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 Engineering Technician Machinist Apprenticeship

Engineering Technician Machinist Apprenticeship

Level 3

Course Overview

Part Time
Certificate

Machinists in the Advanced Manufacturing Engineering sector carry out highly skilled and complex precision work, including the setting-up, operating, and adjusting of equipment settings. This apprenticeship provides valuable experience in machining components from specialist materials; using
conventional and CNC machine tools such as centre lathes, vertical and horizontal milling machines,
horizontal and cylindrical grinding machines, electro-discharge machines, and single and multi-axis CNC machine tools.

Delivery model and duration:
Apprentices will attend college for two days per week over two years.
Training, assessments and observations will also be completed in the
workplace. This can be supported by some remote delivery if required.

Duration: 42 months

Ideal for:
• Machinist
• CNC Machinist
• Programmer/Machinist
• CNC Setter/Operator

The apprenticeship will cover
the following core areas:
• Understanding mathematical techniques, formula and calculation involved in the machining processes such as speeds and feeds, calculating angles/tapers, material removal
• Understanding the workholding 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
• Producing complex and specialist components as a one-off test and trial work piece and/or producing components in small or large batches
• Contributing to the business by identifying possible opportunities for improving working practices,
processes and/or procedures

Benefits for learners
• Gain high level technical knowledge and practical experience
by combining on the job training with academic study
• Gain a valuable, national-recognised qualification
• Fill skills gaps in businesses

Components
• EAL Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
• EAL Level 2 Diploma in Machining
• EAL Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering - Machining
• EAL Level 3 Diploma in Machining
• Functional Skills English at Level 2

Benefits to business
• Increase future productivity
• Keep the business up to date with the latest knowledge and innovative practice
• Deliver on the job training to employees tailored to business needs
• Develop and retain existing staff by offering support and a fresh perspective

End Point Assessment
The End Point Assessment will test the entire Standard, and be undertaken as follows:
• An occupational Competence Validation Interview (Viva) drawing from a portfolio of
evidence of occupational competence
• Professional competence assessment undertaken by independent assessor(s)
• Final employer endorsement of occupational and professional competence and overall
completion of the apprenticeship

Knowledge Skills
Understanding the importance of complying with statutory, quality,
organisational and health and safety regulations
Obtaining, checking and using the appropriate documentation (such as
job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation)
Understanding of general engineering/manufacturing mathematical
and scientific principles, methods, techniques, graphical expressions,
symbols formulae and calculations used by engineering technicians
Working safely at all times, complying with health, safety and
environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements
Understanding the structure, properties and characteristics of
common materials used in the sector
Planning and where applicable obtaining all the resources required to
undertake the work activity
Understanding the typical problems that may arise within their
normal work activities/environment
Undertaking the work activity using the correct processes, procedures
and equipment
Understanding approved diagnostic methods and techniques used
to help solve engineering/manufacturing problems
Carrying out the required checks (such as quality, compliance or
testing) using the correct procedures, processes and/or equipment
Understanding the importance of only using current approved
processes, procedures, documentation and the potential implications
for the organisation if this is not adhered to
Dealing promptly and effectively with engineering/manufacturing
problems within the limits of their responsibility using approved
diagnostic methods and techniques and report those which cannot be
resolved to the appropriate personnel
Understanding and interpreting relevant engineering/manufacturing
data and documentation in order to complete their job role
Completing any required documentation using the defined recording
systems at the appropriate stages of the work activity
Understanding the different roles and functions in the organisation
and how they interact
Restoring the work area on completion of the activity and where
applicable return any resources and consumables to the appropriate
location
Understanding why it is important for an organisation to continually
review their processes and procedures
Reading and interpreting relevant data and documentation used to
produce machined components
Understanding mathematical techniques, formula and calculation
involved in the machining processes such as speeds and feeds,
calculating angles/tapers, material removal
Determining the most efficient and effective approach to machine the
component using a range of tools, machining process and Techniques
Understanding the practical and theoretical uses of the machines
used, and their applications
Selecting and setting up the correct tooling and work holding
devices
Understanding 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
Setting and adjusting the machine operating parameters to produce
the work pieces to the required specification.
  Selecting and using 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
  Contributing to the business by identifying possible opportunities for
improving working practices, processes and/or procedures
  • Individual employers will set the recruitment and selection criteria. Candidates will typically have 4 GCSEs at Grade C (4) or the equivalent, including Maths, English and a Science

  • Completers may want to progress to Engineering Apprenticeship Level 4 or HNC

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Engineering covers a wide range of careers and exciting job opportunities. You could work in communications, electrical or electronic engineering, manufacturing, mechanical engineering, medical technology, power systems and transport – to name a few!

Studying engineering at Gloucestershire College not only gives you the opportunity to get career-focused qualifications, but you’ll also have access to some of the best facilities available, which are vital to support study in this technology-based field.

Engineering is a key sector in Gloucestershire, so you’ll get excellent opportunities for work experience with our employer partners. You’ll also be in a great position to progress on to a range of higher apprenticeships, trailblazer degree programmes and foundation degrees that are validated by the University of the West of England, and delivered by the College at our Gloucester Campus.

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Student Stories

Millie Keddie

“I’ve always enjoyed being hands-on and practical. Mechanical engineering is not all theory based; there is lots of opportunity to solve problems by making things, and perfecting them in your own way. There’s a stereotype that engineering is a man’s job. I love the industry, I don’t care about the stereotype. It’s not a man’s job and it doesn’t matter what gender you are, you can do anything if your heart is in it."

Millie Keddie

Level 2 – Mechanical Engineering – Gloucester Campus

Tom Chapman

"I’m studying at GC because my employer, Unilever, thought it would be a good course for me to attend to expand my knowledge. As a maintenance engineer, the HNC course allows me to expand my knowledge and help progression in my career. The equipment is decent and mimics the workplace, so skills can easily translate. The electrical lecturers are good too, and I’ve received great support."

Tom Chapman

Studied HNC Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Sylvester Ghanney

"I've always been interested in engineering and took the decision to study at Gloucestershire College to gain additional qualifications, alongside my job as a Service Engineer. My lecturers were superb; always willing to help and very supportive to those who want to learn. The equipment is perfect too."

Sylvester Ghanney

HND – Electronic and Electrical Engineering – Gloucester Campus

Our Facilities

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Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering students have full access to state of the art technology including CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and CNC (Computerised Numerical Control) facilities.

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Electronic Engineering

We have a wide range of engineering laboratories and classrooms, including specialist facilities and resources which are approved by IET (The Institution of Engineering Technologies) accredited degree programmes.

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Proud To Be Working With

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