Electrical/Electronic Technical Support Engineer (Degree) Apprenticeship

During the foundation stage, the apprentice must develop a solid grasp of the core engineering skills. These skills will prepare them for the workplace in demonstrating that they have the required manual dexterity to do their core role. The competencies required are transferable and can be built upon over time. The skills required are:

• How to comply with statutory requirements and stringent organisational safety requirements
• Producing components using hand fitting techniques
• Producing electrical or electronic drawings using a Computer Aided Design (CAD) system
• Preparing and using lathes, milling and other general or specialist machines and high-tech equipment
• Wiring and testing electrical equipment, assembling and testing electronic circuits
• Using computer software packages to assist with engineering activities
• Producing engineering project plans
• Maintaining and improving electrical equipment/systems

During the development stage, they will hone their professional engineering skills, along with skills in experimental/new product development, component investigation regarding costing, supplier support and design, development and test engineering. With all of these skills, they will be using a well–planned, logical and systematic approach.

On successful completion of the above, the apprentice will then progress to develop their skills in:

• Project management in undertaking engineering activities
• Producing and working to engineering specifications and briefs, presenting and technical problem solving
• Scheduling and managing engineering activities
• Electrical/electronic product manufacturing and testing
• Demonstrating technical and commercial management in planning and managing tasks and resources

Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprenticeships. In order to optimise success, candidates will typically have five GCSEs at grade C or above, including Mathematics, English and a Science, Technology or Engineering-related subject, as well as A-levels at grade C or above in both a Mathematical-based subject and a Science, Technology, Engineering or additional Mathematics-related subject, or 90+ credits in an Engineering BTEC at Level 3.

Apprentices must be employed in a suitable job role for 30+ hours per week.

Modern high-value engineering organisations require their apprentices to have a set of occupational behaviours that will ensure success both in their current and future roles and in meeting the overall company objectives. These required behaviours include:

Safety mindset: This occupation sits within an industry with a high level of safety critical activities. There has to be strict compliance and a disciplined and responsible approach to manage, mitigate and avoid risk.

Strong work ethic: Positive attitude, motivated by the engineering industry, dependable, ethical, responsible and reliable.

Logical approach: Able to structure a plan and develop activities following a logical thought process, but also able to quickly “think on their feet” when working through them.

Problem solving orientation: Identifies issues quickly, enjoys solving complex problems and applies appropriate solutions. Has a strong desire to push to ensure the true root cause of any problem is found and a solution identified which prevents further recurrence.

Quality focus: Follows rules, procedures and principles in ensuring work completed is fit for purpose and pays attention to detail/error checks throughout activities.

Personal responsibility and resilience: Motivated to succeed, accountable and persistent to complete tasks.

Clear communicator: Uses a variety of appropriate communication methods to give/receive information accurately, and in a timely and positive manner.

Team player: Not only plays own part but is also able to work and communicate clearly and effectively within a team and interacts with/ helps others when required. In doing so, applies these skills in a respectful and professional manner.

Applies Lean Manufacturing Principles: Continuous improvement in driving effectiveness and efficiency.

Adaptability: Able to adjust to different conditions, technologies, situations and environments.

Self-Motivation: A ‘self-starter’ who always wants to give their best, sets themselves challenging targets and can make their own decisions.

Willingness to learn: Wants to drive their continuous professional development.

Commitment: Able to commit to the beliefs, goals and standards of their own employer and to the wider industry and its professional standards.

• Foundation Degree in Integrated Engineering
• BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Assessment is via coursework and exams.

The apprenticeship entails day release for three years.

Nothing additional is required.

They can advance to a higher engineering degree.

• Design Engineer
• Project Manager

You may already have someone in your organisation or someone has come to you direct asking for an apprenticeship, but if you don’t we have a free recruitment service to help you hire the best candidate for your organisation from our talent pool and external advertising through social media and the national apprenticeship services website

If you are an employer and you would like to know more, please email businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or call 01332 387421