Modern Apprenticeships

Manufacturing engineering apprentices will complete a 4-year Modern Apprenticeship programme involving both off-the-job and on-the-job training.  The required elements for this programme are an SVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations, an NC in Manufacturing Engineering at SCQF Level 6, and an SVQ Level 3 in a relevant manufacturing pathway (eg CNC Machining, Fitting and Assembly).

Manufacturing engineers are designers, analytical and creative thinkers. This means you can operate on your own initiative but also working with other engineers from various disciplines.

As a manufacturing engineer, you might be involved in the following tasks:

• using turning, milling, boring and other specialised machines to produce components to high quality finishes
• design new systems, equipment and processes for the introduction of new products or the improvement of existing ones
• work with other engineers, such as chemical, mechanical and electrical engineers, to ensure all product and system requirements are taken into account from the initial product conception to the finished result
• liaise with suppliers and customers
• plan and organise maintenance of equipment
• identify faults, investigate production problems and repair equipment quickly and efficiently
• be involved in plant start-up and shut-down to ensure minimum loss of production time and profits
• liaise with research and development staff to ensure the company is at the forefront of ground-breaking research
• keep up to date with current and developing trends in the manufacturing industry, at a national and international level

As a manufacturing engineer you will learn:

• Good practical and technical skills
• Engineering related mathematics, and IT software
• Good communication skills
• An understanding of engineering drawings and principles
• The ability to work quickly and under pressure
• Team working skills
• Good problem-solving skills
• The ability to manage a varied workload
• An awareness of health and safety legislation

Electrical engineering apprentices will complete a 4-year Modern Apprenticeship programme involving both off-the-job and on-the-job training.  The required elements for this programme are an SVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations, an NC in Electrical Engineering at SCQF Level 6, and an SVQ Level 3 in Engineering Maintenance (Electrical).

Electrical engineering technicians install, maintain and repair electrical equipment and controls in a wide range of industries. They work on motors, panels, generators and transformers, design, build and maintain electrical control systems, machinery and equipment.

As an electrical engineer, you would work with high and low voltage equipment in a number of areas, including:

• transport networks, including rail electrification and signalling
• power generation, transmission and distribution
• renewable energy sources, such as solar panelling, hydroelectric and wind turbines
• industrial machinery and equipment- making, fitting and repairing drives, motors and programmable logic control (PLC) panels
• Building services, such as lighting, heating, ventilation and lift systems.

Your exact duties would depend on your industry, but could include:

• carrying out feasibility studies for new technical developments
• drawing up project plans and circuit diagrams, using computer-assisted engineering and design software
• estimating costs and project timescales
• coordinating the work of technicians and craftspeople
• testing installations and systems, and analysing test data
• making sure projects meet safety regulations
• overseeing inspection and maintenance programs
• Attending meetings, writing reports and giving presentations.

You would follow engineering instructions and use wiring and circuit diagrams when working on installations and repairs. You would also use a range of tools to calibrate, inspect and test equipment and machinery to make sure they are working correctly and safely.

As an experienced technician you may be responsible for drawing up preventative maintenance rotas and carrying out quality control checks, for example on production line machinery.

You would normally work as part of the team, often supervising fitters and operators. You will need colour- normal type of vision for this work.

As an electrical engineer you will learn:

• Good practical and technical skills
• Engineering related mathematics, and IT software
• Good communication skills
• An understanding of drawings and circuit diagrams
• The ability to work quickly and under pressure
• Team working skills
• Good problem-solving skills
• The ability to manage a varied workload
• An awareness of health and safety legislation

Electronic engineering apprentices will complete a 4-year Modern Apprenticeship programme involving both off-the-job and on-the-job training.  The required elements for this programme are an SVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations, an NC in Electronic Engineering at SCQF Level 6, and an SVQ Level 3 in Engineering Maintenance (Electronic).

Electronic engineers design and develop the systems used by machines and equipment in lots of industries, from mobile communications and computing to aerospace.

Electronic engineers research, design and develop electronic components and equipment in a range of industries, for example:

• Telecommunications- mobile phones, radio, TV and satellite communications
• Data communications- PC’s, tablets and ATM machines
• Scientific research- acoustics, optics, physics and nanotechnology
• Medical instruments-clinical & laboratory
• Military-communications, navigations and weapons systems
• Aerospace- Avionics, radar, navigation and communication systems
• Manufacturing- programmable logic controls (PLC’s) and industrial machinery

As an electronics engineer, you would:

• Assess new developments or innovations to see if they are workable
• Prepare technical plans using computer-aided engineering and design software
• Test prototypes and analyse data
• Make sure that projects meet safety regulations
• Plan and oversee inspection and maintenance schedules

As an electrical engineer you will learn:

• Good practical and technical skills
• Engineering related mathematics, and IT software
• Good communication skills
• An understanding of drawings and circuit diagrams
• The ability to work quickly and under pressure
• Team working skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• The ability to manage a varied workload
• An awareness of health and safety legislation

Fabrication and welding engineering apprentices will complete a 4-year Modern Apprenticeship programme involving both off-the-job and on-the-job training.  The required elements for this programme are an SVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations, an NC in Fabrication and Welding Engineering at SCQF Level 5, and an SVQ Level 3 in a relevant fabrication and welding pathway (eg Pipefitting, Plating, Manual Welding).

