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Engineering and Manufacturing industry placements - enrolment


Contents

Introduction

Enrolment - Industry placement role description template

This tool helps providers to:

  • write effective role descriptions for industry placements
  • work with employers to include specific information about the tasks the student will carry out
  • give students a clear picture of the role, what they can expect from the placement and what will be expected of them
  • match students to the roles that are most suited to their current skill set
  • manage the successful placement of students
  • work collaboratively and share information with curriculum staff and colleagues involved in organising industry placements

This helps employers to:

  • share relevant information about the tasks the student will carry out
  • share the responsibilities the student will have in their role
  • share what knowledge and skills the student needs before the placement
  • share what knowledge and skills the student should gain in the role

This helps students to:

  • decide if the placement matches their interests and meets their expectations
  • decide if the placement fits with their long-term career goals
  • understand what would be expected of them if they started the placement
  • evaluate their current knowledge, skills, and behaviours and think about what else they might need to do to perform well in the placement

Templates and examples

The template for a good industry placement description is included. The template can be used as it is or changed to suit the needs of your organisation.

If you are unclear about what knowledge; skills; and attributes, attitudes and behaviours are relevant to the placement, work with the curriculum team who will have in-depth knowledge of the T Level curriculum.

Examples of industry placement descriptions are included to show how they can be used for different circumstances.

 

Who is it for?

Share the template and examples with all staff involved in helping students select the placements. This will include: 

  • staff in employer engagement
  • T Level course leaders and tutors
  • the curriculum team
  • other staff involved in the placement design
  • student support staff
  • careers advisers
  • the employer

Industry placement role description

Template

Name and address of employer
  • name
  • address
Details of business
  • what they do
  • size of business/number of employees
  • who their clients are
Placement role
  • equivalent job title
Placement location
  • what department is the placement in?
  • what location is the placement based at?
  • will the student work across different departments/sites?
  • will the student work in a domestic, commercial, or industrial sites?
Work the student will carry out
  • type of work the student will be doing
  • list the specific job tasks the student will carry out
  • list examples of the tools/software/equipment/materials the student will use
  • list workplace-specific training that will be given
Knowledge the student needs before the placement
  • list the knowledge the student is expected to have before the placement starts
  • if you are unsure about what to include, work with the curriculum team on this
Knowledge the student will gain during the placement
  • list the knowledge the student is expected to gain during the placement
  • if you are unsure about what core and technical competencies to include, work with the curriculum team on this
Skills the student needs before the placement
  • list the skills the student is expected to have before the placement starts. Include:
  • transferrable skills
  • personal skills
  • soft and hard skills
  • if you are unsure about what to include, work with the curriculum team on this
 
Skills the student will gain during the placement
  • list the skills the student is expected to gain during the placement. Include:
    • transferrable skills
    • personal skills
    • soft and hard skills
    • relevant technical skills and core competencies
  • if you are unsure about what to include, work with the curriculum team on this
 
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student should have before the placement
  • list the essential attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student is expected to have before the placement starts. Include employability skills
  • if you are unsure about what to include, work with the curriculum team on this
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student will gain during the placement
  • list the essential attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student is expected to gain during the placement. Include employability skills
  • if you are unsure about what to include, work with the curriculum team on this
Who the student will work with
  • include their job roles and responsibilities:
    • site manager/team leader
    • mentor
    • colleagues
    • suppliers
    • customers
Hours and pattern of work
  • pattern of placement (day release/block release/hybrid)
  • the minimum total hours of work the student will have on the placement
  • daily hours
  • lunch break duration
  • any designated breaks
Other information
  • should the student provide their own lunch?
  • are any food outlets/shops nearby or is lunch available on site?
  • travel considerations. Will the student need to arrange their own travel or will transport be provided?
  • is there a uniform or dress code?
  • is personal protective equipment (PPE) needed?
  • if so, does the student need to take their own or will it be provided, including safety boots
Available progression routes after completion of the T Level
  • employment (what type?)
  • further education (which courses?)
  • higher education (which courses?)
  • professional certification (add specifics)

* Student and Employer to initial the role description and confirm they understand the requirements and expectations

Student initials                                                Date

 

Employer initials                                             Date

 

 

Industry placement role description
Example 1:
Design and development for engineering and manufacturing
Name and address of employer
  • AAJ Engineering Ltd
  • 22 North Street, Harlow, Essex, CM20 3JS
Details of business

What they do:

  • design and develop automated systems for external organisations mainly working in the food industry

Size of business:

  • medium – 75 employees

Who their clients are:

  • medium- and large-scale food manufacturers
Placement role
  • assistant design and development engineering technician (mechanical engineering)
Placement location
  • company base in Essex
  • based in the engineering design and development team
  • may be required to visit different parts of the business or industry sites
Work the student will carry out

Type of work:

  • interpreting and evaluating engineering data sources and documentation to produce engineering drawings, models and plans for simple mechanical projects

Specific job tasks:

  • following briefs from management and clients
  • reading and creating technical drawings, specifications and documentation
  • developing drawings and design ideas
  • shadowing members of staff/mentor
  • carrying out basic tasks, including attending client meetings and supporting with basic design needs
  • working on smaller projects or small elements of projects

