Engineering Operative (Apprenticeship)

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 Manual); 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.

Engineering Operatives must comply with statutory regulations and organisation safety requirements including any environmental compliance procedures and systems; Identify hazards and hazardous situations; Prepare the work area and equipment; Obtain and follow the appropriate job documentation and work instructions; Extract the necessary data and information from specifications and related documentation; Carryout the engineering activities in line with their job role; Carry quality checks as required; working with minimum supervision either individually or as part of a team and will be responsible for their own actions and for the quality and accuracy and timely delivery of the work they undertake.

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 engineering operative
• Fabricator
• Engineering fitter
• Multi-disciplined engineering operative
• Materials, processing and finishing operative
• Technical Support operative
• Founding/casting operative

An apprenticeship is a genuine job and under all circumstances an apprentice will be employed from day one. Apprenticeships combine practical training in a job with study.

Apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, living in England and have no upper age limit. Any vacancies will clearly state what the entry requirements are for the job role being advertised. There will be different entry requirements depending on the company and role.

A minimum 5 GCSEs at grade 3/D or above, including maths and English are recommended for this apprenticeship. Individuals without level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 English and maths prior to taking the end-point assessment.

Any vacancies will clearly state what the entry requirements are for the job role being advertised. There will be different entry requirements depending on the company and role. An interest in engineering will be beneficial.

Apprenticeship Standard: ST0537 Engineering Operative

This apprenticeship provides an ideal entry into the occupation and supports progression within the sector.

Through their apprenticeship, apprentices gain the technical knowledge, practical experience and wider skills they need for their job and career. Apprentices will have their skills, knowledge and behaviours evaluated at the end of their apprenticeship by taking an end-point assessment (EPA). This is known as synoptic assessment. Individuals without level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this level and take the test for level 2 English and maths prior to taking the end-point assessment.

The apprentice is expected to study through a mix of learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training and the opportunity to practise new skills in a real work environment. The time spent on off-the-job training should be at least 20% and should be included as part of working hours. The employer must allow time to complete the apprenticeship within the working hours, however, some homework may be set by College Tutors or Development Coaches.

This is a work-based programme and is studied as part of an apprenticeship.

If you are between the ages of 16 and 24, you will not have to fund your own tuition, it is your employer and the government who cover the fees. If you are over 25, you may be asked to contribute towards the cost of your training, but it depends on your employer. If you do have to contribute to the cost of training, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.

The cost of training an apprentice is dependent on their age and whether or not the business pays the Apprenticeship Levy. There are a range of different grants and incentives available to employers. Contact us for up-to-date information and advice on the funding support available.