Course Overview

Manufacturing Engineers primarily support the activities involved in bringing design programmes into manufacture. This role is pivotal to the launch planning and smooth delivery of exciting new products or product refresh programmes. The focus is on the advanced manufacturing techniques and project management skills required to launch products on time, on cost and to the right quality. Typically Manufacturing Engineers work closely with a range of other engineers, functions and managers both within their own company and supplier base.

During the Foundation stage the apprentice must develop a solid grasp of the core engineering skills. These skills will not only prepare the apprentice for the workplace in demonstrating that they have the required manual dexterity to do their core role but their competencies are transferable and can be built upon over time. The skills required are:

  • Complying with statutory regulations and stringent organisational safety requirements
  • Producing components using hand fitting, fabrication and joining techniques
  • Producing Computer Aided Design (CAD) models (drawings) using a CAD system
  • Preparing and using lathes, milling and other general or specialist machines and high tech equipment
  • Preparing and proving Computer Numeric Control programmes
  • Using computer software packages to assist with and evaluate engineering activities
  • Producing and managing engineering project plans
  • Producing assemblies using a wide range of materials and techniques

During the development stage they would hone their general engineering skills, along with the likes of experimental / new model development, component investigation and problem solving, measurement, control & inspection. With all of these skills, they will be using a logical and systematic approach.

On successful completion of the above, the apprentice will then progress to develop their skills in:

  • Project management and scheduling engineering activities
  • Securing appropriate resources and managing budgets and resources
  • Implementing, monitoring and evaluating engineering processes

Click here to view the apprenticeship standard on the Institute for Apprenticeships (IFATE) website.

Hear from degree apprentice Dan and his employer at local manufacturing business CSS about the benefits of completing a degree apprenticeship

Course Details

Key Information

Course Code
ST60111V
Qualification
Degree Apprenticeship, Level 6
Duration
Typically the duration of this apprenticeship is 5 to 6 years. This duration may be reduced for a candidate with previous relevant experience and/or someone already part qualified.
Academic Year
September 2025 - June 2029
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Testimonial

We have worked in partnership with South Devon College (University Centre South Devon) for over 10 years to provide a combination of Engineering Level 3 and Degree Apprenticeships. Over these years we have built a strong relationship with the college, which enables us to provide the right setting for our apprentices to help them thrive in this working environment. We work in partnership with South Devon College and support the assessment methods within these qualifications. These assessments are varied, and we have been able to support with practical assessments for the Competency Documents. We have regular opportunities to offer feedback on the course and the assessments. As a leading manufacturer of fibre optic components and assemblies, we understand the demand for these specialist roles within our engineering sector. The role maintains to feature as part of our workforce enhancement planning and demand for these roles continues to flourish.

Christopher Thorpe, Apprenticeship Coordinator at G&H Torquay