14-16 Engineering Apprenticeship Programme

The government announced a new initiative in 2004 that places young people onto an apprenticeship programme at 14 and 15 years old with a combination of targeted learning and planned work experience which leads to achievement of a combination of an NVQ level 2 in engineering and a complimentary mix of GCSEs. 
SETA is pleased to be running a 14-16 Engineering Apprenticeship Programme in Stockport in Partnership with schools including St Pauls, Newall Green, Manchester Enterprise Academy, Parrs Wood and local employers.

Aims of the Programme

To enable well motivated young people of good ability to pursue vocational programmes outside of school.

To increase the amount of technical, qualified and enthusiastic engineers into employment in Manchester and Stockport.

To secure and promote engineering for the future in Manchester and give young people the choice to consider engineering as an option for a career.
 
Employer Benefits

Opportunity to develop a highly motivated future workforce and long term plans to address skills gaps and improve qualifications.
A way of securing existing knowledge in the company.
Providing young people with the expertise that is specific to your industry.
The development of a new recruitment pool of engineers in Manchester.
Opportunity to develop relationships with schools, colleges and training providers and influence recruitment trends.
Chance to put something back.
To become an ‘Investor in Young People’ and be involved with ’Business in the Community’.

To allow the existing workforce to fullfil certain qualification requirements through working with young people

SETA will guide Employers to

• Initially provide company presentation/tours to the young people
• Provide interview experience and  possible job opportunities
• Provide high quality work experience placements
• Plan structured on the job learning
• Appoint a workplace mentor and supervisor to support learning
• Play an active role in the reviews of the young apprentice

Employer Responsibilities

• To provide a safe place to work with close supervision
• To give the young people an awareness of workplace disciplines
• Support training providers in development role
• Co-operate with school/training provider to deliver an exciting and innovative programme

Benefits to young People

• A high quality progression route into apprenticeships at 16 and other options, with the opportunity to accumulate achievement towards an apprenticeship.
• Opportunity for a post-16 apprenticeship and onto professional apprenticeships at Level 4.
• High quality and relevant work experience linked to qualifications, providing an opportunity for practical hands on experience.
• Opportunity to gain a NVQ qualification whilst still at school.
• Shared delivery of schools, employers and training providers, leading to industrial standards
• To continue to study the statutory curriculum (Maths, English, ICT and Science) and other GCSE’s.
• Enhanced understanding of business enterprise.
• Benefit from a personal learning plan – monitored and reviewed regularly.
• Develop an awareness of Health & Safety in the workplace.
• Ongoing advice and guidance before, during and at the end of the programme.

Selection Criteria of Young People

The young people on the programme have been chosen due to their high ability and suitability. They all have;
• Successful interview with learning provider.
• Minimum of Key Stage 2 SATs Results at Level 4a in Maths, Science and English
• Combined Key Stage 3 teacher assessment score of 4 or higher
• Good attendance and behaviour records
• Written evidence of parent/carer support
• Individual motivation to complete the programme and achieve the qualifications to become a technical engineer.

The Engineering Programme in Stockport

From September 2009, the young people will be attending SETA in Stockport for 2 days per week for the first year. In the second year, they will be placed into suitable employers to gain work experience.  They will have achieved a Health & Safety Certificate and have been issued with PPE equipment. They are working towards 6 NVQ level 2 Units in Performing Engineering Operations, which are;

1. PEO2/001 Working Safely in an engineering environment
2. PEO2/002 Working Efficiently and Effectively in engineering
3. PEO2/003 Using and communicating technical information

4. PEO2/004 Producing mechanical engineering drawings using a CAD system
5. PEO2/005 Producing components using hand fitting techniques
6. PEO2/011 Preparing and using lathes for turning operations
7. PEO2/012 Preparing and using milling machines
8. PEO2/019 Maintaining mechanical devices and equipment
9. PEO2/022 Producing sheet metal components and assemblies
10. PEO2/033 Wiring and testing electrical equipment and circuits

The first 3 units are mandatory and the young person may select 3 more units from the remaining units listed from 4-10.

The use of this framework may involve the following areas of work;

a) Health & Safety
b) Drawings, Specifications and standards
c) Use of tools and equipment
d) Knowledge of materials, processes and systems
e) Testing and measurement equipment including inspection
f) Light Assembly
g) Light maintenance of electronic/mechanical nature

Ultimately, the young people will develop workplace aptitudes, knowledge and skills in the world of work in an engineering environment.  Regular reviews and assessment will provide opportunities to discuss & reflect on work placement.  The H&S/welfare/security of the young people is paramount through the placement and we will carry out H&S assessment prior to work placement. There will also be Young Persons Risk Assessments carried out.

We will work with the employer and supervisors to identify the areas most suitable for the young person to work in. We would be happy to adopt any employer training methodology and best practice to give the young person progress and development in engineering skills.
Apprentices will be regularly visited and reviewed and we would expect them to provide evidence towards their NVQ portfolio and possibly Technical Certificate.

Exit Process and Feedback

The perceptions of the apprentices are varied in their understanding of what an engineering environment is like. This of course is based on their experiences in life so far.  In participation of the programme, the main motivation for all those concerned is to ensure the participant exits the programme with a clear understanding of what possible roles they could fill in an engineering organisation. The whole purpose of this programme is to create tomorrow’s engineers across a range of skills and attributes. The feedback is a vital part of this process.
In order to best evaluate the Work Experience element, SETA will require feedback from all companies and participants. The outcome will help to ensure continuous improvements to the whole young apprenticeship programme.