Examples of tools/software/equipment/materials used:

  • CAD/Excel/Word/Outlook
  • lathes
  • milling machine
  • drill press
  • CNC (Computer Numeric Controlled) machining centres

Workplace-specific training given:

  • company induction, including health and safety, internal employee structure and GDPR training
Knowledge the student needs before the placement
  • understanding of the equipment and tools that will be used
  • health and safety (ECS or CSCS trained)
  • basic recognition of prior learning (RPL)
  • understanding of engineering specialisms
  • understanding of why manufacturing must meet the needs of clients
Knowledge the student will gain during the placement
  • using appropriate technology, including engineering software, to model and evaluate mechanical design features, issues, performance and potential
  • completing risk management analysis
  • communicating technical details and verifying mechanical designs in relation to context, function and specific requirements
Skills the student needs before the placement
  • basic use of CAD, including checking completed drawings for quality, technical compliance and completeness
  • ability to carry out basic instructions on a computer or hand-held device
  • use of appropriate technical language to communicate effectively
Skills the student will gain during the placement
  • analysing and interpreting technical information from plans, drawings and specifications
  • evaluating and comparing design/material options
  • evaluating project outcomes
  • communicating recommendations to stakeholders
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student needs before the placement
  • professional attitude – is polite and respectful to colleagues and customers
  • problem-solving behaviours – discusses clear steps to overcome challenges
  • effective communication – uses the most effective means of communication
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student will gain during the placement
  • teamwork – works effectively with other members of the team and trade representatives
  • customer service – understands the client’s needs
  • resilience – working in a fast-paced environment
  • attention to detail – takes pride in the work
  • problem-solving – identifies issues and finds solutions when working on live briefs where things constantly change
  • flexibility – adapts to the changing needs of the business
Who the student will work with
  • Dennis Lewin – senior design engineer and student mentor
  • Jane Smith – junior engineer
  • Tom Sheridan – apprentice
Hours and pattern of work
  • two-day release on Mondays and Tuesdays
  • minimum of 315 hours over the duration of the industry placement
  • working hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm
  • one-hour lunch break
  • designated breaks throughout the day
Other information
  • student to provide their own lunch
  • local shop within walking distance
  • student to arrange their own transport (direct them to the pastoral team if they need help with travel)
  • office workwear is to be worn – smart trousers/skirt, smart shirt/top, smart shoes
  • student to provide their own clothing
  • PPE may be required for on-site visits – this will be provided by the college
Available progression routes after completion of the T Level
  • employment – junior design engineer
  • further education – Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship
  • higher education – Product Design Engineering BEng

* Student and employer to initial the role description and confirm they understand the requirements and expectations

Student initials                                                Date

 

Employer initials                                             Date

 

 

Industry placement role description
Example 2:
Engineering, manufacturing, processing and control
Name and address of employer
  • AAJ Engineering Ltd
  • 22 North Street, Harlow, Essex, CM20 3JS
Details of business

What they do:

  • design and develop automated systems for external organisations mainly working in the food industry

Size of business:

  • medium – 75 employees

Who their clients are:

  • medium- and large-scale food manufacturers
Placement role
  • manufacturing trainee (manufacturing technologies)
Placement location
  • based in the operations team
  • based in the workshop and on-site
  • on-site work is on the factory floor and in the offices
Work the student will carry out

Type of work:

  • supporting the manufacture of an item for a customer within a specified time frame

Specific job tasks:

  • following briefs from management and clients
  • reading and creating technical drawings, specifications and documentation
  • supporting planning for future stages of projects
  • reviewing costs and the availability of tools and raw materials to assess outcomes and timescales
  • shadowing members of staff/mentor
  • carrying out basic tasks, including attending meetings, setting up and closing down work areas
  • working on smaller projects or small elements of projects

Examples of tools/software/equipment/materials used:

  • measuring tools
  • cutting tools
  • lathes
  • milling machine
  • drill press
  • CNC (Computer Numeric Controlled) machining centres

Workplace-specific training given:

