Work+

Applicant
Employer

Advanced Manufacturing (Mechanical & Manufacturing) Blaney

  • Employer Profile

    Blaney

  • Apprenticeship Type

    Advanced manufacturing (mechanical and manufacturing) > Level 5

  • Positions

    1

  • Location

    37, Carnearney Road, Ballymena, BT42 2PJ

  • Salary

    £

  • Start date

  • Location Type

    Factory

Job Description


Blaney is a leading manufacturing company dedicated to delivering high-quality products and innovative solutions in our range of Agricultural and Ground care machinery to our world wide customers. We pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, and employee development.

Position Overview: We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Higher Level Apprentice in Manufacturing Engineering. This apprenticeship program offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience and technical skills while working on real-world projects in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Job Description:

  • Work alongside experienced engineers and technicians to learn and apply principles of manufacturing engineering, including process optimization, quality assurance, and lean manufacturing techniques.

  • This role will assist in our SMART factory initiative with automated machinery and Robotics.

  • Participate in the design, development, and improvement of manufacturing processes and systems to enhance efficiency, productivity, and product quality.

  • Assist with product testing and evaluation for next generation machines.

  • Assist in the implementation of new manufacturing technologies and equipment, including automation and robotics, to streamline production processes and reduce cycle times.

  • Conduct data analysis and performance monitoring to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions to optimize manufacturing operations.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including production, quality assurance, and maintenance, to troubleshoot technical issues and ensure smooth production flow.

  • Adhere to health and safety regulations and best practices in all aspects of manufacturing engineering activities, promoting a safe working environment for all employees.

  • Complete assigned coursework and training modules as part of the apprenticeship program, demonstrating continuous learning and development in manufacturing engineering principles and practices.

Person Specification


Education and Qualifications:

  • As per NRC Course entry requirements

  • Must be able to demonstrate a practical ability.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyse data, identify root causes of issues, and implement effective solutions.

  • Technical aptitude and interest in using engineering software and tools, such as CAD/CAM software, simulation tools, and statistical analysis software.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with colleagues at all levels of the organization.

  • Attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work, with a focus on accuracy and precision in all aspects of manufacturing engineering activities.

  • Adaptability and flexibility to work in a fast-paced and dynamic manufacturing environment, handling multiple tasks and changing priorities with ease.

  • Strong work ethic and commitment to personal and professional development, with a willingness to learn new skills and take on increasing levels of responsibility over time.

Experience:

  • Prior experience or coursework in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is desirable but not required.

  • Practical experience gained through internships, work placements, or extracurricular activities in a manufacturing environment is advantageous.

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary

  • Employee Discount scheme

  • Opportunities for career advancement and professional development

  • Hands-on experience and mentorship from experienced engineers and technicians

  • Exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and processes

Applicable courses

Whilst you are applying to an employer through Workplus you must apply directly to the training providers to secure your place on the apprenticeship course.

Advanced Manufacturing (Mechanical & Manufacturing)Northern Regional College

Description

Northern Regional College is offering a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering. This programme has been designed to provide the manufacturing and engineering sector in Northern Ireland with high grade technicians and engineers who have practical skills, combined with a higher education qualification.

The programme will facilitate progression from Level 3 apprenticeship and could also encourage future progression to Level 6 qualifications and enable apprentices to work towards Incorporated Engineer status.  

The framework covers a wide range of job roles in advanced manufacturing and engineering which broadly fit into the higher-level skills requirements for differing sectors.

The qualifications in this framework contribute to general competence as measured in the Engineering Council's UK specification.

There may also be opportunities for you to obtain employment through the assistance of the College.

Over the course of the programme you will undertake the following alongside your employment:

  • Level 5 Foundation Degree in Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

  • Level 5 Foundation Degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering 

(Course structure is subject to DfE’s Approval)

As you progress, you will develop your skills within your role in the company gaining experience and real hands-on knowledge through the expert teams based in the business while you continue your studies at college on a day-release basis.

Please Note 

If a course is over-subscribed the college reserves the right to enhance the entry criteria. Details of enhanced criteria will be provided at Interview Stage.

Modules

Special Features

How Can Your Career Benefit from a Higher Apprenticeship?
Employability
You will gain lots of valuable knowledge, practical skills and work experience as well as a recognised qualification - just the combination that can help increase your future employability, boost your CV and open new career opportunities for you.

Earn While You Learn
You will gain valuable work experience from your employer as well as gaining a recognised professional qualification and earning a regular salary.

Debt-free
This Higher Apprenticeship programme will allow you to start your highly-skilled career without the student debt that your university peers will have accumulated during their degree course - providing a real alternative to university.

Course Update

Please note from September 2025, all Ballymena courses are planned to move to the new Ballymena campus at Farm Lodge.

Award

Foundation Degree in Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering

Validated By

Ulster University

Eligibility

18+ Fully Funded

Entry Criteria

  • You must be at least 18 years on or before 1 July in the year you start your course and must satisfy the general entry requirements.

  • ​As minimum you need to:
    be a new employee in, or about to take up a permanent remunerative employment offer, or an existing employee moving to a new job role that requires a substantial amount of learning and skills development commensurate to the apprenticeship pathway. An exception may be made if an individual is already on an apprenticeship pathway at a lower level, with the HLA providing a progression route without the need to move to a new job role. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure this criteria is met.
    be employed by a company with a permanent base in Northern Ireland, have a contract of employment in place, be contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes day release/off-the-job directed training) with one employer, and in receipt of the appropriate wage.

  • have achieved all necessary entry qualifications determined by the relevant sector (see below)

  • pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector

  • be the minimum school leaving age in Northern Ireland.
    Entry qualifications

  • A minimum of 56 UCAS tariff points comprising a pass grade in at least one STEM subject at Advanced GCE or AS GCE level. Candidates must have studied Maths or Physics to at least Level 3. 

  • BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (MPP) in an Engineering Programme.

  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma (MM) in an Engineering Programme. 

  • A qualification or set of qualifications considered by Ulster University to be equivalent to one of the above. 

  • GCSE English minimum Grade C or approved equivalent.

  • GCSE Maths minimum Grade C or approved equivalent.

  • Third country nationals, including European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss Nationals and their family members, are eligible to undertake a HLA provided they have a right to live and work in the UK.  See HLA page for further details.

Where applicants wish to have prior education and/or experience taken into account, they should contact the relevant Course Director or Admissions by 12th August, as an APEL application deadline will apply. It is at the College's discretion to consider APEL enquiries after the date stated.

Where applicants do not meet the necessary entry requirements, they may be directed to study an appropriate BTEC Level 3 qualification in Engineering.

Duration

3

Start Date

Thursday 12 September 2024

End Date

Sunday 27 June 2027

Progression Pathway

Upon successful completion of the Higher Level Apprenticeship, you can continue your studies by working towards a Level 6 qualification and Incorporated Engineer status or progress into employment within the manufacturing and engineering sector.

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