14-16 Engineering Apprenticeship Programme - Information for parents and guardians

Your school is responsible for your child’s welfare while they are on the 14-16 Engineering Apprenticeship Programme, so if you have any questions, please contact your school as you would normally or speak to Helen Wilson on

Tel: 0161 480 9822 Mob: 07545 735 171 E-mail: hwilson@setatraining.com

Engineering is a rewarding career choice for young people who have a good level of education, are genuinely interested in engineering and are keen to learn. Over the next 2 years your child will be on the 14-16 Engineering Apprenticeship Programme. They will spend 2 days per week on the programme. This time will be spent at SETA in Stockport and with a local employer.

This information explains how the programme is organised and how we make your child stay safe as they learn and how you can support them through their apprenticeship.

This course has been developed for well-motivated pupils who can gain experience of work and achieve a National Vocational Qualification at Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations. Additionally to the practical skills they will develop, they will come into contact with new people and environments such as instructors at the centre or adults in the workplace. The practical demands of organising their time and getting to grips with life in the workplace and at SETA will also help develop their maturity.

How does the programme work?

The next 14-16 Engineering Apprenticeship programme begins in September, as your child commences Year 10. 
They will spend 2 days per week at the training centre, SETA, in Stockport developing practical engineering skills and knowledge in Health & Safety, working with others and technical information.

They will also have a choice of 3 skills areas from the following: Electrical, Sheet Metal, Computer Aided Design, milling, turning, hand fitting and maintenance.

They will also be prepared for their work placement with an Engineering company. 

Your child will continue to study the core subjects at school in Maths, English, Science and ICT on the other 3 days he/she is not on this course. Experienced training consultants, teachers, instructors and employers share responsibility for your child’s learning and work together in a ‘partnership’.

The government has high expectations of the pupils on the programme and it’s expected 80% of them will achieve a level 2 qualification which is equivalent to 6 GCSE’s (grades A*-C). Throughout the course, they will be expected to maintain good attendance and behaviour. Expect to receive regular feedback on your child’s progress.

How is the work placement organised?

SETA work with many Manchester and Stockport based engineering companies on this 14-16 programme including; RKL Engineering, Brinksway Tool, Floreeda, HellermannTyton and Stagecoach Manchester. 

All of the activities that will be planned for your child at work are designed for under 16’s, so they won’t be asked to do anything they can’t manage. When it comes to health, safety and welfare in the workplace, employers must look after the apprentice in the same way they do their employees. Your child must be prepared to travel and work a full working day.

What qualification will my child achieve on the programme?

• National Vocational Qualification Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations. Awarded by EAL, the awarding body.

• 14-16 Engineering Apprenticeship Programme certificate including the work experience company details, awarded by SETA.

This qualification is equivalent to 6 GCSE’s (grades A*-C) and 294 value added points. There is no exam, but they are required to build a portfolio of evidence over the 2 years. Young people who start this course are expected to achieve A*-C in their core subjects at school and are tested for ability prior to starting the course.

Where could the 14-16 Engineering Apprenticeship lead?

Doing this Apprenticeship keeps your child’s option open. If they find the vocational route is right for them, they can choose to pursue a post-16 full-time Apprenticeship. Their experience and qualifications may even help them complete these courses early.
If they don’t choose an Apprenticeship they can still continue their studies full time, either at school, college or with a training company. Whichever route they choose, they can progress onto a degree at a later stage and will be guided by experienced training advisors and teachers.

Helen Wilson, Group Training Advisor from SETA meets Ed Balls the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families at Newall Green High School, Manchester and explains how our 14-16  Engineering Apprenticeship works

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