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Pathway summary

Process Manufacturing

Framework:
Process Manufacturing
Level:
2/3

The Process Manufacturing Framework provides work based training for young people and adults to undertake key technical, operational and maintenance roles in the Chemical, Petro-chemical, Pharmaceutical, Refinery and other related process industries.

After undergoing this Foundation Apprenticeship/ Apprenticeship as a skilled operator and technician you could be working in a variety of roles that aid production. A process operator or technician would start up, control, monitor and shut down the systems and machinery involved in production. A maintenance technician would keep the equipment in good working order. A refinery operator/technician would monitor and assist in the production of refinery products.

You 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.

Pathway options and levels

Process Manufacturing - Level 2

Pathway 1: Supports the job role of Process Operator.

Pathway 2: Supports the job role of Process Engineering Maintenance Operative.

Process Manufacturing - Level 3

Pathway 1:  Supports the job role of Process Operator/ Technician.

Pathway 2: Supports the job role of Process Engineering Maintenance Craftsperson/Technician.

Pathway 3: Supports the job roles of Downstream Field Operator/Technician and Refinery Control Room Operator/Technician.

Further information

Duration

Level 2:   15 - 24 months

Level 3:   24 - 36 months

Progression routes

Level 2: Routes include:

  • Level 3 Apprenticeship
  • Employment
  • Welsh Baccalaureate (Intermediate/ Advanced Diploma) Principal Learning in Engineering or Manufacturing & Product Design
  • Develop a 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.
  • Cogent Gold Standard qualifications contained

Level 3: Routes include:

  • Employment   
  • 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 a 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
  • Cogent Gold Standard qualifications

Qualifications

Level 2: NVQ Diploma/Certificate in chosen pathway

Level 3: NVQ Diploma in chosen pathway.

What are the entry requirements for this pathway?

All apprenticeship pathways in Wales have entry requirements.
If you are interested in undertaking this pathway – you need to have the following entry level qualification(s);

Level 2

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
  • voluntary or community based work
  • achievement of GCSEs (A*-E) or equivalent qualifications in Maths, English and Science (Level 2)
  • achievement of the Welsh Baccalaureate (Foundation/ Intermediate Diploma) Principal Learning in Engineering or Manufacturing & Product Design
  • achievement of Awards, Certificates or Diplomas in a related industry such as Science or Engineering
  • proof of completion of non-accredited courses
  • completion of Level 2 or a Foundation Apprenticeship in a related discipline (Level 3)
  • achievement of GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications in Maths, English and Science (Level 3).

Level 2: No formal entry requirements.

Level 3

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
  • voluntary or community based work
  • achievement of GCSEs (A*-E) or equivalent qualifications in Maths, English and Science (Level 2)
  • achievement of the Welsh Baccalaureate (Foundation/ Intermediate Diploma) Principal Learning in Engineering or Manufacturing & Product Design
  • achievement of Awards, Certificates or Diplomas in a related industry such as Science or Engineering
  • proof of completion of non-accredited courses
  • completion of Level 2 or a Foundation Apprenticeship in a related discipline (Level 3)
  • achievement of GCSEs (A*-C) or equivalent qualifications in Maths, English and Science (Level 3)

Level 3: No formal entry requirements. 

View full pathway

Document revisions

03 December 2022