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.

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.

The primary role of a Property Maintenance Operative is to optimise property condition and quality and to ensure the building is kept in a safe working condition. Property Maintenance Operatives need to maintain a high level of quality, providing maximum satisfaction to customers, clients, guests and team. They will understand the mechanism of buildings including electrical, plumbing, plant, safety systems and equipment. They will provide first and immediate response to fault finding, whilst maximising quality and ensuring cost effectiveness. They will ensure prevention of major damage that could result in extensive costs and minimise reactive intervention.

A Property Maintenance Operative will use their knowledge and understanding of basic carpentry, electrical, plumbing and decorating to;

• Carry out repairs to the fabric of a building, for example repairs to walls, doors, door frames, skirting boards or plaster damage to internal walls
• Understand and maintain plumbing and drainage systems, for example repairs to WC systems, leaking taps or water testing and unblocking drains
• Maintain high levels of water hygiene within a building
• Understand and maintain electrical distribution, safe repair of electrical installation to legal requirements, for example replacing damaged sockets, plugs, lighting and fuses
• Understand and maintain plant, safety systems and equipment
• Demonstrate and implement energy, environment and sustainable practices
• Understand and maintain grounds and external fabrication of a building, such as drainage and guttering.

Entry Requirements – GCSE grade D/3 or functional skills at Level 1 (or above) in English and Maths. Individual employers will set their selection criteria.

Delivery and Assessment – Bespoke delivery as agreed with employer with opportunities for students to infill into existing classes.

Apprentices will be required to attend workshop/ classroom sessions one day per week (Day release) for the duration of the programme.

Professional Recognition – Apprentices will be recognised by the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) providing Associate Membership for the apprentice whilst studying.

Progression – On Completion of  this  programme apprentices will be able to progress into roles such as a Technical Specialist e.g. Electrical or Plumbing and Supervisory and Management roles e.g. Facilities Management, across a wide range of sectors.

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.

School Business Professionals (SBPs) perform a role which is unique to schools, administering and managing the financial, site and support services within the school context. They provide essential support to school leadership teams, implementing their financial and business decisions.

SBPs may work in any school phase (primary, secondary, special) and in different school structures: single academy trusts, multi academy trusts (MATs), local authority maintained schools and federations, etc. Consequently, they can work in very different settings with varying numbers of people that they report to including the Headteacher or School Business Director (SBD).

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, they will be assigned a learning coach/mentor with management experience who will guide the candidate 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.

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.