The broad purpose of the occupation is to produce complex high value, low volume components or assemblies in full or part, using machines, equipment or systems, to the required specification. For example, turbines, cranes, gearboxes, production lines, rigs and platforms.
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What will I study?
Fitters may typically have a mechanical, electrical, electronic, control systems, pipe fitting or instrumentation bias or operate across multiple disciplines depending on the type of assembly.
To produce or re-furbish the components fitters will interpret drawings/specifications and plan their work, for example ensuring they have the right tools, equipment and resources to complete the task to the required specification.
In this apprenticeship you will be required to cover the following core skills, knowledge and behaviours:
Knowledge
K1: Materials used in components/assemblies, for example; mild steel, aluminium, composites, copper etc. Their use and application considerations, for example machinability, hardness, conductivity, cost, availability, compatibility. K2: Principles of design and operation, for example; design for cost, minimising waste, productivity (speed), health and safety, reverse engineering. K3: Manufacturing and assembly processes for example; filing, sawing, scraping, drilling, soldering, bolting, wire cutting, threading etc K4: Safe use of tools and equipment (hand and power tools); right tool for the job, requirements for machinery checks, adjustments, operation and shut down. K5: Component/assembly specifications, for example; electrical loading, load charts, torque settings, tolerances. What they are and how to use them. K6: Techniques for measuring, marking, cutting and drilling materials to the required size and shape, accurately, safely and economically and manufacturing processes.
Core Skills:
S1: Reading, interpreting and understanding the component/assembly specification, diagrams, drawings and work instructions. S2: Planning component/assembly task ? materials, tools and equipment. S3: Preparing work area for component/assembly task; sourcing required resources, tools/equipment. S4: Using appropriate hand-fitting tools and techniques to assemble/dis-assemble for example filing, turning, milling, soldering, marking out, forming and measuring. S5: Checking tools during and after task completion; identifying and reporting defects. S6: Measuring and testing, checking/inspecting component/assembly for example; use of micrometers, verniers, multimeters, volt meter
Behaviours
- Personal responsibility and resilience
- Work effectively in teams
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Focus on quality and problem solving
- Continuous personal development
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal if you have a strong interest or experience in working within an Engineering environment, using a range of machinery and equipment.
An apprenticeship is ideal if you want to:
- Achieve a qualification
- Gain valuable work experience and career development
- Earn while you learn.
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How is the course assessed?
- 1-2 days at College (depending upon prior qualifications
- Develop a portfolio of evidence
- Assessments in the work place
- 3 off sites visits
To complete your apprenticeship you will have to pass an end point assessment.
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Your Study Programme
Your study programme will require a combination of college training and on the job learning.
You will follow a company-based training plan to develop your company related skills and demonstrate you are able to achieve the required Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
- The awareness of health and safety regulations, relevance to the occupation and the machinist's responsibilities
- Engineering representations, drawings, graphical information and specifications
- Machining operations and techniques to produce complex components.
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
- Comply with environmental, ethical and sustainability regulations and procedures
- Record information - paper based or electronic
- Apply machining operations and techniques to produce complex components with features.
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Behaviours
What is required?
- Prioritise health and safety
- team-focus to meet Work goals, for example, Work effectively with others, resolves issues in discussion with others
- support an equality, diverse and inclusive culture.
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General info
You will need to provide your own overalls, safety goggles and protective boots for college.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
After successful completion of this course you could progress your career within the Engineering industry or onto a higher level qualification.
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Entry Requirements for new students
Applicants will typically hold:
- GCSEs grade 9-4 in Maths, English and Science
- Equivalent L2 qualifications appropriate to the apprenticeship
- Initial assessment (BKSB and free-writing) will demonstrate the applicant is working at Level 1 for English and mathematics
*All applicants will be invited for interview with an apprenticeship advisor and the employer. Equivalent qualifications will be considered.
In exceptional circumstances, applications which do not meet the formal entry criteria may be considered on an individual basis.
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Admissions Process
You will need to bring:
- Copies of your certificates for any qualifications already achieved
- A copy of your CV or application
The interview process will include an informal advice and guidance session with one of our apprenticeship advisors in preparation for a formal interview with an employer (subject to suitability for the course and job).
You should also be prepared to sit English and maths assessments.