  • company induction, including health and safety, internal employee structure and GDPR training
Knowledge the student needs before the placement
  • understanding of the equipment and tools that will be used
  • health and safety (ECS or CSCS trained)
  • basic recognition of prior learning (RPL)
  • understanding of engineering specialisms
  • maths knowledge to assess costs and measurements used in an engineering workshop
Knowledge the student will gain during the placement
  • understanding the uses of materials in an engineering environment
  • understanding safety regulations, including the use of PPE
  • understanding key engineering terms used in the workplace
Skills the student needs before the placement
  • teamwork – to ensure work is completed and health and safety is followed at all times
  • ability to carry out basic instructions on a computer or hand-held device
  • problem-solving skills – identifying sources, developing search criteria/queries, interrogating data, designing and carrying out tests
Skills the student will gain during the placement
  • identifying issues and risks with resources, tools, equipment and machinery
  • adjusting machines, measuring and marking out, and dealing with wastage
  • fabrication using the prepared schedule/plan of action and safe working procedures/practices
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student needs before the placement
  • professional attitude – is polite and respectful to colleagues and customers
  • problem-solving behaviours – discusses clear steps to overcome challenges
  • effective communication – uses the most effective means of communication
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student will gain during the placement
  • teamwork – works effectively with other members of the team and trade representatives
  • customer service – understands the client’s needs
  • resilience – working in a fast-paced environment
  • attention to detail – takes pride in the work
  • flexibility – adapts to changing needs of the business
Who the student will work with
  • Michael Stanwell – engineering machinist and student mentor
  • Jane Smith – manufacturing manager
  • John Doe – fabricator and fitter
  • Danielle Sandwell – process engineer
Hours and pattern of work
  • two-day release on Mondays and Tuesdays
  • minimum of 315 hours over the duration of the industry placement
  • working hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm
  • one-hour lunch break
  • designated breaks throughout the day
Other information
  • student to provide their own lunch
  • local shop within walking distance
  • student to arrange their own transport (ask the student to see the pastoral team if they need help with travel)
  • uniform must be worn, including long trousers and long sleeves – this will be provided by the employer
  • PPE is required, including safety glasses and safety boots – this will be provided by the college
Available progression routes after completion of the T Level
  • employment – aviation engineer
  • further education – Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship
  • higher education - Diploma of Higher Education in Engineering

* Student and employer to initial the role description and confirm they understand the requirements and expectations

Student initials                                                Date

 

Employer initials                                             Date

 

 

Industry placement role description
Example
3: Maintenance, installation and repair for engineering and manufacturing
Name and address of employer
  • AAJ Engineering Ltd
  • 22 North Street, Harlow, Essex, CM20 3JS
Details of business

What they do:

  • design, develop and install automated systems for external organisations mainly working in the food industry

Size of business:

  • medium – 75 employees

Who their clients are:

  • medium- and large-scale food manufacturers
Placement role
  • junior maintenance technician (mechanical)
Placement location
  • company base in Essex
  • based in the maintenance team
  • student may be required to visit different parts of the business and industry sites
Work the student will carry out

Type of work:

  • repairing and maintaining machinery to ensure continuous organisation productivity

Specific job tasks:

  • repairing and maintaining machinery
  • diagnostic testing, service testing and updating records
  • preparing workstations and gathering the tools and resources needed
  • using measuring tools for on-site work as required
  • understanding technical drawings, instruction manuals and verbal instructions
  • reading technical drawings
  • shadowing members of staff/mentor
  • working on smaller projects or small elements of projects

Examples of tools/software/equipment/materials used:

  • CAD
  • measuring tools
  • lathes
  • milling machine
  • drill press
  • CNC (Computer Numeric Controlled) machining centres

Workplace-specific training given:

  • company induction, including health and safety, internal employee structure and GDPR training
Knowledge the student needs before the placement
  • knowledge of the equipment and tools that will be used and how they are relevant to risk assessments
  • understanding of preventative and reactive maintenance and the requirements for both
  • math knowledge for engineering, such as weights, measurements and budgeting
Knowledge the student will gain during the placement
  • understanding of CAD and how those skills can be transferred for use of internal software systems
  • identifying discrete steps, estimating time and resources, prioritising, coordinating and sequencing activity
  • the production of a commissioning/service plan
Skills the student needs before the placement
  • basic use of CAD
  • ability to carry out basic instructions on a computer or hand-held device
Skills the student will gain during the placement
  • outlining potential risks and identifying health and safety requirements
  • sourcing relevant data from online sources, instruction manuals, technical bulletins
  • reviewing activity by using notes and observations made during the activity
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student should have before the placement
  • professional attitude – is polite and respectful to colleagues and customers
  • problem-solving behaviours – discusses clear steps to overcome challenges
  • effective communication – uses the most effective means of communication
Attributes, attitudes and behaviours the student will gain during the placement
  • teamwork – works effectively with other members of the team and trade representatives
  • customer service – understands the client’s needs
  • resilience – working in a fast-paced environment
  • attention to detail – takes pride in the work
  • flexibility – adapts to changing needs of the business
 
Who the student will work with
  • Michael Stanwell – maintenance engineer and student mentor
  • Jane Smith – multiskilled maintenance engineer
  • John Doe – process engineer
  • Danielle Sandwell – fitter
Hours and pattern of work
  • two-day release on Mondays and Tuesdays
  • minimum of 315 hours over the duration of the industry placement
  • working hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm
  • one-hour lunch break
  • designated breaks throughout the day
  • designated seating for breaks/lunch on every floor
Other information
  • student to provide their own lunch
  • local shop within walking distance
  • student to arrange their own transport (ask the student to see the pastoral team if they need help with travel)
  • uniform must be worn, including long trousers and long sleeves – this will be provided by the employer
  • PPE is required, including safety glasses and safety boots – this will be provided by the college
Available progression routes after completion of the T Level
  • employment – leisure and entertainment engineering technician
  • further education – Level 4 Electrical Power Networks Engineer Apprenticeship

* Student and employer to initial the role description and confirm they understand the requirements and expectations

Student initials                                                Date

 

Employer initials                                             Date

 

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