Engineering Operative (Level 2 Standard)

Engineering Operatives are predominantly involved in engineering operations which are key to the success of the Manufacturing and Engineering sector allowing employers to grow their business while developing a workforce with the relevant skills and knowledge to enhance and sustain the sector.

The role covers a wide range of common and job-specific skills sets that can be transferred across the manufacturing engineering industry sectors during the course of their careers. Dependent on the sector that they are employed in, there may be subtle differences in terms of composition and application of the job role-specific skills and knowledge they will require, however, the core skills and knowledge will be the same regardless of the sector/area they work in.

Engineering Operatives will have clear reporting lines with anything outside their role and responsibility. They will work individually or as part of a team to carry out a range of engineering operations which could include ensuring machines and equipment used are maintained and serviceable, dealing with breakdowns, restoring components and systems to serviceable condition by repair and replacement; operating a variety of machines (CNC or Conventional); assembling and repairing machine and press tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and other tools; fabrication/installation of a wide variety of other sheet fabrications and equipment and; fabrication and assembly of metal parts joining techniques; preparing materials and equipment for engineering processes, providing technical support including communications software, test tools, performance, capacity planning, and e-commerce technology as required.

Engineering Operatives must comply with statutory regulations and organisation safety requirements including any environmental compliance procedures and systems; Identify hazards and hazardous situations; Prepare the work area and equipment; Obtain and follow the appropriate job documentation and work instructions; Extract the necessary data and information from specifications and related documentation; Carry out the engineering activities in line with their job role; Carry quality checks as required; working with minimum supervision either individually or as part of a team and will be responsible for their own actions and for the quality and accuracy and timely delivery of the work they undertake.

Examples of the occupational roles from across the engineering and manufacturing sector that would be covered within this standard are: Servicing and maintenance operative; Machine setter/operative; Mechanical engineering operative; Fabricator; Engineering fitter; Multi-disciplined engineering operative; Materials, processing and finishing operative, Technical Support operative, founding/casting operative.

Applicants aged 16–18 who have not achieved GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above must work towards and attempt Functional Skills Level 2 in both subjects as part of their apprenticeship programme.

For applicants aged 19 and over, this requirement is optional and can be removed if both the apprentice and employer agree, with the decision formally documented at enrolment.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work on-site in sectors like aerospace, automotive, energy, or construction while attending college one day per week. They assist with routine tasks such as setting up equipment, monitoring production, and maintaining tools; gaining hands-on experience in workshop or factory settings.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers engineering principles, materials and tooling, technical documentation, quality control, health and safety, and basic maintenance. Apprentices also learn to follow instructions, use hand and power tools, and support skilled technicians in daily operations.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may specialise in mechanical, electrical, fabrication, fluid power, or composite manufacturing depending on their interest. Employers may support additional training in CNC basics, inspection techniques, or lean manufacturing depending on the company’s focus.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 12 months), apprentices earn a Level 2 qualification and are ready for roles like engineering operative, workshop assistant, or production support technician, with progression into Level 3 engineering apprenticeships, technical roles, or multi-skilled pathways.

For a comprehensive understanding of this engineering programme and what it entails, please click here.

This engineering Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road Campus on a day release basis once a week. If you need to complete your functional skills, then this will be covered at college in a block week release. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor for the duration of your apprenticeship to assess you in the workplace and review progress with your employer. You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do the job effectively.

Typically, this Engineering Apprenticeship will take 12 months to complete.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk