The content of this Pathway has been agreed by Cogent. This is the only Apprenticeship Pathway in the Advanced Manufacturing & Materials sector approved for use in Wales that is eligible for Welsh Government funding.
Learning Programme Content
The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:
- Qualifications,
- Essential Skills
- On/off the job training
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Pathway, Process Manufacturing - Process Operations is 113 credits.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Pathway, Process Manufacturing - Process Operator/Technician Metal Processing is 178 credits.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Pathway, Process Manufacturing - Process Engineering Maintenance is 203 credits.
Entry requirements
Apprenticeship applicants will be expected to attend an interview with the employer / training provider to assess their suitability for entry on to the framework. The interview provides an opportunity to talk directly to the applicant and discuss an individual’s previous learning and experience. From this interview the employer will be able to decide whether a candidate is suitable using some of the following guidance.
Level 2
The Process Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship is open to all people aged 16 or over.
Due to the competition for places the following skills and attributes relevant to working within the process manufacturing industries may be considered as part of the application process;
- motivation to succeed within industry
- an awareness of the demands of the Foundation Apprenticeship
- willingness to comply with employer/training provider terms and conditions of employment
- have the ability to apply learning in the workplace
- willingness to work with due regard to Health and Safety of self and others
- effective communication with a range of people.
The following examples of evidence can be used to support some of the above statements, such as;
- previous work experience or employment or
- voluntary or community based work or
- achievement of GCSEs (A*-E) or equivalent qualifications in Maths, English and Science or
- achievement of the Welsh Baccalaureate (Foundation/ Intermediate Diploma) Principal Learning in Engineering or Manufacturing & Product Design or
- achievement of Awards, Certificates or Diplomas in a related industry such as Science or Engineering or
- proof of completion of non-accredited courses.
Level 3
The Process Manufacturing Apprenticeship is open to all people aged 16 or over. Due to the competition for places the following skills and attributes relevant to working within the process manufacturing industries may be considered as part of the application process;
- motivation to succeed within industry
- an awareness of the demands of the Apprenticeship
- willingness to comply with employer/training provider terms and conditions of employment
- have the ability to apply learning in the workplace
- willingness to work with due regard to Health and Safety of self and others
- effective communication with a range of people.
The following examples of evidence can be used to support some of the above statements, such as;
- progression from a Process Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship or a Foundation Apprenticeship in a related discipline or previous work experience or employment or
- voluntary or community based work or
- achievement of GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications in Maths, English and Science or
- achievement of the Welsh Baccalaureate (Intermediate/ Advanced Diploma) Principal Learning in Engineering or Manufacturing & Product Design or achievement of Awards, Certificates or Diplomas in a related industry such as Science or Engineering or
- proof of completion of non-accredited courses.
All Foundation Apprenticeship/ Apprenticeship applicants should be aware of the varied working conditions within the process manufacturing industries, that may include;
- working at heights
- shift work (including nights and weekends)
- 365 day operations
- working outdoors
- wearing specialist safety equipment
- working within high hazard environment.
Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)
Level 2: Process Manufacturing - Process Operations
Level 2: Process Manufacturing - Process Operations Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below.
| Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Processing Industries Operations | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| GQA PAA\VQ-SET | C00/1024/6 500/7759/4 | 41 | 410 | Competence | English Only |
| Level 2 Diploma in Process Technology | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| City & Guilds | C00/0338/3 600/0820/9 | 54 | 540 | Knowledge | English Only |
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 2: Process Manufacturing - Process Operations | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 1 | 6 |
| Application of number | 1 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 1 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Process Manufacturing - Process Operations | 256 | 615 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Pathway with minimum total learning hours = 871 training hours
The Foundation Apprenticeship (Level 2) in Process Manufacturing takes 24 months to complete.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits / 45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits / 45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
- 6 credits / 45 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Level 3: Process Manufacturing - Process Operator/Technician Metal Processing
Level 3: Process Manufacturing - Process Operator/Technician Metal Processing Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below
| Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Processing Industries Operations | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| GQA PAA\VQ-SET | C00/1024/6 500/7759/4 | 41 | 410 | Competence | English Only |
| BTEC Level 3 Award in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/2955/5 601/9053/X | 49 | 490 | Knowledge | English Only |
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 3: Process Manufacturing - Process Operator/Technician Metal Processing | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 2 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3: Process Manufacturing - Process Operator/Technician Metal Processing | 246 | 935 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Pathway with minimum total learning hours = 1181 training hours
The Apprenticeship (Level 3) in Process Manufacturing (usually takes 24 to 36 months to complete)
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
- 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Level 3: Process Manufacturing - Process Engineering Maintenance
Level 3: Process Manufacturing - Process Engineering Maintenance Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following competence and knowledge qualifications below.
| BTEC Level 3 Award in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| Pearson | C00/2955/5 601/9053/X | 49 | 490 | Knowledge | English Only |
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 3: Process Manufacturing - Process Engineering Maintenance | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 2 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3: Process Manufacturing - Process Engineering Maintenance | 246 | 935 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Pathway with minimum total learning hours = 1181 training hours
The Apprenticeship (Level 3) in Process Manufacturing (usually takes 24 to 36 months to complete)
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
- 6 credits / 60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Other additional requirements
None
Progression
Level 2
Progression routes into the pathway:
There are no pre-defined routes of entry into the Process Manufacturing Foundation
Apprenticeship, however, new entrants to the industry may be looking to progress from the
following areas:
- Work based qualifications such as NVQs/ SVQs or vocationally related qualifications in a subject related to Process Manufacturing. (Examples may include: BTEC’s, City & Guilds, PAA/VQ-SET Diplomas/ Certificates/ Awards)
- GCSEs in Science, Maths or Engineering also provide a strong platform for progression.
- Welsh Baccalaureate (Foundation/ Intermediate Diploma) Principal Learning in Engineering or Manufacturing & Product Design also provide an excellent opportunity for progression in to Process Manufacturing.
- Previous experience in the process manufacturing industries or a related discipline can also be an appropriate route of entry.
Progression routes from this pathway:
Following completion of this Foundation Apprenticeship there are several options open to the successful candidate who wishes to continue their development in order to progress their career. There are opportunities to continue to undertake further vocational training or
academic qualifications.
These may include (but are not exclusive to) the following:
- Apprenticeship in Process Manufacturing or a related discipline
- Welsh Baccalaureate (Intermediate/ Advanced Diploma) Principal Learning in Engineering or Manufacturing & Product Design
- Develop their career in coaching through undertaking Assessor and Verifier Awards
- Qualifications in a related area, including (but not limited to) Health & Safety, Training &
Development, Business Improvement Techniques and Supervisory Management.
Successful completion of the Foundation Apprenticeship could lead to one of the following job roles:
- Chemicals
- Process Operator
- Pharmaceutical
- Process Operator
- Downstream
- Refinery Process Operator
Level 3
Progression routes into the pathway:
There are no pre-defined routes of entry into the Process Manufacturing Apprenticeship,
however, new entrants to the industry may be looking to progress from the following areas:
- Completion of a Foundation Apprenticeship in Process Manufacturing or related discipline
- Work based qualifications such as NVQs/ SVQs or vocationally related qualifications in a
subject related to Process Manufacturing. (Examples may include: BTEC’s, City & Guilds,
PAA/VQ-SET Diplomas/ Certificates/ Awards)
- GCSEs or A’ Levels in Science, Maths or Engineering also provide a strong platform for
progression on to the framework.
- Welsh Baccalaureate (Intermediate / Advanced Diploma) Principal Learning in Engineering or Manufacturing & Product Design also provide an excellent opportunity for progression in to Process Manufacturing.
- Previous experience in the process manufacturing industries or a related discipline can also be an appropriate route of entry.
Progression routes from this pathway:
Following completion of this Apprenticeship there are several options open to the successful candidate who wishes to continue their development in order to progress their career. There are opportunities to continue to undertake further vocational training or academic qualifications. These may include (but are not exclusive to) the following:
- Foundation Degree in Process Engineering or a related discipline
- Higher National Certificate/ Diploma in Chemical Engineering or a related discipline
- Welsh Baccalaureate (Advanced Diploma) Principal Learning in Engineering or Manufacturing & Product Design
- Develop their career in coaching through Assessor and Verifier Awards
- Qualifications in a related area, including (but not limited to) Health & Safety, Training &
- Development, Business Improvement Techniques and Supervisory Management
- Membership of a professional institution at Engineering Technician level
Successful completion of the Apprenticeship could lead to one of the following job roles:
Chemicals
- Process Operators/Technicians (multi-skilled)
- Process Engineering Maintenance Technicians (Electrical, Mechanical & Instrumentation)
Pharmaceutical
- Process Operators/Technicians (multi-skilled)
- Process Engineering Maintenance Technicians (Electrical, Mechanical & Instrumentation)
Equality and diversity
It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.
The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.
Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.
The Process Manufacturing Apprenticeship aims to promote diversity, opportunity and inclusion in Wales by offering high-quality, learning opportunities.
The delivery of the Apprenticeship must be in environments free from prejudice and discrimination where all learners can contribute fully and freely and feel valued. There must be no overt or covert discriminatory practices in selection and recruitment of apprentices to the programme, which is available to all people, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, religion/ belief, sexual orientation or disability who meet the stated selection criteria.
Issues in Wales
- Gender: there is an under-representation of women within the sector, 24%.
- Ethnicity: representation of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic workers is approximately 3% of the workforce.
- Age: in the process manufacturing industries, there is an ageing workforce with only 9% under 25 years.
Barriers
Whilst the modern process industries are efficient, clean and have a good safety record, there is still a misconception that the work is dirty and dangerous. Careers advice regarding entry in to the industry is often poor. Staff turnover is limited due to high retention rates.
Actions
Cogent have introduced a series of industry specific case studies and Careers Pathways on the Cogent Careers web site to encourage people from all backgrounds to enter the process industries. Cogent regularly contribute to careers fairs and skills events in Wales to promote apprenticeships, providing an ideal opportunity to address issues faced by underrepresented groups.
Cogent are also working with representative groups such as the United Kingdom Resource Centre, engaging with their Women in Science and Engineering Work programmes.
Employment responsibilities and rights
Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory. But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Training Provider and Employer to ensure that the requirements of this pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government Apprenticeships Guidance.
Further information may be obtained from: Welsh Government