Apprenticeship Training

This occupation is found in the Broadcast, Media and Entertainment industries.

Technicians will typically work for a broadcaster or media services supplier or broadcast equipment supplier/manufacturer.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to ensure the reliability and integrity of broadcast and media systems critical to the delivery of TV, radio and online services; in a broadcast industry which operates 24/7.  It’s fast paced, dynamic and constantly changing.  Technicians need to be able to respond quickly to problems, faults and the loss or impairment of services to ensure customers experience the best possible service.  Broadcast and Media Systems Technicians need to know and understand the maintenance characteristics that are particularly critical to the broadcast and media equipment or system, including electrical, electronic, mechanical, software, environmental and ergonomics. They are also responsible for ensuring broadcast and media systems modifications and upgrades are delivered in line with agreed timescales and to industry specification.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with broadcast technical operators, broadcast engineers, customers and suppliers. They will be expected to work autonomously and take sole responsibility for making decisions about ongoing maintenance versus replacement and the implications of this such as cost, downtime and reliability. They will also be expected to take ownership to resolve and/or escalate faults and incidents following the correct company procedures. Broadcast and Media Systems Technicians must also be able to provide technical advice and support to users and operators of broadcast and media systems in line with service level agreements.

This role could be located in a broadcast or operations centre, at customer premises, playout operations, outside broadcast units, transmitter sites, production control rooms or IP Networks or Software Support. Operating and maintaining these systems is demanding, and may require out of hours working through shift working or on call rotas.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for operating and maintaining the broadcast and media systems which underpin the media and entertainment industry.

Core duties include:

• Carrying out planned maintenance
• Carrying out corrective maintenance
• Complying with Health and Safety
• Maintaining Broadcast and Media Systems test equipment
• Undertaking Broadcast and Media Systems testing
• Providing technical advice and support to users and operators of Broadcast and Media Systems
• Data management and reporting for Broadcast and Media Systems
• Maintaining professional competence in Broadcast and Media Systems
• Supporting system modifications and upgrades
• Operating broadcast and media transfer/playout or export

Typical job titles include:

• Maintenance Technician, Communications Technician, Master Control Room Operator

Professional Recognition: This standard has professional recognition.

Body – Engineering Council

Level – Technician Level

Entry Requirements – Equivalent of 2 A levels – preferably Maths or a BTec at Level 3.

Delivery and Assessment – Bespoke delivery as agreed with the employer.  Generally ‘Block’ delivery however, could also be day release off the job for 2 years. Duration – 27 months in total.

Progression – On completion of this programme, potential progression routes might include – a ‘Top–up’ degree in Electronics.

The engineer will install and service a range of domestic and/or commercial equipment from washing machines and micro-wave ovens in the kitchen, laundrette or restaurant to television and audio equipment in the living room. The influence of computers in controlling washing machines and providing television, have brought the installation and service requirements of these products together. In the near future, the ‘smart home’ will give wireless control of these products and link their requirements still closer.

To meet the needs of these ‘smart’ products, it is essential that the engineer is I.T. literate and has an understanding of all aspects of connectivity, with the ability to make and troubleshoot I.P. connections to routers, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, in both domestic and commercial situations. The engineer must also be capable in the usage of “Apps”. Technology is developing at a rapid rate and the range of products requiring the engineers skills will expand and require the engineer to maintain and update their knowledge and skills to meet these future needs. Many products will be integrated into the ‘smart home’ in the future and talk to each other through the “Internet of Things” giving the engineer a secure and profitable future.

As most of the work is carried out in the customer’s home or business, the engineer has to be polite, well dressed and have appropriate customer facing skills. The work will be interesting and varied giving the opportunity to work with a wide range of people in differing environments. The engineer should have an enquiring mind and be able to follow a logical sequence of mechanical events or electrical tests. Following the Apprenticeship, the engineer will have additional training if they are working on gas appliances or working in specific commercial premises, they may also have the opportunity to take additional qualifications to further develop their skills and extend their prospects into management, training or development.

Generic job titles recognised across the industry:  Installer. Service Engineer,  Service Technician.

On completion the Apprentice will be eligible to apply for an ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme) card.

Entry Requirements – 4 GCSE’s grade 4 or above to include English, maths and preferably a science.

Delivery and Assessment – Bespoke delivery as agreed with the employer.  Generally ‘Block’ delivery however, 1^st year could be day release off the job. Duration – 36 months in total.

Progression – On completion of this programme, potential progression routes might include – Foundation Degree in Electronics and Control,  a Higher Level Apprenticeship.

The Food and Drink industry is an exciting place to be a Maintenance Engineer.
World class companies in the industry use some of the most innovative, modern and technically automated equipment available to manufacture a wide range of food and drink products for consumers.
Companies employ Mechanical and/or Multi-skilled Maintenance Engineers according to the type of products they make.  Food and Drink Mechanical Maintenance Engineers will mainly work with mechanical and electrical equipment and production systems. Food and Drink Multi-skilled Maintenance Engineers will work with mechanical and electrical equipment plus highly automated programmable control systems.  Both Mechanical and Multi-skilled Engineers need to maximise the benefits of the technology and equipment they work with.
Depending on the type of product and plant in the company, engineering activities carried out will include routine maintenance, fault finding and diagnosis, testing and commissioning.

Food and Drink Mechanical and Multi-skilled Engineers must ensure that maintenance activities contribute to optimising food and drink production levels, ensure that all maintenance activities are conducted safely and practices comply with food safety legislation in this highly regulated industry. They must understand the key features of working with consumable products and how they/this affects food industry maintenance practices.
Food and Drink Engineers will work autonomously, taking responsibility for their own tasks and also work effectively in teams.

Entry Requirements – 5 GCSE’s above grade 4 or equivalent to include English and science preferably grade 6 (B) in maths.

Delivery and Assessment – Bespoke delivery as agreed with employer years 1, 2 and 3 – 3 x 6 week ‘block’ college based delivery per year.   Year 4 – work place with EPA revision in college.

Progression – On completion of this programme there is progression onto an HNC, Foundation Degree or Level 6 Apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship could see the candidate working for one of the large utility companies, boiler manufacturer or even becoming self-employed.

Apprentices who qualify will be trained to work in the installation, service and repair of domestic gas appliances. These appliances could include boilers, cookers, central heating systems and fires. Gas installation/service technicians are trained to connect appliances to gas supplies and ensure that everything’s safe, and deal with leaks according to strict safety requirements.

Entry Requirements – GCSE grade C/4 or above or equivalent for English and maths.  Employers also look for skills like motivation, good interpersonal skills, good communication skills and a willingness to learn. The employer will set their own specifications depending on the role.

Delivery and Assessment – The duration of an apprenticeship will vary depending on the needs of the employer but would be typically 18 months. Candidates will be required to complete qualifications during this period usually with set study days. As part of the apprenticeship, there will be a number of specific skills that the employer or college tutor will monitor and observe to prove that a certain level of understanding has been reached.

Progression – After completion of this level 3 apprenticeship, candidates could work for one of the large utility companies, boiler manufacturers or even become self-employed. Roles could include Gas Installation & Maintenance Engineer, Gas Installation Engineer, Gas Service Engineer.

A HR Consultant or a HR Business Partner will use their HR expertise to provide and lead the delivery of HR solutions to business challenges, together with tailored advice to the business in a number of HR areas, typically to mid-level and senior managers. They could be in a generalist role, where they provide support across a range of HR areas – likely to be the Core HR option; or a specialist role, where they focus on and have in depth expertise in a specific area of HR – likely to be Resourcing, Total Reward, Organisation Development, or HR Operations. Whichever of these is chosen, they will have a good grounding across the whole range of HR disciplines as this is contained in both of the qualification options included in this standard.

Professional Qualifications – The apprentice will complete CIPD Level 5 Intermediate Certificate in Human Resource Management.

Entry Requirements – Candidates must have achieved a minimum of 5 GCSE’s grade C/4 and above or equivalent to include English and maths prior to starting this apprenticeship programme.

Delivery and Assessment – This will be delivered in the workplace, supported by an interactive/digital workbook in preparation for the exam based elements of the qualification. The candidate will be assigned a learning coach/mentor with business administration experience who will guide them through creating their own professional portfolio of evidence during a series of one to one support visits. The duration of the apprenticeship will vary. After at least a 15 month period of study, end point assessment/grading will be based on their, Consultative project based test and professional discussion.

Progression – Following on from this apprenticeship the candidate will be eligible to enrol onto a Higher level qualification such as Level 7 Human Resource Management.

