Engineering - level 3 apprenticeship framework

This framework sets out the standards and criteria you must meet to complete the apprenticeship programme and receive your apprenticeship certificate for level three engineering. This is the only level 3 training in this skill acceptable for apprenticeshipsni funding.

About this framework

This framework specifies the standards and the criteria for the delivery of a level 3 apprenticeship framework to achieve qualified status within the engineering industry.

Successful completion of the framework will lead to the award of a level 3 qualification showing recognition as a qualified person within the industry.

Mandatory outcomes

Achievement of a level 3 apprenticeship in engineering will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.

You must complete a combination of both a competence and a knowledge-based qualification from one of the pathways, along with the essential skills below.

Mandatory essential skills

application of number – level 2
communication – level 2
information and communication technology (ICT) – level 2

The essential skills are mandatory and are to be completed as part of the apprenticeship.

However, any qualifications you already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.

Competency and knowledge qualifications – pathway options

Apprentices need to complete both a competency-based and a knowledge-based qualification in their chosen pathway, selected from the lists below.

The following knowledge-based qualifications are suitable to be chosen for any pathway unless otherwise indicated, or you can also choose one of those listed under each pathway.

If you are enrolling on a Level 3 framework with Level 2 en route (also referred to as Level 2/3) you must follow ‘Pathway 7 - Performing Engineering Operations’ at Level 2.

Sectoral advice is that this pathway provides the most suitable preparation for all pathways of the Level 3 Engineering ApprenticeshipsNI framework. Pathway 7 is also strongly recommended if you are undertaking a standalone Level 2 apprenticeship with the intention of progressing to Level 3.

Level 2/3 apprentices must achieve a knowledge-based qualification at both Level 2 and Level 3. If however the chosen Level 3 knowledge-based qualification has the potential to award 72 UCAS points or more, then a Level 2 knowledge-based qualification is not required.

Pathway one – aeronautical engineering

Competence-based qualification:

Knowledge - based qualification:

Pathway two – automotive engineering

Competence-based qualification:

Knowledge - based qualification:

Pathway three – electrical and electronic engineering

Competence-based qualification:

Knowledge - based qualification:

Pathway 4 – engineering maintenance

Competence-based qualification:

Knowledge - based qualification:

Pathway five– engineering technical support

Competence-based qualification:

ETCAL level 3 NVQ diploma in engineering technical support 601/1821/0

Knowledge - based qualification:

Pathway six – engineering toolmaking

Competence-based qualification:

Knowledge - based qualification:

Pathway seven – fabrication and welding engineering

Competence-based qualification:

Knowledge - based qualification:

Pathway eight – installation and commissioning

Competence-based qualification:

Knowledge - based qualification:

Pathway nine – materials processing and finishing

Competence-based qualification:

Knowledge - based qualification:

Pathway 10 – mechanical manufacturing engineering

Competence-based qualification:

Knowledge - based qualification:

Eligibility and entry to the programme

You must be employed to take part in the programme.

Employment is at the discretion of the employer who may have specific expectations in terms of qualifications or other recruitment criteria.

Entry to the level 3 apprenticeship is by progression from the apprenticeshipsni level 2 engineering apprenticeship.

You may also enter the level 3 apprenticeship, subject to assessment by the training contractor and employer, if you:

have already gained significant work experience in this occupational area, which could be considered as meeting the requirements of the level 2 engineering framework and also demonstrate the capacity to achieve a level 3 standard
have previously achieved a relevant level 2 competence-based vocational qualification that is a mandatory requirement of the current apprenticeshipsni level 2 engineering framework

See also the DfE operational requirements for eligibility information.

Duration

Apprenticeship duration can vary and will be agreed between the apprentice, training contractor and employer

Related Knowledge

For this framework, you must complete a suitable employee rights and responsibilities (ERR) workbook. Framework certification is issued on confirmation from training contractors that the ERR has been completed.

Responsibilities

It's the responsibility of the training contractor/ college to make sure all components of this framework are delivered in accordance with apprenticeshipsni operational requirements.

The apprentice must be employed from day one.

Further Information

The content of this framework (Framework Number 327 Issue 18: 09/23) has been agreed by the Department for the Economy.

For further information, contact:

Department for the Economy - Apprenticeships Delivery and Performance Branch

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