Mechatronics Apprenticeship BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LIMITED

What you will do in your working day

Main tasks/focus will be trained in many aspects of prototype production, mechanical and control engineering, within the team, in order to achieve the Standard.

The successful apprentice will work at BAT's research and development prototyping hub in Southampton.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an experienced team of technicians/engineers, supporting the business to develop the next range of reduced risk products and innovations.

Work scope (allocated from managerial levels) would include: (but not exclusively):

• Comply with all BAT EHS Policies & Practices.
• Operate machinery to manufacture samples/prototypes to support the R&D Centre Product Development Teams.
• Work under the direction of assigned Lead Technician(s).
• Ensure machine ‘set up’ is complete to meet sample specification requirements.
• “In-process” QA test activities.
• Clean down all machinery & equipment after use.
• Closely follow defined work practices and/or procedures, as set out in relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) or at the discretion/direction of a Lead Technician e.g., machine operation, tobacco control (denaturing) & maintenance activities.
• Develop a detailed understanding of all Technology in-use across the Pilot Plant.
• Report on machine performance, bring to the attention of the Lead Technician any areas of concern.
• Provide the necessary support to the Lead Technician(s) in undertaking Root Cause Analysis exercises and the implementation of agreed corrective measures, following our ethos of continuous improvement.
• Support to Lead Technicians for changeovers and other varying production requirements.
• General administrative support of individual projects, the wider Team & the Team Manager.
• Documentation control.
• Data processing & analysis.
• Turning & milling.
• Fabrications.
• Bench fitting skills.
• Electrical fault finding and diagnostics.

The training you will be getting

Apprentices will undertake a Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard programme. This will include a full-time period of practical workshop based ‘off-the-job’ training at SETA’s Apprenticeship Centre in Southampton.

You will also begin a knowledge qualification (depending on your prior attainments) where you will be required to attend SETA one day a week over two academic years.

After your initial training at SETA, you will be with your employer working on developing your skills; ultimately leading to your End Point Assessment. You will also begin a Level 3 NVQ in Mechatronics, which will be assessed in your workplace.

After a period of foundation skills and technical knowledge development all apprentices will be required to achieve the following qualifications

• Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Foundation Competence)

After a further period of skills and technical knowledge development all apprentices will be required to achieve the following qualifications:

• Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Competence) – Mechatronics Maintenance Technician
• Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge)

To achieve full certification SETA will make regular visits during your time in the workplace to ensure you are developing all the required skills within the Standard, including the specified behaviours and checking your theory knowledge via professional discussions.

All training culminates in your EPA, these final tests are administered by an independent assessment organisation and take place in the last three months of the apprenticeship.

What to expect at the end of your apprenticeship

After successfully completing the apprenticeship, you will join the Innovation Development Centre (IDC) full time as either a G33 Manufacturing Technician, Mechanical Technician or Electrical Technician. There will be further opportunities in the future for promotion through the grade structure, targeting G34 Lead Technician and beyond.