Course Summary

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.

Entry requirements

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.

Course Content

Core Knowledge

An Engineering Operative will understand:

• How to obtain the necessary job instructions, engineering drawings and specifications and how to interpret them
• Relevant statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures/systems, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to engineering operations
• Their individual roles and responsibilities within the organisation and the flexibility required to support the achievement of company targets
• Engineering operational practices, processes and procedures
• Potential problems that can occur within the engineering operations and how they can be avoided

Core Skills

An Engineering Operative will be able to:

• Work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines
• Identify and deal appropriately with any risks, hazards, hazardous situations and problems that may occur within the engineering environment within the limits of their responsibility
• Demonstrate effective communication skills which include oral, written and electronic communications
• Complete appropriate documentation accurately, efficiently and legibly using the correct terminology where required
• Obtain and follow the correct documentation, specifications and work instructions in accordance with time constraints and the roles and responsibilities identified for the engineering activities, extracting the necessary data/information from specification and related documentation
• Select and use appropriate tools, equipment and materials to carry out the engineering operation
• Deal appropriately with any problems that may occur in the manufacturing environment within the limits of their responsibility
• Work efficiently and effectively at all times, maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste

How will I be assessed?

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:

• Satisfactorily completed training covering the skills, knowledge and behaviours as described in the standard 
• Achieved all mandatory qualifications – Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (competence) and Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Engineering Operations (knowledge)
• English and mathematics at Level 2 (apprentices without English and mathematics at Level 2 must have achieved level 1 English and mathematics and have taken the tests for Level 2. 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 and British Sign Language qualifications are an alternative to English qualifications for apprentices for whom this is their primary language.
• Sufficient evidence in the form of a reflective portfolio to allow the apprentice to consistently demonstrate knowledge, skills and behaviours as described in the standard. Guidance on what should be included in the reflective portfolio can be found within the professional discussion section.

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.

Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?

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.

What can I do after this 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).

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