Level 4 Engineering HNC Apprentice

What will the apprentice be doing?

During 2023 Plessey is offering 1 Level 4 Higher apprenticeship against the Engineering Manufacturing Technician standard. The academic element will be hosted by The Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre on a day release basis (1 day per week).

The apprenticeship consists of the HNC qualification and provides the opportunity to build the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) specified in the Level 4 Engineering Technician Standard. There is a minimum of 42 months before the KSBs are externally assessed during the Apprenticeship end-point assessment (EPA).

During your apprenticeship, you will build a portfolio of evidence to support you during the assessment process. You will receive guidance and supervision from The Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre and Plessey, who will support you every step of the way.

During the apprenticeship, you will be an employee of Plessey and will work alongside our engineers, undertaking on the job training.

As an apprentice you will be:

• Learning about the availability and performance of complex manufacturing systems
• Gaining skills from the fields of electrical, mechanical and electronic engineering to be able to employ continuous improvement
• Learn data analysis techniques to bring and keep systems at their optimum level
• Learn about the specification and installation of new systems, to ensure their smooth integration into the manufacturing line

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

You will be working towards a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician standard. In addition to this you will achieve a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering.

You will receive on and off-the-job training and support from an assessor and an apprenticeship advisor.

You will be required to attend Plymouth Engineering Skills Centre on a weekly basis as part of the apprenticeship training.

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

Successful completion of the units required to complete the HNC will allow you to move to technician grade. Successful completion of the end-point assessment (EPA) will allow you to move to engineer grade. Some equipment engineers in the longer term become senior managers or technical specialists.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Problem solving skills, Number skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience, Self-motivated, Enthusiastic, Committed, Passion for the industry

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade C/4) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade C/4) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Engineering (Grade C/4) Desired
GCSE or equivalent Science (Grade C/4) Desired
BTEC or equivalent Engineering (Grade M/D/D*) Essential

Things to consider

Our manufacturing facility is based at Roborough and is adjacent to Dartmoor National Park.