Engineering companies in all parts of Scotland are
recruiting apprentices now and throughout 2007 to
secure the highly skilled people they need for the
long-term future of the industry. If you are looking
for a rewarding career with meaningful qualifications
and good prospects then this is for you.
WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?
As an apprentice you will be employed
to undertake education and training within a company
that prepares you for progression within your chosen
career. You learn as you work. This usually means
you will go to a Further Education College and/or
Training Centre for a day a week or for longer
periods called block release. This, combined with
training in-the-job in the company, provides the
skills and knowledge that you will use in your
future career.
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WHAT KIND OF APPRENTICESHIPS ARE ON OFFER?
Companies are mainly offering craft and
technician apprenticeships. But what do these terms
mean?
CRAFT
Craftsmen and women apply a wide range
of skills and knowledge to their work, with the
minimum of direction and supervision.
Their ability to read engineering
drawings and interpret instructions enables them to
convert ideas and designs into products.
TECHNICIAN
Technicians have to be able to make
decisions of a technical nature based on their own
experience and accept personal responsibility for the
work they undertake.
This may be associated with existing
products or processes or may be related to the
development of new ideas and methods. They have to
work closely with other departments and be able to
communicate their ideas persuasively.
ARE ALL APPRENTICESHIPS THE SAME?
No. Apprenticeships differ from
company to company according to the type of career
that you are being trained for. However, a Modern
Engineering Apprenticeship follows a
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prescribed framework that includes
SVQ’s and core skills. Other types of
apprenticeships can vary and you will need to ask
the company for details at the interview.
WHAT ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS WILL I NEED?
These are stated by the recruiting
company and can vary significantly so look out for
them when you read the advertisements in this
newspaper. As a general guide, if you want to become
a technician you will probably need relevant Highers
or good Standard Grade passes in Mathematics,
Physics or Chemistry, English and Graphic Communications,
Product Design or Technological Studies. For
Craft apprenticeships at least Standard Grade passes
at Level 3 or above in Mathematics, Science, English
and Technical related subjects are likely to be sought
by employers.
WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO I GET AT THE END OF MY
APPRENTICESHIP?
The qualification you gain as an
apprentice will vary depending on the type of
apprenticeship you are undertaking. Most
apprenticeships will lead to a Level 3 SVQ as a
minimum and some lead to a Level 4 SVQ, both
accompanied by appropriate future education
certification. Some companies will allow apprentices
to go on to Higher Education and take degrees, often
in business or in engineering.
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DO I GET PAID?
Yes. Apprentices get paid throughout
their apprenticeship and how much will depend on the
company you work for, but you can expect around
£80-£100+ per week to start with and this will
increase throughout your apprenticeship to whatever
the skilled job rate is that you are training for.
WHEN WILL MY APPRENTICESHIP START?
There is no fixed common starting
date. The company will agree the start date with
you.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Modern Apprenticeships in the
engineering industry enable you to progress as
quickly as you are able. They usually take between
3-4 years to complete, depending upon your ability
and the nature of the apprenticeship. However, some
companies still offer time-served apprenticeships
which vary in training content and duration.
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