Apprenticeship Scheme Receives Industry Approval

A four-year apprenticeship scheme for trainee technicians at The University of Nottingham has become first in the UK to be accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. On completion, trainees are qualified to apply for Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration, supporting a government initiative to boost the number of professional engineering technicians nationally to 100,000 by 2020.

Set-up in 2008 to provide for its own shortfall in skilled technicians, the Faculty of Engineering at the University has 17 graduates so far and now receives more than 100 applications annually; to date 100% of those graduates who have completed the programme have been employed by the University as skilled technicians.

Alongside the day to day management of workshops, laboratories and other essential duties, technicians also contribute to cutting-edge research and teach practical skills to students across a number of degree programmes.

Professor Andy Long, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Faculty of Engineering said: “Technicians play a crucial hands-on role in higher education, supporting teaching and research activities.

Our program provides structured, on-the-job training, covering the key skills, practical experience and academic qualifications needed to create future technicians within the Faculty. We’re proud to be investing in technical talent of the future and delighted that our trainee technician programme is the first to be accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.”

Along with intensive practical tuition across a range of subjects from electronic, mechanical, electro-mechanical, model-making, fabrication and materials engineering, trainees also complete a level 3 NVQ qualification at Central College in Nottingham for the first two years on day release, followed by a two-year level 4 HNC course – all relevant to their skill sets.