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Manufacturing Engineering (Apprenticeship)
Higher Certificate in Engineering
Course Details
Course Code | GA_EMAPG_C06 |
---|---|
Level | 6 |
Duration | 2 Years |
Credits | 120 |
Method of Delivery | Blended |
Campus Locations |
Sligo
Galway City – Dublin Road |
Course Overview
A two-year Level 6 Technician Apprenticeship, with 70% of time spent in the workplace, and 30% in ATU. Earn while you learn.
If you are a Production Operator/Technician, who wants to train or retrain in the engineering and manufacturing sectors and work as a Manufacturing Technician, then this course is for you.
You must already be employed in a Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship contract before you can apply for the Higher Certificate in Engineering in Manufacturing Engineering (Apprenticeship).
Please visit www.manufacturingapprenticeships.ie for more details.
You can view a list of companies engaged to date here. Potential apprentices can contact these companies directly.
Course Details
Year 1
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Engineering Mathematics 1 (Apprenticeship)This module will provide students with a solid mathematical foundation relevant to a manufacturing engineer. The module will develop problem-solving skills necessary for an engineer in various areas of engineering. Learning Outcomes 1. Manipulate symbolic statements and expressions according to the transformational rules of mathematics. 2. Solve a range of equations and applied problems using mathematical methods from algebra, trigonometry and basic calculus. 3. Formulate and use mathematical representations (symbolic, numeric, graphical, visual, verbal) and identify their relations, advantages and limitations 4. Communicate orally and in written formthereasoning and procedure for solving a mathematical problem. |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Engineering Science (Apprenticeship)This module introduces the student to the basic ideas of chemistry and mechanics. It covers atomic models, chemical equations, basic mechanical concepts (mass, density, pressure, forces), gas laws, heat transfer, statics and kinematics. The module aims to give the students an understanding of the scientific principles underlying engineering systems and components with emphasis on the underlying principles of mechanical systems and components. Learning Outcomes 1. Distinguish and explain basic mechanical concepts such as mass, density, pressure, forces, energy, power and explain the relationship between them. 2. Explain basic concepts of the atom, molecule, chemical equation, polymer. 3. Perform algebraic manipulations and substitutions of physical formulae to solve simple problems using appropriate units. 4. Apply models and laws of physics to solve simple density, pressure, heat transfer, equilibrium, friction and kinematics problems. 5. Solve problems of pressure, temperature and volume using the gas laws. 6. Carry out practical laboratory experiments in a safe and ethical manner; makeappropriate analyses, using graphs and/or calculations, |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Electrical Sciences (Apprenticeship)This module covers the fundamental principles of electrical sciences and instrumentation. Students will learn to design, build, analyse and troubleshoot basic electrical and instrumentation circuits through both theory and practical applications. Learning Outcomes 1. Analyse basic circuits using the fundamental laws of electrical science. 3. Explain the basic principles of electrical power generation. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Industry Module 1 (Apprenticeship)Industry Module 1 is the "on the job learning" module, where supported learning takes place in the apprentice's company. Learning Outcomes 1. Comply with company’s procedures and policies, and describe the company’s ethical guidelines relating to the workplace, customers and the environment. |
15 | Mandatory |
Year |
Manufacturing Engineering 1 (Apprenticeship)Learners will develop the capability to understand, analyse, design and/or select the machinery, tooling and processes necessary for the production of components. The practical element of this module will enable the learners to have the skills required to safely operate workshop equipment to produce components to a desired specification. Manufacturing Engineering 1 will develop the awareness of learners of the importance of conducting manufacturing activities with due regard to the environment, regulatory and legal requirements. Learning Outcomes 1. Recall and implement the safety procedures to put in place in an engineering workshop with due regard to the environmental, regulatory and legal requirements 2. Describe sustainable manufacturing processes and technologies appropriate to a range of applications. 3. Identify and use various types of cutting tools and metrology equipment, including drill bits, turning tools, milling machine tools, verniercalipers,micrometers, dial gauges etc) 4. Analyse and interpret engineering drawings to manufactureartefacts to the desired specification 5. Manufacture artefacts according to a process plan usinga range of workshop machines/equipment that incorporatesustainable manufacturing technologies/processes. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Computer Aided Design (Apprenticeship)This module provides students with a broad introduction into 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and modelling with a focus on manufacturing specific applications. Students will learn how to use industry-leading CAD software programs to model engineering components and assemblies, and then communicate through industry-standard engineering manufacturing drawings Learning Outcomes 1. Apply engineering graphics standards. