Engineering - level 3 apprenticeship framework
This framework sets out the standards and criteria you must meet to complete the apprenticeship programme and receive your apprenticeship certificate for level three engineering. This is the only level 3 training in this skill acceptable for apprenticeshipsni funding.
About this framework
This framework specifies the standards and the criteria for the delivery of a level 3 apprenticeship framework to achieve qualified status within the engineering industry. Successful completion of the framework will lead to the award of a level 3 qualification showing recognition as a qualified person within the industry.
Mandatory outcomes
Achievement of a level 3 apprenticeship in engineering will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.
You must complete a combination of both a competence and a knowledge-based qualification from one of the pathways, along with the essential skills below.
Mandatory essential skills
To successfully complete the apprenticeship, you must achieve the following essential skills qualifications as part of the apprenticeship or already hold a recognised equivalent:
- application of number – level 2
- communication – level 2
- Digital ICT Essential Skills at Level 1, or if you already hold Level 1, you will have the option to work towards the Level 2 Digital ICT Essential Skills (DfE funded).
However, any qualifications you already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.
Competency and knowledge qualifications – pathway options
Apprentices need to complete both a competency-based and a knowledge-based qualification in their chosen pathway, selected from the lists below.
The following knowledge-based qualifications are suitable to be chosen for any pathway unless otherwise indicated, or you can also choose one of those listed under each pathway.
Those apprentices enrolling on a Level 3 framework with Level 2 en route (also referred to as Level 2/3) must follow ‘Pathway 7 - Performing Engineering Operations’ at Level 2. Sectoral advice is that this pathway provides the most suitable preparation for all pathways of the Level 3 Engineering ApprenticeshipsNI framework. Pathway 7 is also strongly recommended for those apprentices undertaking a standalone Level 2 apprenticeship with the intention of progressing to Level 3.
Level 2/3 apprentices must achieve a knowledge-based qualification at both Level 2 and Level 3. If however, the chosen Level 3 knowledge-based qualification has the potential to award 72 UCAS points or more, then a Level 2 knowledge-based qualification is not required.
Pathway one – aeronautical engineering
Competence-based qualification:
Knowledge-based qualification:
Pathway two – automotive engineering
Competence-based qualification:
Knowledge-based qualification:
Pathway three – electrical and electronic engineering
Competence-based qualification:
Knowledge-based qualification:
Pathway four – engineering maintenance
Competence-based qualification:
Knowledge-based qualification:
Pathway five – engineering technical support
Competence-based qualification:
Knowledge-based qualification:
Pathway six – engineering toolmaking
Competence-based qualification:
Knowledge - based qualification:
Pathway seven – fabrication and welding engineering
Competence-based qualification:
Knowledge - based qualification:
Pathway eight – installation and commissioning
Competence-based qualification:
Knowledge-based qualification:
Pathway nine – mechanical manufacturing engineering
Competence-based qualification:
Knowledge-based qualification:
Eligibility and entry to the programme
You must be a new employee or have been employed by your current employer for less than six months.
Employment is at the discretion of the employer who may have specific expectations in terms of qualifications or other recruitment criteria.
Entry to the level 3 apprenticeship is by progression from the apprenticeshipsni level 2 engineering apprenticeship.
You may also enter the level 3 apprenticeship, subject to assessment by the training contractor and employer, if you:
? have already gained significant work experience in this occupational area, which could be considered as meeting the requirements of the level 2 engineering framework and also demonstrate the capacity to achieve a level 3 standard
? have previously achieved a relevant level 2 competence-based vocational qualification that is a mandatory requirement of the apprenticeshipsni level 2 engineering framework
See also the for eligibility information.
Duration
Apprenticeship duration can vary and will be agreed between the apprentice, training contractor and employer.
Related Knowledge
For this framework, you are required to complete either:
- a suitable rights and responsibilities (ERR) workbook; or,
- the below award which includes the required employee rights and responsibilities units:
Framework certification is issued on confirmation from the training contractor that the award or workbook has been completed.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the training contractor/college to ensure that all components of this framework are delivered in accordance with apprenticeshipsni operational requirements.
The apprentice must be employed from day one.
Further Information
The content of this framework (Framework Number 327 Issue 24: 09/26) has been agreed by the Department for the Economy. For further information, contact: