Apprenticeships - What qualifications do I get?
This will depend on the exact Engineering Apprenticeship that you are working towards.
Each apprenticeship follows an Apprenticeship Standard. These were set by employers and determine what is required by the jobs functions that they cover. They outline the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) required to carry out certain job roles. For example the requirements of an Engineering Fitter will be very different to someone working towards becoming an Electrician.
A Level 3 Apprenticeship is equivalent to two A-Level passes. It is sometimes known as an Advanced Apprenticeship.
How much time will I spend at SETA?
An apprenticeship enables you to develop work-based skills and experience in a particular job.
All apprentices spend time in the SETA workshop gaining practical 'off the job' experience in our workshops. This tends to be at the beginning of the apprenticeship in a block of weeks, generally 20 or 40 weeks. Your employer will decide how many weeks you will be at SETA and you will be completing practical units that are relevant to the role that you are doing. Some employers prefer that your time at SETA is carried out in blocks split across the year with time in your workplace in between. Whereas others prefer that it is carried out all in one go right at the beginning of the apprenticeship. SETA offers the flexibility to deliver both options. Either way you will spend time at SETA both in the workshop and in our classrooms working towards a theory based Technical Certificate. All of which is counted as 'off the job' training.
The remainder of your time will be spent in your job with the support of a workplace mentor; this could be your manager, a colleague, or someone else who has already done the programme.
You will typically spend four days a week in the workshop, and one day a week working towards the knowledge element in the classroom. This will either be a BTEC or an HNC but this will depend on your existing qualifications and your employer.
Why will there be classroom work?
You will need to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to carry out your job role as part of your apprenticeship. Some of this will be taught in a 'hands-on' practical way, and some will be taught in the classroom.
The theory side will be taught in the classroom studying for a Technical Certificate. This will either be a Level 3 BTEC or a Level 4 HNC, depending on your existing qualifications.
BTECs are vocational qualifications rather than traditional academic courses. They are continually assessed through coursework and practical projects. They are a more practical qualification which can test and develop a learner's employability skills, such as time management, communication, problem-solving and planning, as well as academic skills like research and independent study, and are well recognised by employers. A BTEC is equivalent to two A-Levels.
Some of the apprenticeships have a BTEC as a mandatory qualification, and some do not.
A Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a Level 4 vocational qualification that will take two years to complete on a part-time basis. It is a practical-based course that can prepare you for studies at degree level should you wish to progress.
What if I don't have GCSE in Maths or English?
Functional skills are a compulsory requirement for all apprentices who do not hold a GSCE or equivalent qualification in English or maths.
Learners who have not achieved a pass at Level 2, a ‘C’ grade or grade 4 at GCSE (or equivalent) will need to enrol on and complete the relevant functional skills qualification to achieve their apprenticeship. This is a government requirement.
