Engineering Apprenticeships at South Devon University Centre
Higher and Degree Engineering Apprenticeship Routes Available To You
We offer Engineering Degree (Level 6) Apprenticeships, which will allow you to gain a BSc (Hons) in Integrated Technologies Engineering. The apprenticeship will take up to five years (depending on prior experience and academic qualifications.)
The degree starts with an Engineering Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4). You will follow the Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship standard and gain an Engineering HNC. This takes two years to complete including an End Point Assessment (EPA.).
On completion of the Higher Apprenticeship, you can progress onto the Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6). You will follow the pathway of one of four specialist Level 6 apprenticeship standards.
These include:
- Level 6 Electrical or Electronic Technical Support Engineer
- Level 6 Manufacturing Engineer
- Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer
- Level 6 Control Systems Engineer
This allows you to build a solid foundation in engineering as well as developing specialist skills in their chosen pathway. The programme also develops your advanced problem-solving skills and ability to quickly adapt to the latest technologies and trends. This will enable you to contribute to innovation, research and development, helping businesses stay cutting-edge. With a broad knowledge of engineering and business principles, you will have strong potential for future leadership and management roles. This will take three years to complete including the End point Assessment (EPA).
To view the different apprenticeship pathways and see what the different stages look like in each, click the buttons below:
Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician
The table below shows how each of the four apprenticeship pathways above share curriculum and how they are similar:
*The modules listed in colour are specific to the apprenticeship pathway and the modules in black are taught across all pathways.*
Both the HNC and the FdSc will be awarded by South Devon University Centre and the BSc (Hons) Integrated Technologies Engineering is awarded by the University of Plymouth.
Why Choose South Devon University Centre?
South Devon University Centre offers a diverse and flexible degree programme which allows you to learn from a mixed curriculum. We have extensive options which allow you to choose from a wide range of specialisations within the engineering field to tailor your learning to your specific interests.
Teaching will be varied between our University Centre, state-of-the-art learning environment Hi Tech & Digital Centre and South Devon College Marine Academy. These locations provide a stimulating and well-equipped setting for academic and practical learning.
During the course of the apprenticeship you will:
- Be taught by lecturers with both academic and practical subject experience
- Receive personalised support with small class sizes
- Experience a variety of guest speakers and class activities
- Carry out industry based projects
- Access extensive resources and facilities through our partnership with the University of Plymouth.
These apprenticeships are a valuable opportunity for individuals with a strong foundation in engineering looking to upskill and advance their careers in the dynamic engineering sector. As well as experienced engineers seeking to further specialise in areas like Manufacturing, Mechanical, Marine, Electrical & Electronics, Control Systems, Naval Architecture, CAD Design, Product Design, Project Management, or related fields.
Resource and Facilities in our Engineering Department
We have had an investment of over £2 million for our Engineering department in capital resources which includes:
- 5 Axis CNC Router
- 5 Axis CNC Mill
- 3 Axis Router and Mill
- Bridge Simulator
- Tensile, Impact and Hardness Testing
- Student Innovation and Research Centre
- USV Technology
- 3D Lidar Scanning
- Injection Moulding Machine
- Wind Tunnel
- 3D Printing
Benefits for Apprentices
Apprentices will be able to:
- Combine work and study gaining practical experience whilst earning while you learn
- Develop industry-relevant skills through on-the-job training, networking opportunities and professional accreditation (IEng (Incorporated Engineer) technical status)
- Graduate debt free
- Secure strong career prospects through high employability and career progression
- You will have tailored learning for immediate impact with relevant coursework and mentorship
- Learn a wide range of transferable skills
- Achieve a Level 6 Engineering Apprenticeship (Standard) and BSc (Hons) in Integrated Technologies Engineering
- Develop problem solving skills and academic research and writing abilities
- Increase employability and grow within the company you are employed by
Benefits for Employers
For employers taking on a degree level apprentice you will be able to:
- Innovate your business with collaboration between apprentice, training provider and employer
- Access to free software including (AutoCad, Ansys, Inventor and Solidworks) and materials testing equipment
- Increase company research and development
- Receive tailored curriculum and projects to innovate your business
- Invest in young people and future company growth
Employer Testimonials
Christopher Thorpe, Apprenticeship Coordinator at G&H Torquay
We have worked in partnership with South Devon College (South Devon University Centre) 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.
Wendy Hart-Wilson, Senior HR Business Partner at Lumentum Technology UK Ltd
We have worked in partnership with South Devon College (South Devon University Centre) to help develop their Engineering training programmes, including the FdSc Engineering (Electrical Electronics).
We have built a strong relationship with the College, which enables us to provide the right training for our staff and apprentices.
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.
Paul Merrington, Head Of Engineering at Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company
We have worked in partnership with South Devon College (South Devon University Centre) for the past 12 years to provide a combination of Engineering Level 3 and Degree Apprenticeships and FdSc Engineering (Manufacturing).
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 heritage railway, we understand the demand for these 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.
Rob Gillard, Technical Services Manager at Darthaven Marina
We have worked in partnership with South Devon College (South Devon University Centre) for the past 12 years to provide a combination of Engineering Level 3 and Degree Apprenticeships, including the FdSc Engineering (Manufacturing) and FdSc Engineering (Marine Technologies).
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 supplier, main dealer and servicer of marine engines, we understand the demand for these 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.
Hayley Spencer, Apprenticeship Training Manager at Princess Yachts
This is to inform you that we have worked with South Devon College to offer higher-level
courses within the engineering sector. We have worked closely with the college to build on a
range of HE courses that are suited to the needs of our business and industry.
We contributed to the pathway development of the programmes for the higher-level
apprenticeships in engineering so that they would suit the range of job opportunities our
business has to offer. South Devon College made sure that these programmes met both
our industry standards and our workforce’s changing demands.
In addition, we maintain open communication and ongoing feedback with South Devon
College. We value the chance to share our opinions on the course material, assessment
techniques, and general educational experience. This guarantees that the programmes will
continue to be appropriate, adaptable, and in line with sectoral and organisational needs.
With South Devon College, we currently have apprentices enrolled across several HE
engineering pathways. Our goal is to provide our people with the knowledge, abilities, and
skills required to succeed in our industry.
Want to find out more?
Please find below links to the initial level 4 qualification, the four different level 6 apprenticeship pathways, and the overarching BSc (Hons) Integrated Technologies Engineering:
Engineering Manufacturing Technician Level 4
Control Systems Engineer Level 6
Electrical or Electronic Technical Support Engineer Level 6
Manufacturing Engineer Level 6
Product Design and Development Engineer Level 6
BSc (Hons) Integrated Technologies Engineering
Contact us
If you have any questions or queries about our Level 6 Engineering apprenticeships offer, please fill in the form below and one of our team will get back to you.