Welders cut, shape and join sections of metal plate and pipes in a wide range of industries.  These include construction and engineering, transport, aerospace, and offshore oil and gas.  They also carry out repairs on manufacturing equipment and machinery.

As a fabricator welder, you might be involved in the following tasks:

• select and lay out materials to be cut or joined
• follow engineering instructions and drawings
• use the most suitable welding method for the job inspect and test cuts and joins, using precision measuring instruments, such as a micrometre operate semi-automatic spot-welding equipment (often found on high volume production lines like car manufacturing)
• as well as working with metals and alloys, you may also cut and join composite materials, such as plastics, using specialist welding methods
• common types of welding include oxyacetylene, MIG (metal inert gas), MMA (manual metal arc), TIG (tungsten inert gas), laser and ultrasonic
• marking out sections following engineering drawings and instructions
• finishing items with tools like grinders and polishers to smooth down rough edges
• assembling sections, using riveting, welding and bolting methods

As a fabricator welder you will learn:

• Good practical and technical skills
• Engineering related mathematics, and IT skills
• Good communication skills
• An understanding of engineering drawings and principles
• The ability to work quickly and under pressure
• Team working skills
• Good problem-solving skills
• The ability to manage a varied workload
• An awareness of health and safety legislation

Design engineering apprentices will complete a 4-year Modern Apprenticeship programme involving both off-the-job and on-the-job training.  The required elements for this programme are an SVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations, an NC in Engineering at SCQF Level 6, and an SVQ Level 3 in a relevant engineering technical support pathway (eg Computer Control Programming, Technical Services, Engineering Drawing, etc).

Design Engineers or Computer aided design (CAD) technicians use software to create design plans for buildings and machinery.  You could work in a wide range of industries, such as engineering, construction and manufacturing.  As a design engineer, you might be involved in the following tasks:

• investigate and undertake analysis on how to improve existing projects or components
• write technical reports to summarise findings
• cover the concept, specification, tender and development of new projects or components
• design the aesthetics, materials and functionality of components
• use CAD, CAN and CAM systems to design and visualise projects
• undertake model making, prototyping and product testing
• identify new systems and processes to drive quality, efficiency and save costs
• communicate effectively with the clients, colleagues and contractors involved in a project
• plan effectively to ensure projects are delivered on time

As a design engineer you will learn:

• Good practical and technical skills
• Engineering related mathematics, and IT software
• Good communication skills
• An understanding of the creation of engineering drawings and principles
• The ability to work quickly and under pressure
• Team working skills
• Good problem-solving skills
• The ability to manage a varied workload
• An awareness of health and safety legislation

Services maintenance engineering apprentices will complete a 4-year Modern Apprenticeship programme involving both off-the-job and on-the-job training.  The required elements for this programme are an SVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations, an NC in Mechanical Maintenance Engineering at SCQF Level 5, an SVQ Level 3 in Engineering Maintenance (Service Maintenance) and a handling refrigerants qualification.

Services maintenance engineers complete a wide variety of tasks within the industry, these include design and installation, repair and maintenance of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment in industrial and commercial buildings , working with a range of systems and materials including copper plastic and steel.

As a services maintenance engineer, your work could cover two broad areas:

• Refrigeration- designing, installing and maintaining cooling systems in places like supermarkets, restaurants, hospitals, food processing plants and factories
• Air conditioning: installing and servicing the systems that control air quality, temperature, and humidity inside offices, schools leisure complexes and other modern buildings

In all areas you work in, your duties could include:

• Surveying buildings where cooling systems are to be fitted
• Discussing requirements with customers
• Producing quotes for work
• Designing and installing systems
• Running quality check to make sure systems are working properly and safely
• Diagnosing and fixing faults
• Carrying out planned maintenance

As a services maintenance engineer you will learn:

• Good practical and technical skills
• Engineering related mathematics, and IT skills
• Good communication skills
• An understanding of engineering drawings, building plans and other instructions
• The ability to work quickly and under pressure
• Team working skills
• Good problem-solving skills
• The ability to manage a varied workload
• An awareness of health and safety legislation
• Work in a variety of weather conditions

Plumbing and heating apprentices will complete a minimum 3-year Modern Apprenticeship programme involving both off-the-job and on-the-job training.  The required elements for this programme are an SVQ in Plumbing and Heating at SCQF Level 7, and a certificate from a relevant industry body (eg Gas, Emergent Technologies).