HR Professionals in this role are typically either working in a medium to large organisation as part of the HR function delivering front line support to managers and employees, or are a HR Manager in a small organisation. Their work is likely to include handling day to day queries and providing HR advice; working on a range of HR processes, ranging from transactional to relatively complex, from recruitment through to retirement; using HR systems to keep records; providing relevant HR information to the business; working with the business on HR changes.

Entry Requirements – Candidates must have achieved a minimum of 5 GCSE’s grade C/4 and above or equivalent to include English and maths prior to starting this apprenticeship programme.

Delivery and Assessment – This will be delivered in the workplace, supported by an interactive/digital workbook in preparation for the exam based elements of the qualification. The candidate will be assigned a learning coach/mentor with business administration experience who will guide them through creating their own professional portfolio of evidence during a series of one to one support visits. The duration of the apprenticeship will vary. After at least a 15 month period of study, end point assessment/grading will be based on their, Consultative project based test and professional discussion.

Progression – Following on from this apprenticeship the candidate will be eligible to enrol onto Level 5 HR Consultant/Partner Apprenticeship.

Improvement Technicians are responsible for delivery and coaching of improvement activity within an area of responsibility, often associated with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies. They can be found across all industry sectors and functions including automotive, banking, engineering, food products, IT, property, retail, telecoms etc.

Typically, Technicians work as a member of an operational team to resolve problems – preventing re-occurrence, engaging others in issues affecting them and to support the improvement of performance. Typical activities include:

• Engaging team members in the identification of improvement opportunities and relevant       countermeasures and controls
• Initiating and facilitating improvement activities through to confirmed resolution
• Providing local expertise in business improvement methods and basic tools to team.

Entry Requirements – Individual employers set the selection criteria however, for entry onto this apprenticeship, applicants must have GCSE’s in English and maths at grade C/4 and above or equivalent. This subject area is complex and the candidate will need to have a good command of reading, writing and language skills, along with the ability to research. The candidate will be required to work at an A level or equivalent standard, must be working in a role that allows them to demonstrate the management of processes, problem solving, and with some project management of systems through naturally occurring work-based activities.

Delivery and Assessment – This apprenticeship will be delivered in the workplace. Candidates will be assigned a learning coach/mentor with relevant experience who will guide them through creating their own professional portfolio of evidence during a series of one to one support visits. After at least a 13 month period of study, end point assessment/grading will be based upon a Multiple Choice Exam, a Project Report, Presentation and Q&A session and a Professional Discussion.

Progression – This qualification allows learners to progress in their career and be better equipped to climb the career ladder, with the core skills that are needed for the start of progression into a more senior management position – for example, within operations, as a department manager and/or director level position. The qualification allows progression onto: Level 5 Improvement Specialist.

An Operations/Departmental Manager is someone who manages teams and/or projects, and achieving operational or departmental goals and objectives, as part of the delivery of the organisations strategy. They are accountable to a more senior manager or business owner. Working in the private, public or third sector and in all sizes of organisation, specific responsibilities and job titles will vary, but the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed will be the same.

Key responsibilities may include creating and delivering operational plans, managing projects, leading and managing teams, managing change, financial and resource management, talent management, coaching and mentoring.

Entry Requirements – Individual employers set the selection criteria however, for entry onto this apprenticeship, applicants must have 5 GCSE’s at grade C/4 and above or equivalent including English and maths.

Delivery and Assessment – This will be delivered in the workplace, supported by an e portfolio system, the candidate will be assigned a learning coach/mentor with management experience who will guide them through creating their own professional portfolio of evidence during a series of one to one support visits. The duration of the apprenticeship will vary. After at least a 12 month period of study, end point assessment/grading will be based on their portfolio of work, online knowledge based test, a digitally recorded competency based interview and a recorded professional discussion.

Progression – Following on from this apprenticeship the candidate will be eligible to enrol onto the level 5 Operational / Departmental Manager Apprenticeship or level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship.

Rail Engineering Technicians provide technical support to Rail Engineers. The engineering disciplines cover the following areas of “The Railway” (infrastructure and trains); track (including minor works), overhead line, electrification, signalling, telecommunications, traction and rolling stock and rail systems. As an apprentice the candidate will undertake the core learning and also specialise in one particular discipline.

Those working within the occupation of Rail Engineering are responsible for the safe construction, installation, maintenance and renewal of The Railway to provide a safe and reliable railway for customers. The Rail Industry has a high level of safety critical work activities requiring a disciplined and responsible approach.

