Manufacturing Engineer (Degree) – Apprenticeship Standard Level 6

Manufacturing engineers primarily support the activities involved in bringing design programmes into manufacture. This role is pivotal to the launch, planning and smooth delivery of exciting new products or product refresh programmes.

The focus is on the advanced manufacturing techniques and project management skills required to launch products on time, on cost and to the right quality. Typically manufacturing engineers work closely with a range of other engineers, functions and managers both within their own company and within the supplier base.

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.

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:

• Complying with statutory regulations and stringent organisational safety requirements
• Producing components using hand fitting, fabrication and joining techniques
• Producing Computer Aided Design (CAD) models (drawings) using a CAD system
• Preparing and using lathes, milling and other general or specialist machines and high tech equipment
• Preparing and proving Computer Numeric Control (CNC) programmes
• Using computer software packages to assist with and evaluate engineering activities
• Producing and managing engineering project plans
• Producing assemblies using a wide range of materials and techniques

During the development stage, the apprentice will hone their general engineering skills, along with skills in experimental / new model development, component investigation and problem solving, measurement, control and inspection. With all of these skills, they will be using a logical and systematic approach.

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

• Project management and scheduling engineering activities
• Securing appropriate resources and managing budgets and resources
• Implementing, monitoring and evaluating engineering processes

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) Manufacturing Engineering

Assessment involves coursework and exams.

They will attend on day release for three years.

Nothing additional is required.

They can progress to a higher engineering degree.

• Manufacturing 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