The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) curriculum to support the Metrology Technician Level 3 Standard is now available, enabling industry to secure world-class measurement skills to unlock productivity and efficiency gains. EEF has become the first training provider to license and roll it out.
The curriculum is the first ever apprenticeship measurement standard to be approved by government, and has been developed to bridge the skills gap for measurement expertise in the UK – to help apprentices gain a more in-depth understanding of measurement and its applications. The full apprenticeship is equivalent to two A-level passes, allowing for an accessible, non-traditional route into measurement that is benchmarked to industry standards.Apprentices will learn about understanding measurement units and applications and identifying measurement needs, how to measure accurately and what can cause uncertain results, mathematical techniques, including statistics, data analysis and measurement calculations, how to use measuring instruments and relevant regulations. It also includes modules in CMM.
A tailored 2-3 year programme with a blended approach incorporating off and on the job training. Off the job training will be completed at the EEF Technology Hub, Birmingham. Delivery is a mix of day release and a number of block weeks, with each block is designed to last 5 days. There is an additional 45 days (not shown because they will be workplace-specific) of managed, off-the-job training built in at the workplace. The above timings will occupy 20 % off the job training, of a three-year programme. Delivery models can be tailored to suit company requirements.
Phil Cooper, Head of Training at NPL, said: "The Metrology Technician apprenticeship is vital for UK industry and we're extremely pleased EEF are the first training provider to begin licensing the curriculum. No doubt more providers will follow, helping to bring valuable measurement skills into the UK workforce in the near future."
Stephen Mitchell, Director of Apprentices & Technology Training at EEF, said: "This new standard is a further stepping stone in our ambition to become a national champion for Apprenticeships and we look forward to implementing and extending our Metrology delivery capability with the support of NPL."
For more details on this apprenticeship, get in touch.