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Academic and Professional Skills (Apprenticeship)The aim of this module is to empower students with the skills to be successful in third level education and the workplace. This module combines online learning activities and small group workshops to focus on areas such as academic writing and integrity, creative thinking, problem solving, communications, career planning, report writing, innovation, technology and presentation skills. Learning Outcomes 1. Compile a reflective logbook relating to laboratory, practical or project work, taking into account the ethical responsibilities of the engineer and technician in relation to business goals, sustainability and wider society. 2. Appraise different learning styles and apply appropriate learning and time management strategies ; 3. Engage in critical thinking, logical and creative problem solving and work as an effective group member; 4. Compile a written technical report, using appropriate referencing techniques for sources of information and maintaining academic integrity; 5. Deliver effective oral presentations and apply communication skills. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Quality 1 (Apprenticeship)This module will give an introduction to the concept of Quality. It will deal with the quality assurance systems, quality management principles, and quality tools and techniques used to ensure the production of quality products on a manufacturing line. Learning Outcomes 1. Discuss and compare philosophies and new trends in quality management and their place in today’s manufacturing and service environments including Total Quality Management (TQM). |
05 | Mandatory |
Year 2
Semester | Module Details | Credits | Mandatory / Elective |
---|---|---|---|
1 |
Engineering Mathematics 2 (Apprenticeship)This module will provide students with a solid foundation in statistics and probability relevant to a manufacturing engineer. The module will develop the students' ability to analyse, solve and understand problems using relevant data in various applications in Manufacturing Engineering. Learning Outcomes 1. Implement suitable analytic procedures in problems involving discrete and continuous random variables and probability distributions. 2. Performstatistical analysis by hand and with appropriate software and interpret the results. 3. Identify, formulate and solve applied problems using relevant industry based data sets. 4. Communicate their knowledge of statistics and probability both orally and in writing. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Metrology (Apprenticeship)This module focuses on the fundamentals of engineering metrology and its applications to manufacturing measurements.This module integrates the concepts, principles and techniques of mechanical measurement with the use of measuring instruments including micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and automated measurement systems. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the concepts of metrology and use the language and systems of measurement. 2. Explain the basic features of measurement, gauging, and tolerances. 3. Apply the process of measurement with various measuring devices. 4. Explain of the purpose of critical dimensions in manufacturing and apply inspection, gauging and checking systems. 5. Analyse parts for dimensional and tolerance accuracy and functionality.. |
05 | Mandatory |
1 |
Manufacturing Automation (Apprenticeship)This module introduces pneumatic and electro-pneumatic technologies used to control machines. The student will analyse basic pneumatic/hydraulic manufacturing applications and develop automated solutions using Programmable Logic Control (PLC) technology. PLC ladder logic programmes will be designed, developed and tested in accordance with industrial safety standards. Learning Outcomes 1. Outline the working principles of electro-pneumatic components 2. Describe the components of pneumatic and hydraulics actuation. 3. Simulate basic and multi-actuator pneumatic and electro-pneumatic circuits. 7. Identify andimplementsafety measures in the design of automated systems |
10 | Mandatory |
1 |
Manufacturing Engineering 2 (Apprenticeship)Manufacturing Engineering 2 develops the ability of learners to practically apply manufacturing engineering methodologies through the correct identification, selection and use of manufacturing processes. In particular, it develops the CNC programming skills of learners. It gives learners a broad experience of both the theoretical and practical elements of Manufacturing for industry. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the basic physical, mechanical properties of engineering materials and main testing techniques used in industry. 2. Describe sustainable manufacturing processes and technologies appropriate to a range of applications 3. Generate/Write a CNC Programme for 2 Axis Turning and 3 Axis Milling using a simulator/CAM software 4. Analyse and interpret CNC programforbasic CNC turning and milling operations 5. Demonstrate practical application of manufacturing engineering methodologies through the correct identification, selection and use of manufacturing processes using laboratory equipment or workshop machinery. |
05 | Mandatory |
2 |
Industry Module 2 (Apprenticeship)Industry Module 2 is the "on the job learning" module, where supported learning takes place in the apprentice's company. Learning Outcomes 1. Select the appropriate tools, methodologies and techniques to solve manufacturing problems, and design and implement solutions. |
15 | Mandatory |
Year |
