This Level 6 degree apprenticeship will provide the practical and theoretical training for aspiring manufacturing engineers who want to gain new skills and a formal degree qualification. This includes those early in their career and school leavers applying for degree apprenticeship roles in the sector.

Manufacturing engineers will specialise in manufacturing concepts, principles and methodologies in order to develop the skills of the existing engineer workforce. The focus is on the advanced manufacturing techniques and project management skills required to launch products on time, on cost and to the right quality.

Apprentices studying the programme at Aston will benefit from a close partnership with industry leaders as well as expert teaching staff who have held professional engineering positions. Graduates will be able to register as Incorporated Engineers with relevant Professional Engineering Institutes such as IMechE and IET.

The apprenticeship is taught at undergraduate level (Levels 4-6) over five years, covering the essentials of professional engineering, while specialising in manufacturing.

Stage 1

• Professional Engineering Practice
• Digital Engineering
• Engineering Mathematics and Science
• Mechanical Principles
• Work-based Project - Engineering Improvement

Stage 2

• Mathematical Methods in Engineering
• Computer Aided Design
• Data Acquisition and Instrumentation
• Engineering Management
• Manufacturing Processes and Technology
• Work-based Project - Technical Problem-Solving

Final stage

• Professional Development Audit
• Project Management
• Work-based Project
• Advanced Manufacturing Systems
• Quality Engineering

Plus one of the following optional modules:

• Engineering Design Applications
• Engineering Materials and Manufacturing

Learning and teaching

This programme is taught through distance learning. Formal teaching takes place using our virtual learning environment, Blackboard, where apprentices will take part in bi-monthly webinars. This platform allows apprentices to access a comprehensive range of study materials, academic journals, databases and much more. Online learning gives apprentices the flexibility to study from any location without the need to frequently travel to the Aston University campus.

In addition to online learning, all apprentices are supported by an academic and professional supervisor. The supervisors will meet with apprentices once per module, either in person or online, to provide advice and help bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Assessment

The programme will be assessed through a combination of written and oral examinations, class tests, individual and group coursework projects, presentations and practical assessments. All projects and assignments are work-based, relating directly to the apprentice’s role in their organisation adding immediate value for both the apprentice and the employer.

End point assessment

The apprenticeship concludes with the end point assessment (EPA). The EPA gives the apprentices the opportunity to showcase their academic, personal and professional development achievements throughout the apprenticeship. Apprentices will take part in a professional discussion to demonstrate their competencies and how they have applied their learning in the workplace. They will also be required to give a presentation showing the impact of their final work based project on their organisation. After the EPA, the assessors will consider what grade should be awarded for the apprenticeship – fail, pass, merit, or distinction.

To be considered for this programme, Aston University expects that applicants will have/are predicted to achieve three A Levels at CCC or above including a Mathematics based subject and a STEM subject, or equivalent BTECs.* Other qualifications may be considered on a case by case basis.

Apprentices must also meet the following criteria set by the government:

• Be employed in a job in England with responsibilities aligned with the apprenticeship
   
• Have a minimum of five GCSEs at Grade C/4 or above including Mathematics, English and a Science, technology or engineering related subject
   
• Be a UK/EU/EAA resident for at least three years prior to starting the course
   
• Have left full-time education when the apprenticeship starts
   
• Be at least 16 years old.

The costs of this programme are covered by the apprenticeship levy.

For the latest information about the funding band for this apprenticeship visit www.instituteforapprenticeships.org.