Engineering Apprentice (Level 6)

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider: BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE

Training course: Control systems engineer (degree) (level 6)

What you'll learn

Course contents:

• Translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems.
• Select, use, and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA), and fishbone diagrams.
• Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation.
• Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports, or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
• Observe, record, and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and or developmental or test evidence.
• Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost, and performance criteria. Apply techniques and processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management, and risk mitigation.
• Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating any risks identified within the control systems environment.
• Identify resources required to complete control system projects, project tasks, or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity.
• Create a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
• Demonstrate leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities such as system design, integration, operational simulation, installation, testing, pre-commissioning, commissioning, and maintenance of control systems.
• Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use.
• Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities such as improving safety, quality, technology solutions, operational processes, training and development, equipment performance, or cost key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Perform checks on control systems documentation to ensure it meets organisational compliance and traceability requirements. Report any non-conformances using the appropriate processes and procedures.
• Interpret key performance indicators and utilise improvement techniques or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as lean or six sigma.

Training schedule

The apprentice will train through a combination of workplace learning and academic study. They will develop practical skills and knowledge by working on real engineering projects with their employer, supported by experienced engineers. This hands-on experience is complemented by structured academic learning.

Year 1: Foundation Degree Level 4 (1 day per week) plus Foundation Competence Level 2 (2-3 days per week) - 3 days total per week

Year 2: Foundation Degree Level 5 (1 day per week

Years 3 and 4: Top-up degree delivered at Birmingham City University (1 day per week)

Workplace Learning: Alongside academic study, the apprentice will gain practical experience by working on real engineering projects within the workplace, supported by experienced engineers

Delivery Method:

Years 1 and 2: Day release at James Watt College

Years 3 and 4: Day release at Birmingham City University

Ongoing workplace learning with employer

This blended approach ensures the apprentice gains both valuable industry experience and a strong theoretical understanding of control systems engineering, progressing from foundation level to a top-up degree.

Requirements

Essential qualifications:

• GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4/C or above)
  • Science (grade 4/C or above)
  • Maths (grade 5/B or above)
  • Any subject (grade 4/C or above)

• A Level in:

  • Maths (grade 4/C or above)
  • Physics or Engineering-related subjects (grade 4/C or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills:

• Analytical skills
• Attention to detail
• Communication skills
• Logical
• Number skills
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working

Other requirements:

• You will train at both the employer's workplace and at James Watt college as part of this apprenticeship
• Before applying, please check how you will travel to each location and how long the journey will take

About this employer

SALTS Healthcare Limited is one of the UK's oldest family-owned healthcare companies, with a heritage dating back over 300 years. Based in Aston, Birmingham, the company is an internationally recognised manufacturer of medical devices specialising in stoma care products and services. SALTS Healthcare is committed to its vision of "Caring, Listening, and Innovating to Improve Lives" and is dedicated to delivering high-quality products, exceptional customer support, and continuous innovation. The company values the development of its employees, investing in learning and professional growth, making it an excellent environment for apprentices seeking to build skills, gain valuable industry experience, and contribute to improving the lives of patients worldwide.

https://www.salts.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Successful completion of this apprenticeship is expected to prepare you for progression into roles such as Automation Engineer, Controls Engineer, Robotics Engineer, Manufacturing Systems Engineer, or Reliability Engineer.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE
BMet Recruitment
recruitment@bmet.ac.uk
0121 362 1122

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000041219.