About Finding an Employer
You MUST have an employer before you can start an apprenticeship. You can search for an apprenticeship job here.
If you don't yet have an employer you can still apply for an apprenticeship while you continue to look. We can offer you advice on how to successfully secure an apprenticeship with an employer.
Duration
42 Months (24 Months of day release)
Overview
This course provides an extensive knowledge and skills in engineering with specialist units available in Advanced Manufacturing and Automated Systems. You will be studying in the new (£11m) state-of-the-art Harlow Advanced Manufacturing Centre (HAMEC) equipped with over £2m worth of industry standard machinery and equipment. We work closely with industry to ensure our courses meet the requirements of employers.
Am I ready to start?
You will need a elevant Level 3 qualification (e.g. BTEC, A Level etc) and 64 UCAS tariff points (relevant industry experience is also considered)
GCSE Maths at grade B or 5
How does an Apprenticeship Work?
An apprenticeship programme is delivered via a mixture of on and off the job training, whereby you can apply your skills in real work contexts.
The apprenticeship programme usually consists of the following elements:
Knowledge element
This is the technical certificate and covers the theory side of your work which is delivered when you attend College, so that you can put these newly acquired skills into practice at work.
Competence element
This is the practical side of the programme and is assessed directly within the workplace by a Harlow College Assessor to ensure that you are developing your skills within the workplace and putting all that you learn at College into practice
Functional skills: This area covers English and Mathematics
The duration of the course is typically 42 months. Typically you will attend College for 1 day a week and be in the workplace for the remaining 4 days.
What does the course involve?
The course covers the fundamental engineering concepts and skills required of a higher technician as well as providing a sound basis for further study at degree level. The course is delivered through a mixture of classroom activity, guided assignment work and examinations. Emphasis is placed on problem solving skills and students should expect the delivery to reflect this combined with associated mathematical concepts. BTEC Higher National qualifications are widely recognised by industry and higher education as the principal vocational qualification at Levels 4 and 5.
Typical job titles Include,
Manufacturing Quality/Production Engineer, Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician, Costing engineer, Test and commissioning engineer, Installation engineer, Process engineer, Production support engineer
Assessment:
EPA: Observation with questioning and a professional discussion supported by portfolio of evidence.
On programme: Written assessment, presentation, discussions, practical assessments, action research
How and when will I study?
You will be studying in the new (£11m) state-of-the-art Harlow Advanced Manufacturing Centre (HAMEC) equipped with over £2m worth of industry standard machinery and equipment.
Industry experts teaching specialist subjects
100% success rate on Level 4 Engineering courses in 2022/23
Down to business, what can I do and what can I earn?
Possible careers:
- Manufacturing Engineering Quality
- Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician
- Process Engineering
Got a job?
You must have a job to do an apprenticeship. If you already have a job you may be able to do an apprenticeship with your current employer.
If you don’t have a job for your apprenticeship – apply for your place at College by clicking the 'Apply Now' button at the top and bottom of the page.
Once you have applied please check out our apprenticeship job vacancies.
An apprenticeship comprises two parts:
- Typically 20% study element (at Harlow College or Stansted Airport College).
- 80% work based element with an employer. It is your responsibility to find an employer.
Great, so what do I do now?
Call 01279 868240 to speak to an Apprenticeships adviser
Contact us about applying for an Apprenticeship