Course Summary
The apprenticeship has been designed by industry to support Mechanical Engineer and Manufacturing Technician roles. Manufacturing Technicians provide specialist technical support for engineers, gather information and data from a range of sources, analyse the information/data and provide solutions. The BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Mechanical Engineering is embedded within the apprenticeship. To successfully complete, apprentices will also be required to pass an independent end point assessment (EPA).
Apprentices will attend college one-day-per-week developing practical skills and theoretical knowledge in college workshops, science labs, CAD suites and classrooms. Apprentices will be supported by tutors, assessors and a work-placed mentor. Functional skills level 2 is mandatory for any apprentices who have not yet achieved a minimum GCSE grade 4 or equivalent in mathematics and English.
The apprenticeship is underpinned by the BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Mechanical Engineering and is designed to develop apprentices knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSB's) required for successful employment in the Mechanical Engineering/Manufacturing sector.
The apprenticeship will take up to 42 months on-programme (before the EPA gateway) working towards the occupational standard, with a minimum of 20% off-the-job training. The duration may be shortened based upon accredited prior learning (APL) and/or qualifications but will always be at least 12 months in duration as a minimum.
Course Content
The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Mechanical Engineering qualification comprises of a minimum of 120 credits. 50 credits of 3 mandatory/core units and 70 credits of a minimum of 4 specialist units. Depending on chosen units, apprentices will develop a knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Engineering Design, Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Science, Managing Projects, Mechanical Principles, Robotics & Automation Thermodynamics and CAD/CAM.
In addition, apprentices will develop a portfolio of work-based evidence to support an independent end point assessment (EPA) comprised of an observation & discussion at their place of work and a one-to-one professional discussion.
Course Assessment
For the HNC technical qualification apprentices will attend college on a day release basis. The HNC is assessed through Pearson approved practical assessments and assignments.
End Point Assessment (EPA) gateway:
The EPA period should only start once the apprentice is consistently working at or above the level set out in the occupational standard. In addition, apprentices must have completed the following gateway requirements prior to beginning EPA:
Achieved English and mathematics level 2, as a minimum. All apprentices must achieve the following approved qualifications as mandated in the occupational standard: • Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering or Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Manufacturing Operations.
Apprentices must be observed by an independent assessor completing work tasks in their normal workplace, in which they will demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) assigned to the assessment method.
For the observation with questioning: the employer must provide Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s). For the professional discussion, the apprentice will be required to prepare and submit a portfolio of evidence. The portfolio of evidence itself is not assessed, it is used to inform the questioning during Professional Discussion.
The portfolio of evidence will typically contain 10 pieces of evidence • the employer must sign off the portfolio of evidence, thereby authenticating the work it contains • apprentices must compile a portfolio of evidence during the on-programme period of the apprenticeship • employers/training providers are free to devise their own version of the portfolio of evidence in conjunction with the college.
Employer Benefits
This course will develop knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSB's) for apprentices to supervise and provide technical guidance to quality inspectors and junior engineering staff. On successful completion, apprentices should be able to provide technical support to production and assist with product development. They will be skilled at solving technical issues within the company and with sub-contractors, suppliers and customers.
Materials
Free of charge for apprentices aged 16-18.
19+ a contribution by the employer is required. Please contact us for more information.
Qualifications
The Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Mechanical Engineering qualification comprises of a minimum of 120 credits. 50 credits of 3 mandatory/core units and 70 credits of a minimum of 4 specialist units. Depending on chosen units, apprentices will develop a knowledge and understanding in the following areas: Engineering Design, Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Science, Managing Projects, Mechanical Principles, Robotics & Automation Thermodynamics and CAD/CAM.
Functional skill mathematics Level 2 and/or English Level 2 dependent on initial assessment and previous qualifications held. Apprentices are exempt from functional skills if they already have a GCSE level 4 or equivalent in mathematics and/or English.
This apprenticeship is designed to prepare successful apprentices to meet the requirements for registration as Engineering Technician (EngTech) with:
• Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET)
• Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)
Progression
Progression onto Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship, a HND at Dudley College or year 2 undergraduate degree at University.
Entry Requirements
One of the following: • BTEC National Diploma in Engineering (grade MMP or better)** • BTEC National Certificate in Engineering (Grade MM or better)** • GCE ‘A’ level in Maths plus AS level in Physics • C&G236 part ‘C’ • ACCESS to HE in Engineering ** These should include the following: Mechanical Principles and Further Maths for Technicians Entry can be achieved with the following: • BTEC Nationals in Engineering at Pass grades • BTEC Nationals in Science • ACCESS to HE Science
Additional Maths & Science bridging module may need to be completed in addition. Subject to interview, academic reference and engineering experience.
