to your audience. There are countless types of email marketing and the type you choose to send should align with your goals to achieve a successful campaign. Types of email marketing include:

  • Welcome emails
  • Newsletters
  • Company updates
  • Job advertisements
  • Promotional

Different technologies

You will need to decide what technology you want to use before getting started with email. There are hundreds of different technologies available to create email campaigns, all of which have different factors which set them apart. You should choose the technologies that will help your company achieve its goals and objectives. Some examples of email marketing technologies include:

  • HubSpot – a cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform which helps marketing teams optimise their email campaigns powered by CRM data.
  • MailChimp – an email marketing platform used for creating and managing email campaigns. It is best for actionable data insights to improve your strategy.
  • Moosend – an email marketing automation platform designed to send and manage email campaigns. It is best for creating automation and sending personalised emails.

Why is email marketing important?

There are many reasons why email marketing is important for your business. For starters people use email every day and according to Statista there were over 4 billion email users worldwide in 2020, so it is easy to connect and communicate your messages to your audience. It has many benefits, some of these include:

  • Boosting other marketing channels.
  • Keeping your audience engaged with your company.
  • Cost-effective
  • Allows for targeted messages
  • Generates traffic to your website
Email messages

What makes a successful email campaign?

There are many things that can make an email campaign successful, these can include:

  • Relevant to your audience – making your email marketing relevant to your audience, whether that be through personalised/targeted content can lead to your audience driving traffic to your website and making purchases.
  • Engaging subject lines – subject line will be one of the first things your audience sees and this will determine whether or not they will open your email. Making your subject line engaging will help push them to open your email and click on your content.
  • Clearly defined goals – setting goals means that you know what you want your email campaign to achieve and it can help measure the success of your campaign.
  • Optimised for mobiles – according to Adobe in 2018 85% of email users use their phone to access emails.
  • Proofread before sending – by proofreading your email before sending you can check that you have made no errors such as spelling mistakes. Sending test emails allow you to see what your email would look like to your audience and it allows you to test that all links work and go to the right places.

Email marketing regulations

It is important to note that there are rules to email marketing. Since 2018 there have been GDPR regulations introduced that restrict whom you can send emails to. People must have given consent to receive emails from your company, whether that be by signing up for or opting in to email marketing. This means that companies need to be careful when sending email campaigns and make sure that everyone on their mailing list has opted-in to receive and has not unsubscribed.

Email marketing is a great way to connect with your target audience and it is a technique that all digital markers should consider in their marketing strategy as it is easy to do with little cost.

If you would like to discover more posts about digital marketing click here: Digital Apprenticeships Archives – ApprenticeTips.com

What to Expect from a Level 3 Advanced Golf Greenkeeper Apprenticeship

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A Golf Greenkeeper plays an exceptionally important role, caring for the quality of the golf course to provide the ultimate experience for golf players, but they also play an interesting one as well, working with different technology, meeting new people and even having a front row seat at watching games. Discover the key skills and knowledge you could learn as an apprentice Golf Greenkeeping and how it can set you on a path to a successful career.

What is a Golf Greenkeeper?

A Golf Greenkeeper plays a key role in the golf industry and without it, the quality of the sport would suffer. The main role of a Golf Greenkeeper is to maintain and care for the overall appearance of the golf course, this doesn’t just help with the overall aesthetic but the quality of people’s games as you don’t want long grass or divots on the ground ruining your game. Greenkeepers assist in the planning supervising and implementation of the maintenance to help provide a good quality playing surface to ensure that the course offers an enjoyable experience for all players.

Landscape golf course

What you should expect from the apprenticeship?

The Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship is a 24-month long course (not including the EPA), which is designed to provide the apprentice with the skills, knowledge, and behaviours to supervise the greenkeeping team and the maintenance of the golf course, in the absence of the Head Greenkeeper/Golf Course Manager.

This apprenticeship allows for progression into more senior roles within golf facilities after the completion of the course, with other opportunities also available in other sports facilities such as Grounds Maintenance Operator/Technician, Irrigation, Spray, or Machinery Technician.

