Engineering Operative Apprenticeship

Engineering Operatives are predominantly involved in engineering operations which are key to the success of the Manufacturing and Engineering sector allowing employers to grow their business while developing a work force with the relevant skills and knowledge to enhance the sustain the sector. 

The role covers a wide range of common and job specific skills sets that can be transferred across the manufacturing engineering industry sectors during the course of their careers. Dependent on the sector that they are employed in there may be subtle differences in terms of composition and application of the job role specific skills and knowledge they will require, however the core skills and knowledge will be the same regardless of the sector/area they work in. 

Engineering Operatives will have clear reporting lines with anything outside their role and responsibility. They will work individually or as part of a team to carry out a range of engineering operations which could include ensuring machines and equipment used are maintained and serviceable, dealing with breakdowns, restoring components and systems to serviceable condition by repair and replacement; operating a variety of machines (CNC or Conventional); assembling and repairing machine and press tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and other tools; fabrication/installation of a wide variety of other sheet fabrications and equipment and; fabrication and assembly of metal parts joining techniques; preparing materials and equipment for engineering processes, providing technical support including communications software, test tools, performance, capacity planning, and e-commerce technology as required. 

If you have an employer that is willing to take you on as an apprentice, please provide us with those details so we can contact them.

If you don’t have an employer, all of our current vacancies are available to see and apply for on The College website and on Isle of Wight Jobs. In the meantime, someone from the apprenticeship team will contact you with information on the next steps.

Core Knowledge: An Engineering Operative will understand: 

• How to obtain the necessary job instructions, engineering drawings and specifications and how to interpret them 
• Relevant statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures/systems, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to engineering operations 
• Their individual roles and responsibilities within the organisation and the flexibility required to support the achievement of company targets 
• Engineering operational practices, processes and procedures 
• Potential problems that can occur within the engineering operations and how they can be avoided 

Core Skills: An Engineering Operative will be able to: 

• Work safely at all times
• Identify and deal appropriately with any risks, hazards, hazardous situations and problems.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills which include oral, written, electronic 
• Complete appropriate documentation accurately, efficiently and legibly using the correct terminology where required 
• Obtain and follow the correct documentation, specifications and work instructions.
• Select and use appropriate tools, equipment and materials to carry out the engineering operation 
• Deal appropriately with any problems that may occur within the manufacturing environment within the limits of their responsibility 
• Work efficiently and effectively at all times maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste 

Duration:  

Typically 12 to 18 months 

Delivery:  

Apprentices will complete work-based learning and will be paid a wage, gaining valuable knowledge and experience. In-house training will be provided by the employer with an Assessor visiting and supporting in the work place. Further training will be provided at the Isle of Wight College, depending on the needs of the learner and the employer. This method of delivery allows for a flexible approach which is tailored to each apprenticeship. 

Qualification:  

• Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Skills) 
• Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Engineering Operations (knowledge) 

Assessment:  

The apprenticeship will be delivered through the following approach:  

• A foundation phase 
• A development phase 
• End Point Assessment (EPA)  

The EPA measures the skills, knowledge and behaviours each apprentice has developed. Employers will decide when the apprentice is ready to be assessed. 

The End Point Assessment consists of:  

• Stage 1 – Employer occupational competence validation interview (viva)  
• Stage 2a – PEI/MIAA quality assures the employer viva and checks that the mandatory qualifications have been achieved  
• Stage 2b – PEI/MIAA confirms competence against EngTech requirements 

This standard will support progression into the manufacturing industry for a career in the chosen pathway as an Engineering Operative.

Examples of the occupational roles from across the engineering and manufacturing sector that would be covered within this standard are: 

• Servicing and maintenance operative; 
• Machine setter/operative; 
• Mechanical manufacturing engineering operative; 
• Electrical and electronic engineering; 
• Fabricator; 
• Engineering fitter; 
• Multi-disciplined engineering operative; 
• Materials, processing and finishing operative; 
• Technical Support operative 
• Founding/casting operative. 

There may be a cost for purchasing equipment or uniform for this course. Find out about financial support available.