The diversity of engineering as a sector is well recognised. That’s why engineering apprenticeships in Wales consist of routes and levels that suit the needs of almost every employer, ranging from Level 2 Apprenticeships through to Level 4 Higher Apprenticeships.
In Wales, engineering apprenticeships are planned around frameworks. These frameworks are available at three different levels:
- Level 2 Engineering Apprenticeships – Semi-skilled roles or new entrants to the industry
- Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeships Skilled roles, tradespeople and those with greater responsibility in the organisation
- Level 4 Engineering Apprenticeships – Senior engineers, engineering team leaders and managers, and operational management roles
Welsh apprenticeships are designed so that apprentices can progress through the levels as they develop their skills, knowledge and experience.
We will support you to select the most appropriate level to start the journey and then advise on progression opportunities.
Apprenticeships in Wales are fully funded at all levels, this means that the Welsh Government apprenticeships funding can be accessed to meet the delivery costs of all framework components.
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Some of our Engineering Apprenticeship employers include:
What does an Engineering Apprenticeship framework consist of?
Welsh Apprenticeships are planned around a framework and each engineering apprenticeships consist of five qualifications:
1) An NVQ Qualification:
This is completed on the job, in the workplace. There are a broad range of engineering skills, trades and specialisms available and these include:
To include specialisms such as:
- Mechanical Maintenance
- Electrical Maintenance
- Electronic Maintenance
- Fluid Power Maintenance
- Multi-skilled Maintenance Services Maintenance
- Communications Electronic Maintenance
- Servicing Stairlifts
- Servicing Service Lifts
- Installing Stairlifts
- Installing Service Lifts
- Equipment Installation
- Installing Lifting Platforms
- Servicing Lifting Platforms
- Assistive Technology
- Systems and Equipment Maintenance
- Servicing medical equipment
To include specialisms such as:
- Toolmaker
- Toolroom CNC Machining
- Mould, Tool and Die Equipment Maintenance
- Jig and Fixture Manufacture
- Toolroom Manual Machining
To include specialisms such as:
- Machining
- CNC Machining
- Production Assembly
- Composite Manufacture
- Optical Engineering
- Machine Tool Setting
- Fitting and Assembly
- Pipe Fitting and Assembly
- Composite manufacture Engineering
- Mechanical Overhaul and test
- Spring Making
- Photonics Engineering
To include specialisms such as:
- Manual Welding
- Rail Welding
- Brazing and Soldering
- Plastic Welding
- Sheet Metal Welding
- Structural Steelwork
- Pipework & Tube Fabrication
- Thermal Cutting
- Welding Machine Setting and Operating
- Sheet Metalworking
- Plate-working
To include specialisms such as:
- Engineering Drawing
- Quality Control
- Non-Destructive Testing
- Computer Control Programming
- Production Engineering
- Process Engineering
- Engineering Software Development
To include specialisms such as:
- Equipment Installation
- Commissioning
- Traction Lift Installation
- Hydraulic Lift Installation
- Escalator Installation and Commissioning
To include specialisms such as:
- Designing Electronic Circuits
- Controlling Semiconductor- Manufacturing Processes
- Controlling Printed Circuit and Allied Circuit Assembly
- Leading Electronic Component Manufacture
- Leading Printed Circuit and Allied Circuit Assembly
- Leading Electronics Assembly
- Testing Electronic Circuit
- Manufacturing Transformers and Inductors
- Manufacturing Electrical Motors and Generators
- Manufacturing Electrical Control Systems Equipment
- Testing Electrical Equipment
The Level 4 NVQ is designed for Engineering Managers, Team Leaders, Senior Engineers, Quality Managers and similar roles within industry.
This qualification is often best completed in a role where management of departments, teams, functions or projects are the core responsibilities.
Get in touch and one of our engineering specialists will provide all the support and guidance needed to determine if this route is appropriate for you or your employees.
2) A Knowledge Qualification
Welsh Apprenticeship frameworks list pre-approved knowledge qualifications against each of the trades/specialisms.
TSW partners with every local engineering college in Wales to ensure that all employers can be supported. The availability of specific knowledge qualifications can vary between colleges and is subject to change.
Knowledge qualifications will be undertaken at the level of the framework being completed i.e. Level 3 Diploma (ONC) or Level 4 HNC.
3) Essential Communication Skills at Level 2
Apprentices will be exempt from this qualification if they can provide a GCSE certificate for English Language or English Literature at grade C or above.
4) Essential Application of Number Skills at Level 2
Apprentices will be exempt from this qualification if they can provide a GCSE certificate for Maths at grade C or above.
5) Essential Digital Literacy Skills
No exemptions are available for this qualification which is often completed in a one-day workshop.
Engineering Apprenticeship Eligibility
To complete this Welsh apprenticeship, individuals must be employed in an appropriate role. Welsh Government apprenticeships eligibility rules will govern which employees can access the funding and is subject to change so, always speak to our Advisors for the best advice.
If you are an employer planning apprenticeships in Wales, get in touch and see how we can support you, free of charge, from recruitment through to progressing to higher level qualifications upon completion.
No Obligation Advice and Support
If you are an individual looking for an apprenticeship in South Wales or an apprenticeship in West Wales, we advertise our apprenticeship vacancies with Careers Wales Apprenticeships, Careers Wales jobs and other online portals