Duties of a Golf Greenkeeper:

The apprentice will have to carry out a number of duties as a Golf Greenkeeper, some of these duties include:

  • Communicating with the greenkeeping team to allocate work and supervise the team in accordance with agreed maintenance plans.
  • Supervising the preparation of the golf course in accordance with the Rules of Golf.
  • Surveying, collecting, recording, and interpreting data on the golf course including soil and water analysis.
  • Supervising, planning, maintaining, constructing, repairing, and renovating projects on the golf course and clubhouse surrounds.
  • Preparing and maintaining golf course playing surfaces.
  • Supervising and carrying out the preparation, maintenance, and storage of machines for use.
  • Supervising and undertaking the operation, maintenance, and servicing of irrigation and drainage systems.
  • Carrying out risk assessments on the golf course and maintenance facility.
  • Contributing to the development and implementation of the maintenance budgets.
  • Assisting with the training and mentoring of the greenkeeping team.
Golfer on golf course

Key knowledge apprentices develop during the apprenticeship:

The Advanced Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship will supply apprentices with the following technical knowledge to support them in their job role:

  • Understanding key health, safety, and environmental legislation and regulations to ensure a safe working environment for everyone.
  • Learning common aspects of soil and plant biology to promote best practices to produce sustainable playing surfaces.
  • How to plan and implement maintenance, improvement, and renovation programmes for the golf course, optimising human and physical resources available.
  • The importance of data collection and interpretation to ensure sustainable quality playing surfaces.
  • Be aware of the importance of the Rules of Golf, golf course etiquette, and how they impact the playing of the game of golf.
  • Understand all environmental and ecological best practices to maintain a sustainable golf course.
  • How to identify weeds, pests, diseases, and disorders and the most effective treatment method, and the importance of record keeping.
  • How to plan and implement machinery maintenance programmes and their impact on turf maintenance.
  • Understanding how to prepare and host team meetings and the key fundamentals of effective presentations.

Qualifications you need?

Candidates may already have experience in Greenkeeping or hold a Level 2 qualification in Greenkeeping or equivalent but it is not necessary for candidates to get on the course.

For candidates to be eligible for this course they must have achieved their Level 2 English and Maths, else they will have to complete it alongside their apprenticeship. It is also recommended that candidates complete Level 1 ICT as part of their apprenticeship if they have not already achieved it.

Each employer may set out their own criteria that candidates must hold to get on to the Golf Greenkeeping apprenticeship.

The Level 3 Advanced Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship is an excellent opportunity for those interested in the golfing industry. It is a crucial role that has a huge impact on the quality of the game and has many responsibilities other than just maintaining the golf course playing surface.

If you are interested in the Level 3 Advanced Golf Greenkeeper apprenticeship you can visit: www.instituteforapprenticeships.org for more information.

If you would like to find out about other apprenticeships available visit: ApprenticeTips.com.

Senior Housing and Property Management Apprenticeship (Level 4)

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Are you a proactive team player who wants to further their knowledge and career in the property management industry. Well look no further! Our level 4 senior housing and property management apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity to level up in your career and keep earning whilst learning.

Senior Housing and Property Management Job Profile

In this role you will be responsible for managing and delivering property and housing related services within the social and private housing sectors. The role also involves the management of resources with delegated authority to deliver objectives whilst complying with contractual, statutory and legal resolutions.

Professional knowledge You Will Need to be a Senior Housing & Property Management Apprentice

  • You will need to understand and interpret the principles, practices and legislation relating to current landlord and tenant law, relevant Codes of Practice and legal framework. You will also need to understand the legislation that applies to governance, court proceedings, contracts and data protection.
  • A strong understanding of the planning process, financial and risk management, organization values, structure and the range of services available to customers. You also need to understand how these responsibilities contribute to the business’s overall objectives.
  • Understanding the strategic value of the social and physical context of the estates and neighborhoods.
  • Ensuring you understand the diversity of our customers, clients and stakeholders and ensure services meet their requirements.
  • Having a developed understanding of the historical context and current trends in the housing and property markets (i.e., social, rented, affordable, private sector housing) and the strategic housing market.
  • You will understand and provide advice and guidance on housing services for example rent, repairs and maintenance and allocations.
  • Understanding the organisations policies and practices and how they relate to the services you provide and the businesses objectives.

