Manufacturing Engineer Degree Apprenticeship - Level 6

This type of engineer is responsible for turning materials, components, or other commodities into a final product often on an assembly, production or process flow line.

Manufacturing engineers select the most effective and efficient technologies and processes to manufacture a product. For a new, modified facility or product they would be involved in the design of the optimal manufacturing process and the design and layout of the manufacturing facility including discrete work areas or cells.

They would identify equipment and resource requirements and also develop an operational plan for production, which may include considering manpower planning, logistics, procurement and supply chain requirements.

They would also be involved in the installation and commissioning of new plant or equipment. For existing manufacturing facilities, they are involved in the monitoring of equipment, ensuring it is maintained for optimal performance.

Who is it for?

Individuals working in manufacturing engineering. Specific job roles may include Apprentice Engineer; Trainee Engineer; Test Engineer; Manufacturing Engineer.

Location: Stoke-on-Trent campus
Duration: 3 years plus 6 months for the Apprenticeship Assessment
Start date(s): October

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Course content

This apprenticeship will prepare individuals for careers in a wide range of in-demand sectors. Apprentices will be hands-on, applying knowledge to real problems and innovative solutions in the workplace developing a strong underpinning in engineering principles, including thermodynamics and mechanics of fluids or structures.

Mechanical engineers play a crucial role in shaping the world and driving advances in technology and infrastructure. Apprentices get plenty of opportunities to use the CAD and other professional software to create innovative designs and simulate how products work. Our facilities also include an industry-standard CNC machine for advanced manufacturing and labs for material testing and exploring friction and vibration.

Students will be able to explore other key developments in engineering as part of our research-informed teaching. Our staff bring a wealth of real-world expertise and are involved in internationally important research. Their specialist areas of interest include renewable energy systems, CFD simulations, statistical modelling, product design, using analytical tools in health and environmental sciences, and advanced manufacturing techniques.

What qualification will be achieved?

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineer Degree Apprenticeship Certificate

Modules

Year 1

Applications of Electrical and Electronic Engineering 1
Engineering Mechanics
Engineering Thermofluids
Engineering Professional Development
Engineering Design and Practice
Engineering Mathematics 1

Year 2

Engineering Mathematics 2
Procedures for Product Design
Sustainability Group Project
Control Systems Analysis
Manufacturing Systems and Quality Management
Mechanical Structures and Design

Year 3

Engineering Project
Structural Analysis and FEA
Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics
Engineering Project Management
Manufacturing Technology and Operations

Entry requirements

To be eligible, apprentices will need to evidence the following:

Achievement of Level 2 Maths and English (GCSE, functional skills or equivalent) OR demonstrate ability at Level 2 in both Maths and English, this would be determined by an initial assessment conducted by University of Staffordshire.
Level 3 STEM qualification or relevant work experience

Where an organisation has prospective apprentices with workplace experience who do not meet the above qualifications, these will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Fees

For levy-paying organisations the cost is paid from their digital account at a rate of £27,000 per apprentice.
For non-levy paying organisations there may be a financial contribution of 5% which equates to £1,350 per apprentice.

Delivery and assessment

Delivery

This programme is delivered as a block release model including block face-to-face delivery on campus each semester, complimented by online webinars weekly.

Assessment

Throughout the apprenticeship a variety of assessment methods could be used, these include:

Written assignments
Examinations
Reflective activities
Group assessments
Presentations
Professional discussions
Academic assignments
Critical analysis

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support provided by the course teaching team, our central Academic Skills Team provide resources, group and one-to-one help to support learning in a number of areas. These include:

study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
academic writing (including how to reference)
research skills
critical thinking and understanding arguments
revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

The Student Life Team offer support, advice and guidance to apprentices with inclusion requirements. The team can arrange reasonable adjustments to support with learning needs, long term health condition, mental health condition or disabilities

Feedback

Progress feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, written feedback will be made available to all apprentices who take written examinations or assessments.