Manufacturing Design of Fixtures (Apprenticeship)This module develops the learner's skills in fixture design in support of manufacturing, taking into account operational considerations, maintenance and repair and design for manufacturability. Learners will perform three-dimensional (3D) Computer Aided Design (CAD) modelling, and construct solid models relating to parts and assemblies. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the fundamentals of part orientation and principles of workholding. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Maintenance and Safety (Apprenticeship)This module provides a solid understanding of the concepts, processes, and legislation for Risk Assessment, Risk Management, and Health and Safety Management. The module develops the student's ability to identify and select maintenance practices that are appropriate for real workplace scenarios and distinguish their respective impacts on system reliability. Learning Outcomes 1. Recognise the risks and hazards associated with machinery, equipment and workplaces, identify control measures necessary for Health and Safety management, and prepare relevant safety documentation 2. Analyse and compare different Maintenance Management strategies such as breakdown, planned and preventive maintenance techniques and apply them to appropriate workplace situations. 3. Illustrate the reasons for and benefits of maintenance systems such as TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) and RCM (Reliability Centred Maintenance) in a workplace environment 4. Develop an implementation plan for anew workplace maintenance system and schedule and appraise a maintenance system currently in place 5. Assess equipment effectivenss, maintenance economics, work scheduling and reliability, and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Quality 2 (Apprenticeship)This module is designed to provide students with an understanding of the purpose of quality management systems, and of the relationship between the different ISO quality standards. Learners will appreciate the impact that Risk Assessment has on the decision-making process for manufacturing firms. The module also introduces Process Validation, and Corrective and Preventive Action. Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the purpose of a quality management system and explain the 8 principles of quality management. 3. Explain Risk Management, how to identify and quantify risks, decide on the acceptability of those risks and re-evaluate risks following corrective actions. Explain the impact that ISO14971 Risk Management has on the decision-making process in the medical device industry. 4. Apply various risk assessment methodologies such as FMECA, Fault Tree Analysis and HAZOP. 5. Explain the context of Process Validation within the quality management system and describe the steps needed to conduct a Process Validation. |
05 | Mandatory |
Year |
Lean Manufacturing (Apprenticeship)This module gives an introduction to Lean Engineering Concepts and Tools (including Lean Manufacturing and Lean Services), and to the Principles of Change Management. Lean manufacturing, originally developed by Toyota, is widely practiced in Irish industry and is vital for its continued competitiveness. Learning Outcomes 1. Explain the principles of lean engineering and change management and their applicability to manufacturing, services and to the interaction with customers. |
05 | Mandatory |
Download a prospectus
Entry Requirements
The Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship website lists the companies engaged to date. Potential apprentices can contact these companies directly. Please visit www.manufacturingapprenticeships.ie website for more details.
Application Process
Please see www.apprenticeship.ie for more information on how to become an apprentice. To become an apprentice in Ireland, you must be hired by an employer. Apprenticeship employers are formally approved by SOLAS in advance of employing apprentices.
Apprentices get a formal contract of employment as part of their apprenticeship. To find an apprenticeship, you can search for apprenticeship vacancies at www.apprenticeship.ie/career-seekers/jobs. Here, you can search for vacancies by location and by apprenticeship type.
Your local Education and Training Board may hold details of employers seeking to employ an apprentice.
Testimonial
“Many aspects of the Manufacturing Engineering apprenticeship caught my attention, particularly the diverse range of modules it offered. With this apprenticeship, I was particularly drawn to the focus on the diversity within manufacturing engineering. I’ve had the opportunity to learn about automation, robotics, machining, coding, and much more.
The lecturers at ATU have been outstanding and incredibly supportive throughout my journey. I have received strong support throughout my studies, but I’ve also had access to mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals within the company.
I can honestly say that I’ve enjoyed every aspect of my apprenticeship. It’s very hands-on, and because you work in the industry throughout the year, you get to apply the skills you’ve learned during the academic block into real-world situations. I would highly recommend the apprenticeship route to everyone—it has been truly life-changing for me”.
Jodie Whyte , Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice
Careers
Manufacturing Technicians provide a technical support function for manufacturing operations, including troubleshooting equipment and process issues, validation and qualification activities of the manufacturing site.
Further Information
Contact Information
Medtech & Polymer Apprenticeships Manager, Ibec
Trish Breen
T: +353 (0) 87 715 7967
Irish Medtech Association
T: +353 (0)1 6051677
Mechanical & Industrial Engineering