Skills You Will Need to Succeed in Senior Housing and Property Management

  • Be able to provide leadership in order to provide the best service which meets the needs of a diverse range of customers and stakeholders.
  • Demonstrate effective and appropriate verbal and written communication skills to resolve conflict and communicate with internal/external stakeholders.
  • Lead and work collaboratively with colleagues and external organizations to achieve individual and business targets.
  • Ensure services meet the needs of vulnerable individuals and groups.
  • Undertake data analysis, interrogate, interpret and disseminate information using a variety of methods and applications.
  • Influence and negotiate with partners and suppliers.
  • Manage budgets and report on financial performance and ensure value for money.
  • Being able to take the lead on projects through effective project management.
  • Lead, motivate, manage and develop individuals and teams to ensure excellent services are delivered.
  • Use a flexible and innovative approach to problem solving and undertake forward planning.
  • Effective use of IT equipment and software.

Behaviors You Need to Succeed in Senior Housing and Property Management

  • Be responsive when addressing complex issues by taking timely, responsive and flexible action.
  • Gain and maintain trust and dependability by working in a confident and empathetic manner with a professional attitude.
  • Be adaptable by being able to change work priorities and patterns when need be.
  • Show self-motivation without by working independently and without close supervision.
  • Have a high level of resilience, tenacity and calmness.
  • Show leadership skills and be a role model to others within and outside the company.
  • Have a high level of customer care by being responsive and empathetic to customer needs.
  • Be an effective team leader and player.
  • Be responsible for you own personal development and be a reflective practitioner.

Duration: Typically, 18-24 months.

Level: Level 4.

Professional Body Alignment and Progression

On completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices will be able to apply to the following for membership:

  • Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) at Member level. They will also qualify for the Professional Diploma route to Chartered Membership.
  • Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) at Member Grade or Fellow Member Grade (depending on length of service within the sector and position within the organisation).
  • Institute of Residential Property Management at Member Level (IRPM).

Apprentices will be able to progress to senior managerial and professional roles within the housing and property sector.

Entry Requirements & Qualifications

Individual employers will set their own level of specific qualifications they would like candidates to have. Typically, if you want to apply to a level 4 apprenticeship you will need to have GCSE qualifications in maths and English and qualifications in a relevant subject. In your relevant subject you can showcase how you would transfer over the skills you learnt into your new role. To find out what specific qualifications are needed to apply visit Apprentice Now.

So, Is This the Right Apprenticeship for You?

If you have undertaken a lower-level senior housing and property management apprenticeship and want to increase your knowledge and skills. This level 4 apprenticeship is the perfect fit for you. The apprenticeship will help you to increase your confidence. Take responsibility for the overall quality and cost effectiveness of the business and needs of stakeholders.

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To find out more about different apprenticeship opportunities visit our overview blog page here at apprentice tips.

Level 3 Gas Network Craftsperson Apprenticeship

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Level 3 Gas Network Craftsperson

On this Level 3 Gas Network Craftsperson Apprenticeship, you’ll have the opportunity to be responsible of the United Kingdom’s gas network. This consists of around 286,000 kilometres (175,00 miles) of pipeline that supplies natural gas from on shore terminals through to 21.5 million gas users.

Gas Network Craftsperson’s are employed by organisations authorised to transport gas throughout the United Kingdoms. The projects worked on could have values in excess of £250,000. This provides you with great experience in both the highly valued jobs as well as the lower valued jobs.

Typically, the duration of this apprenticeship is 48 months where you’ll be exposed to a larger team. This may include planners, designers, supervisors and managers. This will allow you to pick up recognised, valuable experience in the industry.

