Performing Engineering Operations

National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) - Performing Engineering Operations
Technical Certificate - BTEC First Certificate in Engineering or BTEC First Diploma in Engineering
Key Skills or Functional Skills
Employment Rights and Responsibilities

Training and assessment will take place in both the workplace and College. The candidate will be assessed in College against the criteria set for each of the qualifications listed above. This will involve practical and theoretical assessment.

How can an Apprenticeship beneft your business?

Develop new staff and reduce recruitment and training costs
Meet skills shortages
Develop valued, committed employees with the practical skills that will help the company grow and improve
Benefit from programmes tailored to the employer’s needs and standard operating procedures
Receive support from and network with, one of the country’s outstanding (OFSTED) Colleges

How will an Apprenticeship develop your staff?

Gaining valuable skills, knowledge and real experience in the workplace and at College
Earning a salary whilst learning
Developing their skills and knowledge in order to boost their long-term career prospects

What are the entry requirements?

aged 16 to 18
motivated and willing to learn (they should aim for 4 GCSEs at grade D or above, to include English and Mathematics)
employed, or seeking employment, in an appropriate role
prepared to complete the Key Skills or Functional Skills component of the Apprenticeship and attend College to complete the framework qualifications

Potential apprentices will be interviewed by College staff to determine if the programme is their best career option.

What is the course content?

NVQ - Performing Engineering Operations (Level 2). Units include: 3 mandatory units and
Unit 5: Producing Components using Hand Fitting Skills
Unit 11: Preparing and Using Lathes for Turning Operations
Unit 12: Preparing and Using Milling Machines
Technical Certificate - BTEC First Certificate in Engineering or BTEC First Diploma in Engineering Units include: 2 mandatory units and
Unit 3: Applied Electrical and Mechanical Science for Technicians
Unit 4: Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and
Unit 10: Using Computer Aided Drawing Techniques in Engineering
Employment Rights and Responsibilities
Key Skills or Functional Skills in Application of Number, Communication, Information and Communication Technology (all at level 1) and Improving Own Learning, Working with Others (both at level 2)

What are the progression opportunities?

Apprentices may move onto further training at a higher level, thereby increasing their skills, knowledge and career prospects. Progression routes include the Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering (Level 3) or other level 3 qualifications, such as NVQs or a BTEC National Certificate. Many apprentices progress onto HNC and HND qualifications, at a later date.

What costs are involved?

Assessment and tuition costs are funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), paid direct to the College. The employer is responsible for paying remuneration to the apprentice. The amount of pay is determined by the employer, but the LSC stipulates a minimum wage, currently £95 per week.

Apprentices will require overalls and safety boots while working in the College workshop. Paper, pen, pencil and calculator are required for theory lessons. Apprentices must fund their own travel costs.

For further information or to request an application form, please contact:
Julie Walker, Business Training Unit
Tel: 023 9279 4661 or email: jwalker@southdowns.ac.uk

Performing Engineering Operations - Level 2