Manufacturing Engineer - Level 6 - University of Staffordshire

This occupation is found in a range of sectors that involve manufacturing, for example automotive, maritime, aerospace, food and drink and in wider manufacturing sectors.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to turn materials, components, or other commodities into a final product often on an assembly, production or process flow line.

Manufacturing engineers select the most effective and efficient technologies and processes to manufacture a product. For a new, modified facility or product they would be involved in the design of the optimal manufacturing process and the design and layout of the manufacturing facility including discrete work areas or cells.

They would identify equipment and resource requirements and also develop an operational plan for production, which may include considering manpower planning, logistics, procurement and supply chain requirements.

They would also be involved in the installation and commissioning of new plant or equipment. For existing manufacturing facilities, they are involved in the monitoring of equipment, ensuring it is maintained for optimal performance.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will achieve:

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineer Degree Apprenticeship Certificate

Location: Stoke-on-Trent campus
Duration: 3.5
Start date(s): October

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Course content

The programme is made up as follows:

Modules

Year 1

Applications of Electrical and Electronic Engineering 1
Engineering Mechanics
Engineering Thermofluids
Engineering Professional Development
Engineering Design and Practice
Engineering Mathematics 1

Year 2

Engineering Mathematics 2
Procedures for Product Design
Sustainability Group Project
Control Systems Analysis
Manufacturing Systems and Quality Management
Mechanical Structures and Design

Year 3

Engineering Project
Structural Analysis and FEA
Applied Computational Fluid Dynamics
Engineering Project Management
Manufacturing Technology and Operations

End Point Assessment will follow the completion of all modules.

Entry requirements

To be eligible, apprentices will need to evidence the following:

Achievement of Level 2 Maths and English (GCSE, functional skills or equivalent) OR be demonstrating that you are functioning at Level 2 in both Maths and English, this would be determined by an initial assessment conducted by University of Staffordshire.
This apprenticeship may require additional qualifications for entry, this will be discussed on an individual basis.

Fees

For levy-paying organisations the cost is paid from their digital account at a rate of £27,000 per apprentice.
For non-levy paying organisations there may be a financial contribution on 5% which equates to £1,350 per apprentice.

Delivery and assessment

Delivery

This programme is delivered using a blended learning model including face-to-face sessions on campus, complimented by online webinars.

Assessment

Throughout the apprenticeship a variety of assessment methods could be used, these include:

Written assignments
Examinations
Reflective activities
Group assessments
Presentations
Professional discussions
Academic assignments
Critical analysis

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include:

study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills);
written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy);
academic writing (including how to reference);
research skills;
critical thinking and understanding arguments; and
revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our AccessAbility Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties. You will also have full access to our support services such as Student Guidance.

Feedback

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations or assessments

Responsibilities

Employer must not ask the apprentice to contribute financially to the direct cost of learning
Ensure apprentice spends at least 6 hours per week of their time in off-the-job training
Enter into a contract with University of Staffordshire
Participate in reviews with the Apprentice and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets the needs of the apprentice
Provide apprentices with a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning
Provide the apprentice with paid time to attend off-the-job training, including additional support for English and Maths, or support accessed for learning difficulties and/or disabilities
Recognise that the apprentice must complete the apprenticeship within their working hours
Support the apprentice to gain new skills

A citizen of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA**) or have the right of abode in the UK, and have been ordinarily resident in the EEA for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning
Able to complete the apprenticeship in contracted working hours
Be an employee (have a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship) on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning
Be in a new job role (nine months or less), or in an existing job role, where significant new knowledge and skills are needed – employer statement of justification needed (relevant to the apprenticeship)
Be in full-time employment for typically 30 hours a week
Has the right to work in England
Maintain a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets your needs
Not be enrolled on another apprenticeship at the same time
Participate in reviews with the employer and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones

Administer the funding and running of the Apprenticeship Standard to an acceptable level of quality and in compliance with the DfE’s requirements
Agree jointly between the University, the Employer and Apprentice, an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) ensuring that satisfactory progress is achieved and to ensure that the contents of the ILP fulfil the requirements of the Apprenticeship Standard
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment, which meets the needs of the Apprentice
Provide off-the-job learning and assessment and oversee the on-the-job skills development as detailed in the ILP
Provide support on selection of the endpoint assessor, if applicable. The endpoint assessment will be completed by the learning provider for all integrated degrees

Careers

You will have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team who support you with professional branding, career mapping and realising your potential.

Facilities

3D Printing Bureau

Book in jobs, pay for prints, collect work and get technical support using our collection of 3D printers. Read more

Available Printers include Mojo, Up Box, Markforged Onyx One, Formlab 3, and Stratasys J55. Print in various materials - resin, metal, carbon fibre and clay! Find out more about our Print Bureau and our 3D printing facilities

Smart Zone

A bustling centre of invention, innovation and creation with two floors of dedicated workshop and collaboration spaces for engineering and creative students. Read more

The Smart Zone fuses state-of-the-art fabrication spaces with augmented and blended reality facilities, allowing you to bring your ideas to life using the latest digital and immersive technologies. Find out more about our Smart Zone.

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Engineering Laboratories

Packed with state-of-the-art software and hardware resources reflecting current trends in the development of engineering subjects.

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Reverse Engineering Laboratory

Our Laboratory contains 3 Dimensional scanning capability, Additive Manufacturing machines featuring PolyJet, FDM, 3DP processes, as well as Laser Engraving ability.

Specialist Laser Cutting

Get access to our Trotec Speedy 400 laser cutter and practice with technology used for industrial manufacturing applications.

Renewable Energy Lab

Use the latest equipment in renewable energy, including Power Systems Lab that provides real-time testing and development facilities for electrical engineering, Thin Film Lab for plastic electronics, our wind tunnel, and our high voltage cage.

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CAD Modelling Labs

Our dedicated CAD studios replicates real practice where you'll have access to excellent drawing and computer facilities including the latest industry-standard software. Read more

Software includes: Rhino, VRED, SolidWorks, Alias, Maya, KeyShot, and Adobe Creative Suite. Find out more about our computer workshops

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Enquire

To join a higher degree apprenticeship programme or recruit an apprentice for your business, enquire with us today.

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