Job and entry Criteria for the Level 3 Gas Network Craftsperson Apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

Candidates will typically have 3 to 5 GCSEs at grades A to C or 9 to 4 (including mathematics, English and a science), or equivalent qualifications

English/maths:

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths on entry will need to achieve this level prior to completing the end point assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement the apprenticeships English and maths minimum requirement. This is Entry Level 3, also British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.

As a Level 3 Gas Network Craftsperson, there will be 4 key specialist responsibility that you’ll need to learn about.

Firstly, you will need to become Network Maintenance Craftsperson (Electrical & Instrumentation).  You will be responsible for maintaining the controls and systems that measure, monitor, analyse and control the performance of the gas network.

Secondly, you’ll need to learn skills to become a Network Maintenance Craftsperson (Pressure Management). You will be responsible for maintaining the controls and systems that measure, monitor and analyse pressures and flows within the gas network. 

Next, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge and be a Network Pipelines Maintenance Craftsperson. Being responsible for the maintenance and protection of the gas transportation pipelines and associated connecting plant and equipment.

Conclusion

A Level 3 Gas Network Craftsperson is a role in high demand and there are a lot of things to learn considering the number of skills and experience you will pick up from working in four different specialist areas. We highly recommend taking it. This career path will allow you to become an expert in an individual area such as Network Pipelines Maintenance Craftsperson, or become an allrounder and pick up all the skills in the trade which will come with an above average salary for sure!

Science Process Manufacturing Apprenticeship Level 2

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Are you passionate about science or manufacturing and interested in combining your interests? This could be the perfect role for you! Build your interest into a career with a level 2 Science process manufacturing apprenticeship. Find out more below…

One person overseeing another person in a science process manufacturing warehouse in protective gear making physical alterations to electrical equipment.

About this industry

Firstly, one thing you need to know is that science process manufacturing is varied. It includes industries such as:

  • Biotechnology
  • Chemical
  • Composites
  • Petrochemical
  • Polymer
  • Pharmaceutical

The science process industry combines raw materials and apply a science based process or processes biological, chemical or physical to create products. Furthermore, these products are made continuously or in batches.

Within the science process manufacturing industry The Health and Safety Executive and other industry regulators will regularly inspect employers. The Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) Regulations will also apply to some process manufacturing companies. Employers must manage risks to the employee, product, environment, and sometimes the wider community.

People in a warehouse at a workstation in protective gear making physical alterations to electrical equipment.

Key Duties of a Science Process Manufacturing Apprentice

You’ll be responsible for various duties in this role. Here are a few examples of what you will be given the opportunity to get involved in:

  • Help to carry out process manufacturing operations by using operating plant or equipment in line with standard operating procedures
  • Arrange and prepare materials for process activity
  • Carry out checks of equipment and process before they run or as part of handover responsibilities
  • Contribute to quality control – This is where you will conduct quality checks and escalate concerns
  • Carry out end of process activities – For example, finish, pack, discharge or move goods

Core knowledge, skills and behaviours

Within your apprenticeship you’ll build a solid working knowledge, along with skills and behaviours. This will be in a mix of practical and education situations. You’ll get the most out of your studies through this. For example, knowledge of science process manufacturing, improve your ability to collect and interpret information, follow procedures in line with process industry environmental and sustainability regulations and adapt to changing work requests. Plus much more!

Lastly, for a more in depth look at this apprenticeship, you can read the brief full brief here.

Not feeling like the right fit? Why not take a look at Apprentice Tips full range of Apprenticeship blogs here.

Level 3 Maintenance & Operations Technician Apprenticeship

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Maintenance Technicians have a wide range of responsibilities, whether they work in a specialist role or one requiring a wider skill set. Typically, the role includes anything from carrying out routine or emergency repairs to fixtures, fittings, and equipment to conducting routine inspections of buildings and liaising with external specialists and contractors.   

