engineering sector student apprenticeship, The

International Journal of Electrical Engineering Education, Jan 2005 by Thomas, C, Clarke, S

Abstract

This paper describes the Student Apprenticeship in Engineering, a programme which enables young people in full-time pre-16 education to undertake structured work-related learning at an approved training centre. Its aim is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and competences necessary to enter a career in the engineering sector and to give them the confidence to make informed choices regarding their chosen occupation and future employment.

Keywords engineering; pre-16 education; student apprenticeship; vocational; work-related

The aim of the Student Apprenticeship in Engineering is to offer young people in full-time pre-16 education a co-ordinated approach to education and work-related learning that is accredited, and which leads to a recognised pathway into employment as Foundation or Advanced Modern Apprentices or progression through post16 education to a career in the engineering sector.

We want young people to explore the many different career paths open to them in the engineering industry by allowing them access to a diverse range of potential occupations. With knowledge of the various departments that make up an engineering company we expect Student Apprentices, with the support of work-based mentors, to choose an occupation that maximises their potential within the sector.

Programme objectives

The overall objective of the programme is to provide structured work-related learning and training for Student Apprentices who wish to consider a career in the engineering sector. This will be accomplished in partnership with engineering companies, schools and engineering group training associations. A programme of workrelated learning and activities coupled to full-time studies at school will provide students with:

* A broad understanding of the engineering workplace;

* The career opportunities within the sector open to them relative to their ability and potential;

* Enhancement and enrichment of school studies by allowing them to put classroom theory into practice;

* Accredited skills, competences and underpinning knowledge that will enable them to accelerate their progression as Foundation or Advanced Modern Apprentices;

* The confidence to demonstrate effectively to employers that they have a fundamental understanding of the engineering industry and their potential within it.

Main qualification/s

Student Apprentices will usually study one or more of the following full-time subjects at school:

Engineering GCSE (Double Award)

Applied Science or a Science GCSE

Applied Business GCSE (Double Award)

Applied ICT GCSE (Double Award)

An appropriate Design and Technology GCSE

Depending upon the duration of the Student Apprenticeship, which is governed by the school timetable, GCSE studies and the ability of the individual, the programme of work-related learning activities will lead to one of the following minimum outcomes:

* Four units of accreditation towards the NVQ Performing Engineering Operations at level I/II (depending upon ability);

* Four units of accreditation towards other level I/II engineering NVQs;

* The City & Guilds Applied Engineering Principles VRQ at level I (for Year 1) and level II (for Year 2);

* Unit accreditation of the EAL Intermediate Engineering and Technology Certificate;

* Two or more units of a level I/II engineering NVQ combined with two level I/II units taken from other NVQs whose occupations are related to the engineering sector.

By arrangement with the school and training provider, the student may undertake additional optional vocational training and/or education that will be of benefit to the individual in securing employment as a Foundation or Advanced Modern Apprentice. These might be:

Vocational training/education/short courses

* Quality control/systems/processes

* Design

* CAD/CAM/CIM

* JIT

* Production methods/management

* Office procedures

* Marketing and sales

* Procurement

* Language training

Key skills

* Level 1-2 key skills (dependent upon the ability of the student)

* Working with others

* Improving own learning performance

Wider activities

Wider activities of the programme focus on company visits as part of students' school project work and raising awareness to the engineering environment.

Conversational French/German/Spanish or other agreed language could be offered, especially if the GCSE language option has not been chosen.

Duration

The recommended periods of training for pre-16 Student Apprentices are:

Year 10 entrants: two academic years

Year 11 entrants: one academic year

These timings may be varied. Students are expected to spend a minimum of half a day per week in an engineering training centre.

Entry requirements

There are no specified entry requirements. Ideally the 'whole class approach' adopted by schools will allow students to undertake the Student Apprenticeship as part of normal GCSE studies. Year 9 standard assessment tests (SATs) results will help both the school and the approved training provider to determine the most appropriate level of training for individuals. A post-entry assessment might serve to establish a benchmark by which progress can be measured.