How will the apprenticeship be structured?

Our apprentices work towards a series of qualifications over four years:

Year 1: You will study full-time at Kingston College, our training partner, for the whole of your first year. Apprentices specialising in Mechanical Engineering will start the Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard (Machinist – Advanced Manufacturing Engineering) and apprentices specialising in Electronic Engineering will start the Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard (Product Design and Development Technician). You will work towards a level 2 qualification in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Foundation Competence).

Years 2, 3 and 4: From your second year, you will spend four days a week onsite at Imperial College London in South Kensington. Here you will do a series of rotations across a selection of our busy workshops and laboratories. You will also attend Kingston College one day each week to continue with your off-the job training programme. This pattern will continue for the remainder of your apprenticeship. Apprentices specialising in Mechanical Engineering will gain a level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Competence) – Machining, a level 3 Diploma in Machining (Development Knowledge) and a level 4 Higher National Certificate. Apprentices specialising in Electronic Engineering will gain a level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Competence) – Product Design and Development and a level 4 Higher National Certificate.

What will I do whilst working on the job?

  • Learn a broad range of engineering skills: designing, developing, manufacturing and testing.
  • Have access to excellent training in the workplace and at college, whilst earning a salary.
  • Use the latest design and manufacturing methods including computer aided design, rapid proto-typing and computer controlled manufacturing methods.
  • Support students at Imperial College in their learning: preparing resources, helping them use equipment and demonstrating processes.
  • Support researchers in exciting projects that have an impact on people and the world we live in.
  • Learn and carry out a range of engineering activities, not normally carried out by a single individual in an engineering organisation.
  • Work in one of the best universities in the world, with an enthusiastic team of technician staff, supporting the activities of Imperial College London.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)

With effect from 21 May 2021, any individual who will be undertaking research activities, at PhD level or above, in one of the Academic Subjects/Fields of Research relevant to ATAS will be required to obtain a free of charge ATAS certificate before they can apply for a visa to work in the UK. This will include research, academic, engineering and technician staff applying for Skilled Worker visas. Some exemptions apply.

Find out more about about the ATAS scheme