Responsibilities

Employers must not ask the apprentice to contribute financially to the direct cost of learning.
Ensure apprentices spend at least 6 hours per week of their time on off-the-job training.
Enter into a contract with University of Staffordshire.
Participate in reviews with the apprentice and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones.
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets the needs of the apprentice.
Provide apprentices with a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning.
Provide the apprentice with paid time to attend off-the-job training, including additional support for English and Maths, or support accessed for learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
Recognise that apprentices must complete the apprenticeship within their working hours.
Support the apprentice to gain new skills.

If they are a citizen of the UK or a citizen of a country within the European Economic Area with Pre-settled or Settled status, they must have been an ordinarily resident in the UK or EEA for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning.
If they are a non UK national or EEA National without pre-settled or settled status, they must hold a visa (not for educational purposes) for the full duration of the apprenticeship at the start of the programme and been an ordinarily resident in the UK for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning.
Able to complete the apprenticeship in contracted working hours.
Be an employee (have a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship) on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning.
Be in a job role relevant for the apprenticeship where significant new knowledge and skills are required.
Be in full-time employment for typically 30 hours a week.
Has the right to work in England.
Maintain a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets your needs.
Not enrolled on another apprenticeship or accessing other government funding at the same time.
Participate in reviews with the employer and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones.

Administer the funding and running of the Apprenticeship Standard to an acceptable level of quality and in compliance with the DfE’s requirements.
Agree jointly between the University, the Employer and Apprentice, an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) ensuring that satisfactory progress is achieved and to ensure that the contents of the ILP fulfil the requirements of the Apprenticeship Standard.
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment, which meets the needs of the Apprentice.
Provide off-the-job learning and assessment and oversee the on-the-job skills development as detailed in the ILP.
Provide support on selection of the apprenticeship assessor, if applicable. The apprenticeship assessment will be completed by University of Staffordshire for all integrated degrees.

Careers

Upon completion apprentices will have gained the necessary knowledge and skills to be a competent engineer in their workplace. They may wish to seek further development such a postgraduate degree or further specialisms.

Apprentices will also have access to career support, our dedicated careers team can support with professional branding, career mapping and accessing potential.

Facilities

3D Printing Bureau

Book in jobs, pay for prints, collect work and get technical support using our collection of 3D printers. Read more

Available Printers include Mojo, Up Box, Markforged Onyx One, Formlab 3, and Stratasys J55. Print in various materials - resin, metal, carbon fibre and clay! Find out more about our Print Bureau and our 3D printing facilities

Smart Zone

A bustling centre of invention, innovation and creation with two floors of dedicated workshop and collaboration spaces for engineering and creative students. Read more

The Smart Zone fuses state-of-the-art fabrication spaces with augmented and blended reality facilities, allowing you to bring your ideas to life using the latest digital and immersive technologies. Find out more about our Smart Zone.

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Engineering Laboratories

Packed with state-of-the-art software and hardware resources reflecting current trends in the development of engineering subjects.

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Specialist Laser Cutting

Get access to our Trotec Speedy 400 laser cutter and practice with technology used for industrial manufacturing applications.

Renewable Energy Lab

Use the latest equipment in renewable energy, including Power Systems Lab that provides real-time testing and development facilities for electrical engineering, Thin Film Lab for plastic electronics, our wind tunnel, and our high voltage cage.

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CAD Modelling Labs

Our dedicated CAD studios replicates real practice where you'll have access to excellent drawing and computer facilities including the latest industry-standard software. Read more

Software includes: Rhino, VRED, SolidWorks, Alias, Maya, KeyShot, and Adobe Creative Suite. Find out more about our computer workshops

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Enquire

To begin an apprenticeship, you must be employed in a role that aligns with the apprenticeship you wish to undertake.

If you are currently in a suitable position with an employer who is willing to support you or if you are an employer looking to recruit or enrol an existing member of staff onto an apprenticeship, please enquire with us.

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