Engineering Operatives are predominantly involved in engineering operations which are key to the success of the manufacturing and engineering sector, allowing employers to grow their business while developing a workforce with the relevant skills and knowledge to enhance and sustain the sector.
The role covers a wide range of common and job-specific skillsets that can be transferred across the manufacturing engineering industry sectors during the course of their careers. Depending on the sector that they are employed in, there may be subtle differences in terms of composition and application of the job-specific skills and knowledge they will require. However the core skills and knowledge will be the same, regardless of the sector/area in which they work.
Apprentices without Level 1 (or the equivalent) in English and maths must ensure that they achieve Level 1 and take the test for Level 2 prior to taking the end-point assessment (EPA). For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship's English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. British Sign Language qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for apprentices for whom this is their primary language.
Core Knowledge
An Engineering Operative will understand:
Core Skills
An Engineering Operative will be able to:
On-programme Assessment
The employer and training provider will use the mandatory Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (competence) and Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Engineering Operations (knowledge) within the Engineering Operative Standard to develop a training plan to ensure that the apprentice receives the appropriate level of knowledge and skills to advance to and successfully complete the Independent End-point Assessment (EPA).
Employer Gateway Review for Progression to Independent End-point Assessment/Readiness for End-point Assessment (EPA)
Before going forward for the EPA, the employer must be satisfied that the apprentice has:
Who decides if the apprentice is ready for EPA?
Once the apprentice has successfully completed appropriate on-programme training and assessment, the judgement on whether they are deemed occupationally competent and ready for the EPA will be made by their employer, on the basis of the knowledge, skills and behaviours attained by the apprentice and taking into consideration their work experience, the views from the training provider where applicable and the apprentice, to inform this decision.
When satisfied that the apprentice is ready for EPA, the employer will directly (or via their lead provider) inform their selected End-point Assessment Organisation for the EPA requirements to be planned and carried out.
End-point Assessment
End-point assessment must be undertaken by an Independent End-point Assessment Organisation that is on the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s Register of End-point Assessment Organisations (EPAO). Successful achievement of the End-point Assessment (EPA) will lead to final certification of the apprenticeship and demonstrate that the apprentice is a fully competent Engineering Operative. The practical observation must be completed prior to the professional discussion.
Apprentices will be expected to comply with their company's standard PPE dress code. Any shortfalls in safety equipment will be addressed during the first week of the course.
Completion of this apprenticeship standard will be recognised by the relevant professional institutions as the evidence required for Engineering Technician status.
For those deemed capable and ready, further career development and progression opportunities could be considered, such as the Advanced Apprenticeship in Mechatronics Maintenance Technician (Standard).
Taking an engineering course at Derby College Group marked the beginning of a whole new voyage of discovery for naval engineer Declan Clarke-Hancock.
After leaving Littleover Community School, Declan enrolled on the full-time performing engineering operations level 2 course at The Roundhouse Technical and Professional Skills college.
Now aged 25, he is a third electro-technical officer (ETO) on the cruise ship Sapphire Princess and is seeing the world while doing an engineering job he loves.
Getting to where he is now hasn’t always been plain sailing though. The Derbyshire firm where Declan took a level 3 electrical apprenticeship closed just as he qualified. Unsure of what to do next, he was looking for a local job as an electrician when he spotted a cadetship opportunity with Princess Cruises.
After attending maritime college in Southampton, as well as training for months at sea, Declan then had to pass difficult Maritime and Coastguard Agency exams before taking up his current role.
Declan started as an ETO in May 2019 and is responsible for the 110,000-ton ship’s electrical and electronics, including looking after her 35 elevators, watertight doors and lifeboats.
Declan said: “Going to Derby College definitely gave me the step up I needed. Without that I wouldn’t have got where I am now so I’m very thankful. I’d like to come back to college and talk to engineering students about my experiences. I want to show them where studying engineering at the Roundhouse can lead – and that they don’t necessarily have to stay in Derby or the East Midlands when they qualify. The right qualifications can take them anywhere.”
Declan has already had many memorable travel experiences through his job. Highlights include kayaking and dog sled riding in an Alaskan glacier, watching England play football in the World Cup in St Petersburg and visiting New York.
Going to Derby College definitely gave me the step up I needed.