Plumbing apprentices carry out installation, repair and maintenance of a wide range of systems including hot and cold water supplies, modern sanitation systems, domestic and industrial boilers and associated electronic control systems. They can also work with gas fires and cookers.

Plumber can work in homes, commercial and industrial locations where they are likely to work on the following:

• Installing water supplies, heating systems and drainage
• Find faults in systems or equipment and repair them
• Service gas and oil-fired central heating systems, boilers and radiators
• Install and fix domestic appliances like showers, cook, gas fires and washing machines
• Service air conditioning and ventilation units
• Attend emergency call outs to fix leaks, for example during cold weather
• Fit weather proof materials, joints and flashing to roofs, chimney and walls

As a plumbing and heating engineer, you will learn:

• The ability to follow technical drawings and plans
• Good practical skills
• Good problem solving skills
• Organisation skills
• An awareness of safety issues and legal regulations
• The ability to work part of a team and alone
• Good customer care skills
• The use hand and power tools, which may include welding equipment

Electrical installation apprentices will complete a minimum 3-year Modern Apprenticeship programme involving both off-the-job and on-the-job training.  The required elements for this programme are an SVQ in Electrical Installation at SCQF Level 7.  This apprenticeship is run in conjunction with the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT).  These involve training on installation, repair and maintenance of many different electrical systems, eg to power machinery, provide light and heat for factories and homes, run computers etc.

As an electrician apprentice, you are likely to carry out task including:

• checking electrical systems to make sure they’re safe
• building and installing electric control panels
• repairing electric parts in machines
• installing street lights and traffic management systems
• fitting wires, sockets and switches in homes
• rewiring homes and business properties

Applications and more information can be found on www.sectt.org.uk.

Business administration apprentices will complete an 18-month Modern Apprenticeship programme which is entirely on-the-job training with a Training Officer visiting the workplace to review progress.  Training involves the apprentice building a portfolio of evidence based on tasks they are carrying out in the workplace.  The Modern Apprenticeship in Business Administration can be completed at the following levels:

• SCQF Level 5 requiring completion of an SVQ Level 2 in Business Administration
• SCQF Level 6 requiring completion of an SVQ Level 3 in Business Administration

Business Administration apprenticeships are tailored to suit all office tasks including:

• Document production
• Supporting event organisation
• Customer service
• Managing business resources
• Information and data processing
• Payroll administration
• Social media marketing
• Maintenance of HR records
• Creation and delivery of presentations
• General business support

As a business administration apprentice, you will learn:

• Valuable IT skills
• Organisation skills
• Good practical skills
• Good problem solving skills
• An awareness of GDPR and legal regulations
• The ability to work part of a team and alone
• Good customer care skills

Logistics operations apprentices will complete an 18-month Modern Apprenticeship programme which is entirely on-the-job training with a Training Officer visiting the workplace to review progress.  Training involves the apprentice building a portfolio of evidence based on tasks they are carrying out in the workplace. The required elements for this programme are an SVQ in Logistics Operations at SCQF Level 7, and an additional practical enhancement such as First Aid at Work certification, Mental Health First Aid, Forklift License, Dangerous Goods certification, and various other options based on the business needs.

This apprenticeship is suitable for job roles such as:

• Stores and warehousing
• Logistics co-ordinators
• Distribution co-ordinators
• Material co-ordinators
• Warehouse managers

A logistics operations apprentice may carry out tasks including:

• Optimisation of logistic resources
• Manage costs and resources
• Customer service
• Monitoring the progress of delivery of orders – dispatch and receipt
• Schedule the distribution
• Creation of purchase orders
• Quality control
• Issuing of stock supplies

Management apprentices will complete an 18-month Modern Apprenticeship programme which is entirely on-the-job training with a Training Officer visiting the workplace to review progress.  Training involves the apprentice building a portfolio of evidence based on tasks they are carrying out in the workplace.  The Modern Apprenticeship in Management can be completed at the following levels:

• SCQF Level 7 requiring completion of an SVQ in Management
  • Suitable for Assistant Managers, First Line Managers, Section Managers, Senior Supervisors, Shift Managers, Trainee Managers
• SCQF Level 9 requiring completion of an SVQ in Management
  • Suitable for Area Managers, Department Managers, Managers, Operations Managers, Specialist Managers
• SCQF Level 11 requiring completion of an SVQ in Management
  • Suitable for CEOs, Directors, Business Owners

Each level includes a vast variety of units that can be tailored to suit each business.  These include finance management, health and safety, recruitment, people management and decision making.

Management apprenticeships can be tailored to suit management functions including:

• Customer service
• Managing business resources
• Managing budgets
• Sales and marketing
• Quality audits
• Policy creation
• Change management
• People management
• Financial decisions
• Compliance monitoring

As a management apprentice, you will learn:

• Team building
• Good decision-making skills
• Good problem solving skills
• Organisation skills
• Good leadership skills
• Communication skills
• The ability to facilitate change
• A strategic approach to work