A Rail Engineering Technician may work on site or in a depot or in a technical office. Their work could involve:

• Construction, installation, renewal, enhancement and modification of The Railway
• Fault finding and diagnosis to prevent or address equipment failures
• Maintenance and replacement of systems and components
• Functional and operational testing and inspection of The Railway using specialist equipment
• Ensuring assets are installed, replaced or maintained to specification and maintaining required costs
• Typical Job roles include: Track Technician, Overhead Line Technician, Electrification Technician, Traction and Rolling Stock Technician, Signalling Technician, Telecoms Technician, Rail Systems Technician

Entry Requirements – 5 GCSE’s grade 4 or above or equivalent to include English, maths and science.

Delivery and Assessment – Bespoke delivery as agreed with employer  Year 1 –  ‘Block’ college based delivery.  Year 2 – Day release (college) and 6 week ‘block’ delivery at NTAR.  Years 3 and 4 – work place.

Progression – On completion of this programme, it can lead to HNC, Foundation Degree or Level 6 Apprenticeship.

The broad purpose of the Sport Coach occupation is to use extensive technical and tactical sports knowledge and skills to design and deliver coaching programmes that engage, motivate and evolve participants’ skills and performance.

Sport coaches aim to provide meaningful and high-quality learning, development and performance experiences. They support the achievement of medals in talent, national and international competition, enrich performance in local competitions, increase participation, raise educational standards, enhance wellbeing and drive social change. Sport coaches can influence national wellness to reduce burden on the National Health Service.

This occupation is found in the sport and physical activity sector in high-performance, community and school environments.

HIGH PERFORMANCE SPORT COACHES: develop athletes and players in high-performance settings, including those on talent or development pathways, national or international programmes, professional or podium environments.

COMMUNITY SPORT COACHES: motivate and engage people of all ages and abilities in community sports and physical activity settings. Community sport includes local authority, charity and national governing body of sport community initiatives or clubs.

SCHOOL SPORT COACHES: collaborate with teachers to develop pupils’ mastery of psychomotor skills by applying a whole child approach in their coaching. They work in all categories of school and registered childcare environments.

Entry Requirements – For entry onto this apprenticeship, applicants must have 4 GCSE’s at grade C/4 and above including English, Maths and either Physical Education or BTEC Level 2 Extended Certificate in Sport. In addition, they should also have at least 1 NGB Certificate in Coaching at Level 1 or above as well as experience in coaching at either a sports club or holiday club.

Delivery and Assessment – The duration of the apprenticeship is approximately 18 months followed by a 3 month End Point Assessment. Tasks and Assessments are delivered through set study days and distance learning on a VLE platform or in college. As part of the apprenticeship, there will be a number of specific skills that will be monitored and observed by employers to prove that applicants have reached a certain level of understanding. Delivery will be through a blended model of classroom delivery, distance learning and training and support in the workplace.

Progression – After completing the Level 4 Sports Coaching Apprenticeship, successful apprentices should be looking for permanent sport coaching employment in the selected pathway e.g. Supporting PE in Schools. Alternatively, there is the option to pursue HE opportunities to gain further qualifications to support other career opportunities.

Ideal for professionals taking their first step into line management or for those with some experience of managing a team or project.

Entry Requirements – Individual employers set the selection criteria however, for entry onto this apprenticeship, applicants must have 5 GCSE’s at grade C/4 and above or equivalent including English and maths. This subject area is complex and the candidate will need to have a good command of reading, writing and language skills, along with the ability to research. The candidate will be required to work at an A level or equivalent standard, must be working in a role that allows them to demonstrate the management of people, projects, problem solving, and with some management of finance/budgets through naturally occurring work based activities.

Delivery and Assessment – This will be delivered in the workplace, supported by an interactive/digital workbook in preparation for the exam based elements of the qualification. The candidate will be assigned a learning coach/mentor with management experience who will guide them through creating their own professional portfolio of evidence during a series of one to one support visits. The duration of the apprenticeship will vary. After at least a 12 month period of study, end point assessment/grading will be based on their portfolio of work, online knowledge based test, a digitally recorded competency based interview and a recorded professional discussion.

Progression – This qualification allows learners to progress in their career and be better equipped to climb the career ladder, with the core skills that are needed for the start of progression into a more senior management position – for example, within operations, as a department manager and/or director level position. The qualification allows progression onto: ILM Level 5 Diploma for Leaders and Managers.