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Apprenticeship standard: Composite Technician

Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard

Apprenticeship standard: Composite Technician

Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard

Course Code: APL3CT Duration: 3 Years Attendance: Apprenticeship Location: Farnborough Campus Start Date: 09/09/2024    
Apprenticeships

Overview

About the course

Composite materials are essential in the Aerospace, Automotive, Marine and Renewables industries and are becoming increasingly important in the Oil & Gas, Construction and Rail sectors. The composite industry therefore has an increasing requirement for skilled employees. We are adapting the way we deliver our Composites Technician Apprenticeship to allow more flexibility and a wider reach to Companies wishing to take on apprentices in this field.

Using technology, apprentices will be able to dial into their weekly lesson if they are not within a practical radius to attend the College in person. Week blocks will be scheduled to attend the College for practical workshops in our dedicated Composite Centre. If you would like to discuss this further, please email engineeringapprentices@farn-ct.ac.uk

A Composites Technician is engaged in a variety of processes in the production and creation of materials and components that are used in a range of applications including but not limited to: airplanes, cars, boats, turbine blades, oil & gas rigs, bridges, trains and satellites. They provide specialised knowledge and skills that support manufacturing programmes and projects and may be deployed in the areas of design, tooling, moulding, lay-up, curing, machining, inspection, testing, repair and material production.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this course then please contact us by phone on 01252 40 55 55 or message us.

Your course

What modules are covered?

All technicians employed in the Composites sector will need to develop specialist knowledge, skills and behaviours. These will be generic and/or technology specific, but the subject areas indicated below will provide a foundation for development in composites manufacture.

Knowledge

A Composites Technician will require a thorough understanding of the industry in which they are employed. They will be able to understand and apply the following areas :

  • Working safely, appropriately and collaboratively
  • Equality & diversity.
  • Maths, science and engineering disciplines.
  • The characteristics of Composites and their various applications.
  • Composite materials and consumables
  • Types of Resins. e.g. Polyester, Epoxy, Bio-resins.
  • The manufacture of materials. e.g. Semi-finished, woven reinforcements, preforms.
  • Material Science, Design, Tooling, Moulding, Laminating, Curing, Testing, Inspection & Repair.
  • Hand Lay-up. e.g. Open moulding, Spray Lay-up.
  • Automated Lay-up. e.g. Automated Fibre Placement, Automated Tape Layup.
  • The manufacture of complex parts eg. Airplane Wings, Body Armour, Turbine Blades.
  • Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD) standards and their importance in the workplace
  • Manufacturing costs and the need for preventative maintenance.
  • Business Improvement Techniques and waste reduction.
  • Application of IT systems to support manufacture (including CAD/CAM/CMM)
  • Automation techniques including programming and operating robots.
  • Supporting R & D projects
  • New Product Development

The Knowledge Element will be taught via remote classes or attendance in College.

Skills

A Composites Technician will develop skills in the disciplines of design, mould tool making and preparation, part lay-up, curing, testing, inspection, repair and material science. They will be able to:

  • Select appropriate techniques, procedures and methods to undertake part manufacture.
  • Identify and select materials (resins, matrix and core),
  • Design and prepare mould tools.
  • Design and manufacture components
  • Select appropriate consumables required to ensure satisfactory progress and completion of projects and/or manufacturing programmes, in conjunction with any relevant Health and Safety legislation.
  • Read and understand technical drawings for part manufacture
  • Laminate geometrically complex parts
  • Operate machinery associated with laminating and automated manufacture
  • Carry out maintenance to machines or equipment to comply with preventative maintenance plans
  • Assist and advise in the planning and preparation of manufacturing programmes and research projects to ensure they meet customer requirements and schedules
  • Understand and follow work instructions
  • Use metrology equipment applicable to the workplace

Practical skills will be taught via block release at College. Examples must be provided within the workplace.

Behaviour

The behaviour of Technicians in the Composites industry is one of the most important aspects of the standard. Composites Technicians will be expected to:

  • Manage and apply safe systems of work, ethically and responsibly
  • Show respect for colleagues and the work environment
  • Be focused on customer satisfaction, ensuring that work is undertaken following Quality, Cost and Delivery principles to meet or exceed customers expectations
  • Have a “right first time” approach
  • Understand and implement continuous improvements in the workplace
  • Solve problems, eliminate waste and risks
  • Undertake engineering activities which contribute to sustainable development
  • Be able to work in a team with effective interpersonal skills
  • Be able to communicate clearly
  • Commit to & apply a professional code of conduct
  • Carry out CPD activities and have a desire to develop a career in composites engineering

End Point Assessment

End point assessment is the final stage of your apprenticeship and you must pass this to achieve your apprenticeship. It is the chance to show the skills, knowledge and behaviours you have gained throughout your apprenticeship.

Find out about the new standard, click on the link:

https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/composites-technician-v1-0

Your future

What Next?

After completion, learners may wish to progress on to a further Apprenticeship or a part time course,  such as the Higher Engineering Apprenticeship or a Degree in Engineering.

This standard will meet the professional standards required for Eng.Tech. registration.

Entry Requirements

What previous qualifications and experience will I need?

Individual employers will set the recruitment and selection criteria for their Apprenticeships. In order to optimise success, candidates will typically have 5 GCSEs at Grade C/5 or equivalent, including Mathematics, English and Physics.

Ask a Question

Course Enquiry

Please contact us through the form below. After submitting a form we will contact you as soon as possible. We will delete your information one month after the beginning of the next academic year.

Apply

Apply

You can apply for this course online.

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