Precision Engineering & Quality Control Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship in Precision Engineering – Level 6:  Duration: 3 Years

Apprentices will learn how to work effectively with both manual and CNC machines to produce parts from an initial design to a final product. Parts are designed using CAD systems to develop solutions to engineering problems and when manufactured the accuracy will measured using specialised measurement equipment such as co-ordinate measuring machines (CMM). Learners will work as individuals and in groups on a variety of industrial standard engineering projects.

This Apprenticeship programme is an active learning programme with the application of theory in workshop/labs with hands-on experience on state-of-the-art CNC machines, CAM software and metrology equipment. Students will work on advanced CNC machines, advanced CAM software metrology equipment while also understanding the mathematical and science required to work in an advanced manufacturing company

This three-year programme will be completed while working and studying both at work and in college. Apprentices will be released from work to attend college to complete their off-the-job phases.

During this programme the apprentices will be required to complete a structured on-the-job programme of work-related activities before progressing to the next phase of education and training. Over 70% of the apprenticeship time will be spent at work.

Graduates will work as precision machinists and quality controllers in world class manufacturing and production environments and will be highly skilled in areas of CNC machining, CAD/CAM, metrology, and material selection methods.

What will I be able to do when I finish the programme? 

An apprentice who has completed this programme will be able to:

• Design & develop complex CNC programmes using CAD/CAM technology to produce complex 3-dimensional components.
• Determine the required properties of components and select the correct materials to meet the design needs.
• Interpret engineering drawings and carry out model-based inspection of components using CMM and VMM technology.
• Utilise manual and industrial CNC machines to produce complex parts to produce these parts. 
• Drive process improvements/capacity increases through new technology / equipment selection and specification. 
• Validate requirements on new equipment introductions / processes / process changes. 
• Preparation and maintenance of all relevant manufacturing specifications. 
• Support manufacturing process development to meet project milestones and to allow operations to meet their targets. 
• Work on projects that involve individual skills and groups work to solve engineering problems.
• Support key business metrics with ongoing process improvements and introduction of new manufacturing processes and technologies.

Features of the programme

• Learn while earning. Industry based apprenticeship paid work.
• Work and learn on world class equipment, software, and projects.
• Industry level skills and knowledge.
• Build your knowledge from the basics to complex processes through high practical content in manual and CNC Machining. 
• Uses industrial equipment to solve real industrial problems; 5 axis machining, Twin spindle lathe work with driven tooling, high speed machining strategies.
• Metrology and Six Sigma content aligned to the ASQ Yellow and Green belt qualifications.
• Allows for maximum learning and self-development; work offline and develop skills, knowledge, and competence. 
• Develops a deep knowledge of materials, design, and manufacture through the utilisation of modern technology.
• Developed in conjunction with world class companies in response to a shortage in highly skilled precision machinists
• Additive manufacturing and CAD 
• Robotics and Automation in CNC machining
• Progression to Level 7 and 8 programmes within Technical University of the Shannon and other colleges/universities.

Programme Structure

Stage 2: Block release to Education (15 weeks)

• Introduction to Computer Aided Design
• CNC Machining, Programming and Setting; Milling
• Communications & Computing
• Introduction to Measuring Equipment and Quality Control
• Engineering Workshop Technology and Practice
• Introduction to Engineering Maths and Engineering Science

Stage 3: Industry Based 1

• On-the-Job education

Stage 4: Block release to Education (15 weeks)

• Computer Aided Design for Machining
• Multi Axis machining and Programming
• CAM Programming and Operation
• Metrology and Quality Control
• Engineering Maths
• Engineering Science

Stage 5: Industry Based 2

• On-the-Job education

Stage 6: Block release to Education (15 weeks)

• CAD and Additive Manufacturing 
• Multi Axis machining and Programming
  • 5 axis machining 
  • Robotics
  • Wire EDM 
  • CAM Programming and Operation
• Metrology and Six Sigma 
• Applied Engineering Maths 

Stage 7: Industry Based 3

• On-the-Job education and Project work.

Employment opportunities

Graduates will typically be employed in one of the following roles in the medical device, human implant, and Life Sciences Industries:

• Precision machinists with multi axis machining work
• CAD Design technicians in manufacturing
• CNC machinist and programmer 
• Materials selection and processing. 
• Process measurement and control 
• Equipment test engineer/technician
• Project Implementation 
• Additive Manufacturing 
• Six Sigma and Continuous Process improvement 
• Metrology and Quality Control

Minimum Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate: A minimum of 5 Passes in Leaving Certificate subjects, including Mathematics and English/Irish. 

Candidates applying as mature applicants will be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

Advanced Entry to this Apprenticeship

Candidates who hold a relevant qualification and/or certification with appropriate endorsements or examination attainments in a cognate area can be considered for advanced entry subject to a satisfactory interview.

Click Here To Download The Brochure