Engineering Apprenticeships

  • Engineering Technician Level 3

    Entry Requirements

    Must be employed in relevant field to apprenticeship

    GCSE Maths grade 4 or Functional Skill Level 2

    GCSE English grade 4 of Functional Skill at Level 2

    Course Description

    This apprenticeship focuses on developing skills in mechanical, electrical, and control systems across automated environments. Over 3-4 years, apprentices gain hands-on experience in installing, maintaining, and repairing complex machinery, with training in robotics, PLCs, hydraulics, and pneumatics. Emphasis is placed on diagnostics, problem-solving, and ensuring system efficiency. The course also covers health and safety, technical documentation, and communication skills. Upon completion, apprentices are prepared to work as mechatronics technicians, supporting engineering systems in industries like manufacturing, automation, and aerospace.

    Key Topics

    Key topics covered within this apprenticeship are:

    • Mechatronics Systems: Integration and maintenance of mechanical, electrical, and control systems.
    • Automation and Robotics: Working with automated systems, robots, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
    • Diagnostics and Problem-Solving: Fault finding, troubleshooting, and maintaining system efficiency.
    • Hydraulics and Pneumatics: Maintaining and repairing fluid power systems.
    • Mechanical and Electrical Principles: Understanding components like motors, sensors, and actuators.
    • Health and Safety: Ensuring compliance with industry safety standards.
    • Technical Documentation: Reading, interpreting, and creating technical drawings and reports.
    • Communication Skills: Working within teams and liaising with engineers and management.

    How is the student assessed?

    Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours are assessed by the Independent End Point Assessment, towards the end of the apprenticeship. This is an external assessment made up of a Practical Observation, Knowledge test, professional discussion and a portfolio.

    Why study with us?

    Studying with us offers a range of benefits, including interactive classes and regular contact with staff. Our programmes are taught by industry experts and you’ll benefit from their insight, experience and support as they help to prepare you for your future career.

    Progression

    The Engineering Technician Apprenticeship opens up several career and further education opportunities:

    • Mechatronics Technician Roles: Apprentices can work as mechatronics technicians, maintaining and troubleshooting automated systems in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and robotics.
    • Technical Support Technician Roles: Apprentices can work as part of a team to provide technical support and expertise for all areas of the Engineering and Manufacturing function including communications software, test, off line programming, process control, performance and continuous improvement solutions, capacity planning, production scheduling, product technical application and capability, quality control and/or inspection.
    • Specialist Engineering Roles: Apprentices can progress into specialised roles in automation, robotics, or control systems engineering.
    • Higher-Level Qualifications: Opportunities for further education include pursuing higher apprenticeships, HNCs, HNDs, or degrees in engineering disciplines.
    • Career Advancement: With experience, individuals can move into senior roles like team leader, engineering supervisor, or control systems engineer, or pursue engineering management roles.
  • Maintenance & Operations Engineering Technician Level 3

    Entry Requirements

    Must be employed in relevant field to apprenticeship

    GCSE Maths grade 4 or Functional Skill Level 2

    GCSE English grade 4 of Functional Skill at Level 2

    Course Description

    The Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship equips apprentices with the skills to maintain and repair engineering systems and equipment across various industries, including manufacturing, utilities, and transport. Over 3-4 years, apprentices gain hands-on experience in electrical, mechanical, and fluid power systems, while also learning about diagnostics, fault finding, and preventive maintenance. The course covers health and safety, technical drawing interpretation, and effective communication. By the end of the apprenticeship, participants will be fully qualified to work as multi-skilled technicians, ensuring the reliability and efficiency of machinery and engineering systems.

    Key Topics

    The Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship covers a broad range of key topics, including:

    • Health and Safety: Best practices and regulations to ensure safe working environments.
    • Maintenance Techniques: Preventive and corrective maintenance for mechanical, electrical, and fluid power systems.
    • Diagnostics and Fault-Finding: Identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving issues with engineering equipment.
    • Engineering Drawings: Reading and interpreting technical drawings, plans, and schematics.
    • Mechanical Systems: Maintenance and repair of mechanical components like gears, bearings, and drives.
    • Electrical Systems: Working with electrical circuits, motors, and control systems.
    • Fluid Power: Maintaining hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
    • Communication Skills: Effective reporting, teamwork, and collaboration in engineering environments.

    How is the student assessed?

    The end point assessment (EPA) is undertaken by an independent assessment organisation at the end of the programme and assesses the knowledge, skills and behaviours developed throughout the programme. The EPA consists of a knowledge assessment, a practical observation and a technical interview based upon an evidence portfolio.

