Apprenticeship Courses

Manufacturing Engineer BEng (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship

Level 6
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Manufacturing remains one of the key industries for the UK. In its various guises, the UK manufacturing industry employs almost three million people, contributes approximately half of UK exports and two thirds of business research and development. The UK remains a global manufacturing power and is recognised as being the world’s second biggest aerospace manufacturer, the world’s second biggest defence exporter and one of Europe’s biggest carmakers.

The West Midlands is seen as the manufacturing heartland of the UK, with many major companies located or re-locating here. High profile global manufacturers such as Jaguar Land Rover choose to house their UK operations around this region drawing their supply chain with them; the Black Country houses a cluster of successful Tier 1 aerospace suppliers including UTC Aerospace Systems, one of the world’s largest suppliers of aerospace and defence products; Assa Abloy, the world’s largest lock manufacturer has its UK headquarters in the Black Country; and across the West Midlands region, almost 15,000 SMEs are underpinning our buoyant manufacturing sector.

The University of Wolverhampton is a committed driving force behind economic growth in the manufacturing sector and the region. This new Manufacturing Engineer Degree Apprenticeship is both needed and timely; it has the potential to help fill identified regional skills gaps in manufacturing companies of all sizes, and meet employers’ needs to improve levels of knowledge, understanding and skills within their workforce.

Job Roles/
Occupations

Since many of the basic principles of manufacturing engineering apply to all manufacturing industries, this course will benefit numerous sectors, including: traditional engineering, plant and machinery, aerospace, automotive, biotechnology, clothing, food and drink, oil, pharmaceuticals, plastics and more.

Manufacturing engineers improve processes, producing high quality goods efficiently using the most cost-effective methods. They are designers, as well as analytical and creative thinkers, and can operate alone but also as a team member working alongside engineers from various other disciplines.

Further development can lead to chartered status and roles in allied professions in manufacturing, production and operations management, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, design, and quality management.

Benefits

This Degree Apprenticeship will provide individuals with enhanced skills, knowledge and experience in a range of areas that will benefit businesses, including:

• Manufacturing functions and procedures
• Improved operations and working practices
• Practical and logical approaches to problem-solving
• Interpersonal, presentation and communication skills
• Team working and people management
• The ability to work well under pressure and take on new challenges
• Organisation and time management
• Project management and the ability to work to tight deadlines
• Commercial awareness
• Improved awareness of health and safety issues.

How it works

The Degree Apprenticeship standard has been designed and developed in collaboration with many employers and professional bodies. Apprentices should be employed in
roles where they are able to put their academic knowledge into practice via real life projects.

The usual duration for this course is three to four years and students will typically spend one day a week at the University. Delivery will be at our Telford Innovation Campus and will include timetabled access to classrooms, lecture theatres, laboratories and workshops. There will also be occasional industrial visits and trips; and additional technician and teaching staff hours associated with teaching, project and practical activities, with further time committed to support Apprenticeship students in the workplace to satisfy the work-based learning elements of the Degree Apprenticeship.

Modules will include:

• Engineering Practice
• Innovative Design
• Analysing and Improving Processes
• Advanced Materials and Manufacturing
• Environment and Society
• Emerging Manufacturing Technologies.

Qualifications

On successful completion of this Apprenticeship, Apprentices will be awarded BEng (Hons) Manufacturing Engineering and their Apprenticeship Certificate. This will allow Apprenticeship graduates to work towards Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status within the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) or Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Fees and funding

For employers with a payroll below £3 million: The Government will pay 95% of the cost of the apprenticeship training and assessment for apprentices of any age, for employers who will not be paying the apprenticeship levy. You may also be eligible for extra employer incentives.

For employers with a payroll above £3 million: From May 2017 employers will be able to use their Apprenticeship Levy contributions towards the cost of the apprenticeship using their digital account. We will agree a payment schedule and discuss funding availability before you start your apprenticeships and ensure the cost to your business is clear upfront.

Entry Requirements

Academic Pathway:

For this apprenticeship programme we require applicants to have achieved the following admissions conditions

  • Level 2 Requirements:
    • 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) or above, including English Language, Maths, Science and Technology or Engineering.
  • Level 3 Requirements:
    • A Levels - grades CC or above in Mathematics and a Science related subject
    • BTEC Extended Diploma – grades MM or above in Engineering

We also accept Level 3 qualifications that are equivalent in depth to those listed above for in a related subject area, if you are unsure if your previous qualifications are acceptable, please register your interest and we will be able to confirm if you are suitable for this course.

Work Experience Pathway:

If you do not hold academic qualifications from the list above at Level 2 and Level 3, we also consider applicants who have work experience that is directly related to this course subject. To be eligible for this pathway you will need the following.

  • 3 or more years of relevant managerial or supervisory work experience, demonstrating in-depth knowledge of the sector for the subject matter you are interested in pursuing.

All work experience-based applicants will be required to provide a reference detailing your role(s) and responsibilities from your line manager, this would be requested after you have successfully applied.

Advanced Entry Pathway:

We accept applicants who wish to join this course with advanced entry on an individual basis.

Applicants will be required to achieve the following:

  • Year 2 Entry: A relevant HNC or an equivalent qualification in a related subject area with 120 credits.
  • Year 3 Entry: A relevant HND or a foundation degree in a related subject area with 240 credits.

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