Engineering Technician (Machining) - Level 3 ST0457

Machinists in the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering sector are predominantly involved in highly skilled, complex and precision work, machining components from specialist materials using conventional and/or CNC machine tools such as centre lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines, horizontal and cylindrical grinding machines, electro discharge machines, single and multi- axis CNC machine tools centres. They will be expected to be able set up, operate and adjust/edit equipment settings as applicable to the machine tool being used. When using CNC equipment you will be expected to be able to produce, prove and/or edit programmes. During and on completion of the machining operations you will be expected to measure and check the components being produced and make adjustments to the equipment/programme to ensure components meet the required specification.

Specific Specialist Knowledge:

Understand mathematical techniques, formula and calculation involved in the machining processes such as speeds and feeds, calculating angles/tapers, material removal.
Understand the practical and theoretical uses of the machines used, and their applications.
Understand the work-holding devices, cutting tools, and setting up procedures, in adequate depth to provide a sound basis for carrying out the activities, correcting faults and ensuring the work output is to the required specification

Specific Specialist Skills:
Read and interpret relevant data and documentation used to produce machined components.
Determine the most efficient and effective approach to machine the component using a range of tools, machining process and techniques
Select and set up the correct tooling and work holding devices.
Set and adjust the machine operating parameters to produce the work pieces to the required specification. This will involve setting feeds and speeds for roughing and finishing operations.
Select and use a range of measuring and testing equipment to check components are to the required quality and accuracy.
Produce complex and specialist components as a one off test and trial work piece and/or producing components in small or large batches.
Contribute to the business by identifying possible opportunities for improving working practices, processes and/or procedures.

In the first eighteen months, you will attend college two days a week and complete the following level 2 Foundation Competence units:
• AUEC2-001 Complying with statutory regulations and organisational safety requirements
• AUEC2-002 Working efficiently and effectively in an engineering environment
• AUEC2-003 Using and communicating technical information
• AUEC2-004 Conducting business improvement activities
• AUEC2-005 Producing components using hand fitting techniques
• AUEC2-006 Maintaining mechanical devices and equipment
• AUEC2-013 Preparing and using lathes for turning operations
• AUEC2-014 Preparing and using milling machines
• AUEC2-021 Preparing and proving CNC machine tool programs
• AUEC2-038 Producing Mechanical Engineering Drawings using a CAD System

The following six months you will attend college two days a week and complete the following level 2 Foundation Knowledge units:
• AUE2-001 Working in Engineering
• AUE2-002 Engineering Techniques
• AUE2-003 Mathematics and Science
• AUE2-004 Fitting and Assembly Techniques
• AUE2-005 Business Improvement Techniques
• AUE2-007 Manual Turning Techniques
• AUE2-008 Manual Milling Techniques

Following the foundation phase of your apprenticeship, you will continue attending college one or two days a week for the next two years completing the following level 3 Development Knowledge units:
• AME3/001 Engineering & Environmental Health and Safety
• AME3/002 Engineering Communications
• AME3/003 Properties and Applications of Engineering Materials
• AME3/004 Engineering Mathematics
• AME3/005 Computer Aided Design Techniques
• AME3/006 Advanced Manufacturing Techniques Computer Numerical Control – CNC
• AME3/011 Specialist Machining
• AME3/017 Mechanical engineering principles

In addition, you will complete a portfolio of evidence within the workplace towards the level 3 Development Competence and then undergo End Point Assessment.

All of the qualification requirements in the foundation and development phases are mandatory outcomes for the completion and final certification of the Apprenticeship Standard. Each qualification has a core and options approach and employers will select the most applicable pathway and unit options to meet their organisational requirements.

All elements will be assessed through online tests or assignments and specific observations.

There will be an end point assessment during the final phase of the Apprenticeship where the apprentice will need to demonstrate to the employer how they have achieved full occupational competence against, skills, knowledge and behaviours, set out in the Standard On successful completion of the End Point assessment and employer endorsement phase (final sign off) apprentices will be then be put forward to be awarded their Apprenticeship completion certificate.

Employer benefits are that the apprentice becomes a well trained member of the manufacturing team, with skills and experience to grow the core business of the company.

Stationary and a scientific calculator.
Students are required to purchase their own protective footwear, overalls and safety glasses.

After a period of foundation skills and technical knowledge development all apprentices will be required to achieve the following qualifications as a minimum:
• Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Foundation Competence)
• Level 2 Diploma in Machining (Foundation Knowledge)
• Level 2 Gateway review and assessment by the employer

After a further period of skills and technical knowledge development all apprentices will be required to achieve the following qualifications:
• Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Competence) - Machining
• Level 3 Diploma in Machining (Development Knowledge)
• End point assessment
• Apprentices without Level 2 English and Maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking end point assessment

Completion of the Apprenticeship is designed to be recognised by relevant Professional Engineering Institutions at the appropriate level of professional registration (Eng /Tech). In the case of the Military specific pathway in the Aircraft Maintenance Fitter/Technician Standard, professional competence will be recognised by the Military Independent Assessment Authority (MIAA).

Progression onto a level 4 apprenticeship or a HNC programme at Dudley College

You should have a minimum GCSE Level 4 or equivelent in Maths and English.

An engineering based qualification at level 2 is preferred such as:

Performing Enigineering Operations Level 1 or 2

BTEC first in manufacturing.