    Why study with us?

    Studying with us offers a range of benefits, including interactive classes and regular contact with staff. Our programmes are taught by industry experts and you’ll benefit from their insight, experience and support as they help to prepare you for your future career.

    Progression

    The Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship leads to several career and educational opportunities:

    • Skilled Technician Roles: Graduates can work as multi-skilled maintenance technicians, ensuring the smooth operation of mechanical, electrical, and fluid power systems in industries such as manufacturing, utilities, energy, and transportation.
    • Specialised Roles: With experience, apprentices can specialise in areas like electrical maintenance, mechanical engineering, or automation.
    • Further Education: Apprentices can pursue higher-level qualifications, such as HNCs, HNDs, or a Level 4/5 apprenticeship in advanced engineering or management.
    • Career Advancement: Opportunities for progression to supervisory, engineering manager, or reliability engineer roles.
  • General Welder (Arc Processes) Level 2

    ntry requirements

    Must be employed in relevant field to apprenticeship

    GCSE Maths grade 2 or Functional Skill Level 1

    GCSE English grade 2 of Functional Skill at Level 1

    Course description

    Welders are responsible for the production of welds using manual and mechanised arc welding processes to sector standards. They will weld using a minimum of two weld process and material combinations, with at least one process being manual welding. Apprenticeship training blends hands-on training with classroom instruction.

    Key topics

    The Level 2 Welder Apprenticeship covers key topics essential for developing foundational welding skills, including:

    • Welding Techniques: Basic methods like MIG, and MMA (manual metal arc) welding.
    • Health and Safety: Workplace safety regulations, protective equipment, and safe working practices.
    • Metalwork Fundamentals: Properties of different metals and materials, and how to prepare and handle them.
    • Blueprint Reading: Interpreting technical drawings and welding symbols.
    • Welding Processes: Understanding welding positions, joints, and the correct procedures for different applications.
    • Quality Control: Inspection, testing, and ensuring weld integrity.

    How is the student assessed?

    An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for. The three assessment methods are Multiple Choice Test, Practical Assessment with questions and an Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.

    Why study with us?

    Studying with us offers a range of benefits, including interactive classes and regular contact with staff. Our programmes are taught by industry experts and you’ll benefit from their insight, experience and support as they help to prepare you for your future career.

    Progression

    The Level 2 Welder Apprenticeship serves as a foundational pathway into a career as a professional welder. After completing this apprenticeship, individuals typically have several options:

    • Entry-Level Welding Jobs: Individuals can work as junior or entry-level welders in industries like construction, manufacturing, automotive, and shipbuilding.
    • Further Training: Apprentices can progress to a Level 3 Welder Apprenticeship, which offers higher-level skills and specialised welding techniques, leading to more advanced roles.
    • Career Development: With experience, welders may move into roles such as welding supervisor, quality inspector, or pursue certifications for specialised welding fields.

    Further Information

    Apprentices will attend college one day per week and work the remaining 4 days per week.

  • Engineering Operative Level 2

    Entry requirements

    Must be employed in relevant field to apprenticeship (we can support you to find an apprenticeship opportunity)
    GCSE Maths grade 2 or Functional Skill Level 1
    GCSE English grade 2 of Functional Skill at Level 1
    Course description
    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 and sustain the sector. You will attend college one day per week and work the remaining 4 days per week.
    While at college you will learn the knowledge, skills and behaviours to support you in work. While at work you will implement the knowledge learnt and develop skills to become successful as an engineering operative.

    Key topics

    Safe working practices
    Equipment operating parameters
    Mount and set the required work holding devices
    Marking out and preparation techniques

    How is the student assessed?

    Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours are assessed by the Independent End Point Assessment. This is an external assessment made up of a Practical Skills Observation and a Professional discussion.

    Why study with us?

    Studying with us offers a range of benefits, including interactive classes and regular contact with staff. Our programmes are taught by industry experts and you’ll benefit from their insight, experience and support as they help to prepare you for your future career.

    Where does this course lead?

    Apprentices who successfully complete this apprenticeship can progress on to a Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship or progress in to a full time role as a: Servicing and maintenance operative; Machine setter/operative; Mechanical engineering operative; Fabricator; Engineering fitter; Multi-disciplined engineering operative; Materials, processing and finishing operative, Technical Support operative, founding/casting operative.

    Further Information

    If you do not currently have an employer who will support you on your apprenticeship journey, we have some vacancies that may be of interest to you. For more information please email Apprenticeships@ncclondon.ac.uk