Jobs and entry criteria

The level 3 Maintenance & Operations Technician Apprenticeship is ideal for individuals wanting to pursue a career in engineering and it provides the skills and knowledge in 7 roles:

  • Electrical Technicians
  • Mechanical Technicians
  • Control & Instrumentation Technicians
  • Wind Turbine Technicians
  • Electrical System and Process Control Technicians
  • Electromechanical Technicians
  • Plant Operation Technicians
Two female technicians working in an industrial plant

Regardless of the role, the Maintenance & Operations Technician is responsible for maintaining the safety, integrity, and effective operation of plant and equipment. It can involve working in exciting sectors such as the generation of electricity, oil and gas refining, nuclear waste, pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics, to name a few.

A Rewarding Career

Salaries in the UK for a Maintenance & Operations Technician average at £33,000 demonstrating that this can be a rewarding career choice. The level 3 apprenticeship will provide you with an excellent grounding to a rewarding and lucrative career with lots of opportunities for career progression. There are many opportunities open to you such as becoming a supervisor or project manager, or you could choose to specialise in areas like CAD design or quality control.

Despite the wealth of opportunities on offer, the entry requirements are not too onerous as the entry requirements are typically 3 GCSEs at grade C or higher including maths, English and science, or equivalent relevant experience. However, don’t despair if you haven’t got GCSEs in English or maths as you will get the opportunity to complete these during your apprenticeship if needed.

Your Key Responsibilities

Electrical/Mechanical/Control and Instrumentation and Wind Turbine Technicians will work on various types of plant and equipment commonly found throughout the engineering industry sectors.

To support the business and operational requirements of modern integrated engineered production plant and services, Electrical Systems and Process Control Technicians and Electromechanical Technicians will need to apply a range of conventional skills and knowledge to undertake engineering activities on a selection of electromechanical and process control plant, systems and equipment.

These Technicians will undertake installation, testing, servicing, removal, replacement, maintenance and repair of a range of equipment. Sometimes the work will be complex, as part of planned preventative and reactive maintenance programmes. They may also undertake decommissioning activities when plant is being removed from service.

Plant Operation Technicians will undertake the safe and efficient operation of complex integrated energy conversion and production plant and systems. These activities could include plant commissioning, isolation and testing, plant preparation, plant start-up and shut down, monitoring and controlling plant and dealing with critical operational problems.

They will be responsible for the quality of their own work and possibly others’ whilst ensuring the work is completed safely, meets stakeholder quality, time and budget requirements. All whilst maintaining the efficient running of plant and equipment.

Caucasian male engineer using digital tablet working late night shift at petroleum oil refinery in an industrial estate

Level 3 core competencies

Level 3 core competencies

As part of your role, an apprentice carries out a number of tasks to satisfy the competencies such as:

  • complying with industry health, safety and environmental working practices and regulations
  • communicating with and provide information to stakeholders in line with your personal role and responsibilities
  • reads, understands and interprets information and works in compliance with technical specifications and supporting documentation
  • carrys out planned, unplanned and preventative maintenance procedures
  • diagnoses and determines the cause of faults

Depending on the area you specialise in, there will be other competencies you will need to display, ranging from installing and dismantling equipment to evaluating and solving complex problems within your work environment.

You can find out more information about the specific competencies for each area and the other competencies and knowledge by reading the occupational standard and assessment plan which will help you understand and prepare for the end-point assessment.

Group of technicians working on an aircraft at Stansted Airport

Conclusion

Apprenticeships are an excellent way to enter the engineering field because you learn on the job. Your days will be balanced between working alongside someone experienced in the field to obtain practical skills and studying towards a recognised and valued qualification. The level 3 maintenance & operations technician apprenticeship takes between 36 and 42 months to complete allowing you to earn a wage as you study.

The apprenticeship will provide you with the core skills you need to progress in your chosen career, but you don’t need to stop there! There are many more apprenticeships available to help you progress or you could choose to qualify as an engineer by completing a degree.

The engineering sector will always be in demand as although some jobs may disappear, new sectors quickly open up enabling you to have a career anywhere in the world. This is why a Level 3 Maintenance & Operations Technician apprenticeship could really be your passport to success.

Level 3 Keeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship – What you need to know.

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Does a career in looking after animals and wildlife appeal to you? If so, read on to find out how the Level 3 Keeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship could help you start a new career.

Entry Criteria for the Level 3 Keeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship

The Keeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship provides opportunities for an apprentice to learn the skills required to assist and adhere to the zoological collections and industry best practice. These include jobs such as: Animal Keeper, Aquarist or Zookeeper. Aquarists’ salaries in the UK average at £33k proving that this can be a promising career choice. The Keeper and Aquarist apprenticeship provides an excellent opportunity for starting on a pathway that offers excellent career progression opportunities. You can future proof your career by using the Level 3 Keeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship as a starting point.

If this all sounds too good to be true, it’s not! Although normally set by employers, the entry requirements for the Keeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship are Level 2 English and Maths. An employer may hire you regardless of your background if you are the right fit for their organisation. This gives everyone the chance to succeed on this Apprenticeship! If you haven’t got up to date English and Maths certificates, you will get the opportunity to complete these prior if needed.

Key Responsibilities of a Keeper and Aquarist

The primary role of a Zookeeper/ Aquarist is to take responsibility for the everyday care and husbandry of the animals within the collection. Zookeepers/ Aquarists are typically involved with recording and reporting any observed changes and concerns to senior animal keeping staff/management and learning the use of up-to-date recording systems like ZIMS. An employee in this occupation interacts with volunteers, animal keepers, management, veterinary staff, staff from other departments, colleagues from other zoological collections and members of the public. As a Zookeeper/ Aquarist you will have a strong work ethic and show respect and empathy for both people and animals.

Level 3 Keeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship Competencies

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

  • Working effectively in a safe and healthy working environment following current/relevant health and safety legislation and workplace policies.
  • Prioritise more critical and less critical activities and tasks using scheduling techniques that enable them to meet deadlines.
  • Communicate information clearly and within a timely manner with internal audiences such as colleagues, vets, managers, and contractors, concisely, accurately and in ways that promote understanding.
  • Actively listen, process, and prioritise information, confirm understanding and react according to level of risk.
  •  Accurately record, retrieve, and monitor information and write reports using a range of systems relevant to zoo/aquarium keeping within your organisation, such as diaries, ZIMS, Tracks, and Excel.
  • Observe, describe, and interpret animal behaviour including species specific behaviours
  • Interpret diet sheets and safely store, prepare, and present diets in a manner which promotes species.
  • Identify the most appropriate methods of successfully transporting animals, considering species, level of risk, duration, animal welfare considerations, health and safety, legislation.

As a Keeper/ Aquarist, you will need to encourage public engagement with wildlife. The knowledge modules will help you understand the following:

  • Current legislation, including health and safety and Animal Welfare Act, zoo licencing act, EU Zoos directive
  • Workplace policies and procedures, such as working safely with higher risk animals and higher risk environments, working at height, working with chemicals, working with tools, manual handling, risk assessment, fire safety, relevant PPE, managing health and wellbeing
  • Key stakeholders for their area of work, including their organisation structure, organisation mission, regional, national, and international associations as appropriate
  • The increasingly significant role zoos play globally in conserving species and their habitats
  • The principles of animal movement and transportation legislation, including handling, restraint, capture and monitoring of animals and the challenges around these such as safety concerns for higher risk and wild species
  • Nutritional requirements of a range of wild species across all life stages and how diets are safely stored, formulated, prepared, and delivered including weight management, supplementation, and food hygiene
  • The principles of animal training, such as classical versus operant conditioning, cuing, bridging, reinforcing

To demonstrate that you understand the knowledge covered on the Level 3 Keeper/ Aquarist Apprenticeship, you will need to complete different assessment methods including a professional discussion.

Conclusion

As you can see, the Level 3 Keeper and Aquarist Apprenticeship is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to pursue a career with animals. The core skills covered in this Apprenticeship will open a wide range of job opportunities. In addition, you will earn while you learn, and excellent progression opportunities exist to advance your career. The type of job roles that will open over the coming years could be endless for anyone that commits their future to a career in data.

Check out our full Level 3 role here.