Competencies

When it comes to selecting the right people to become a Craft, Advanced or Higher Technician apprentice, we see it as much about attitude as it is about academic success.

In addition to academic qualifications, we also look for key competencies. The following attributes will be vital in your role at BLANEY and will be assessed throughout the application process:

• Willingness to learn
• Team working/ Working with others
• Motivation for role / Engineering interest
• Quality focus
• Personal Responsibility and Resilience
• Problem solving

There are 4 routes within the Apprenticeship Scheme:
Craft, Advanced, HIGHER TECHNICIAN AND ADVANCED BUSINESS ENGINEERING

Where you join as an apprentice depends on your education level and your interests.

The Craft and Advanced Schemes are designed for those who have completed GCSEs.

The Higher Scheme runs for six years and is split into two business areas: Engineering and Business. Here, our Engineering pathways are appropriate for those who have completed A-Levels or a BTEC Level 3 in an Engineering or Technology related subject (160 credits with a minimum of a merit award in the maths element).

Our Business pathway is appropriate for those with 3 A-Levels or a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma (160 credits) in a relevant Business discipline (graded Distinction/Merit/Merit or higher).

See website for up to date requirements.

Craft Apprenticeship Scheme

This is a fantastic opportunity to develop practical skills in engineering ,along with gaining a nationally recognised qualification. It could be the best decision that you make.

This is a 3-4 year programme commencing each summer. In addition to working at BLANEY, you will study to achieve a nationally recognised qualification. You will begin this scheme with a company induction and will also be given a home team to enable you to become an integral part of the company. This will be in one of the following areas:

• Prefabrication
• Fabrication/welding
• CNC Machining
• Machining
• Development Workshop
• Maintenance (Mechanical or Electrical)
• Final build
• Special Projects

Candidates who consistently perform to a high standard may continue their studies to the next level of apprenticeship if they wish to.

You will have access to further internal development and training which will enhance and broaden your skillset and enable progression to the next level of qualification.

As with all the apprenticeship schemes you will benefit from our attractive remuneration package, which enables you to earn whilst you learn, along with other employee benefits which you can find out more about online.

The level 3 qualification provides the underpinning knowledge for mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines required in a wide variety of roles across the BLANEY business.

“The people I work with are very supportive and I am encouraged to improve every day. The most rewarding aspect of my job, as an apprentice, is seeing my skill level and knowledge constantly improve”
– Adam, Craft Apprentice

WHAT TO EXPECT

Join us as an Craft Apprentice and you’ll combine college-based learning with hands-on training gained at one of our manufacturing plants or machine workshops.

Your first year of Level II will be spent part-time at college, learning the engineering basics you’ll need in your role with us.

Outside of college term times, you’ll enrich your studies working alongside members of our skilled workforce.

During Level III you’ll continue to gain practical experience at our facilities, attending college on day release to study for further qualifications.

WHERE WILL IT LEAD?

Together with invaluable commercial and professional experience, you’ll also gain a number of academic and vocational qualifications throughout your time us, which are fully paid for by us.

These include:

• LEVEL II in Performing Engineering Operations
• LEVEL III in the appropriate trade pathway for your role
• CITY & GUILDS LEVEL III
• Relevant Level 2/3 diploma/technical certificate

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

At BLANEY, candidates who wish to study the Craft Apprenticeship will have a minimum 4 GCSE’s at grade D or above including Maths, English language and a relevant scientific/ technical subject.

Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme

As an Advanced Apprentice, you’ll have the opportunity to make your mark in pathways such as:

Mechatronics

Working at the forefront of machine/vehicle technology, you’ll support test developments to existing models or help build entirely new experimental concepts. You’ll develop the flexibility to work with mechanical, hydraulic and electrical components, and we’ll also teach you a range of traditional hand fitting and machining skills.

Maintenance

Keeping our manufacturing operation running smoothly is vital to our success, so you’ll carry out preventative maintenance, diagnose and fix faults on complex machinery and equipment. We’ll also help you develop the ability to use problem-solving skills on robots, logistics, process systems and electrical and mechanical components.

Manufacturing Support

In this area, you’ll work to improve our manufacturing techniques and processes, helping us to deliver the highest quality end products to our customers. You’ll gain knowledge of all our products and production techniques, reporting on assembly solutions, standardisation, quality and economic best practice.

Machining

Combining traditional manual skills with the latest technology, you’ll help maintain or develop some of our most innovative products. You’ll cover a range of skilled disciplines, all of which are essential to the development of new and existing products.

“My main role at Blaney is as an advanced fabrication apprentice within the tractor machinery range. One of my responsibilities is to support production in terms of fabrication and welding.”
– Chris, Advanced Apprentice.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Join us as an Advanced Apprentice and you’ll combine college-based learning with hands-on training gained at one of our manufacturing plants or machine workshops.

Level II will be spent part time at college, learning the engineering basics you’ll need in your role with us.

Outside of college term times, you’ll enrich your studies working alongside members of our skilled workforce.

During Level III, you’ll continue to gain practical experience at our facilities, attending college day release whilst you study for further qualifications.

WHERE WILL IT LEAD?

Together with invaluable commercial and professional experience, you’ll also gain a number of academic and vocational qualifications throughout your time us, which are fully paid for.

These include:

• LEVEL II: NVQ2 in Performing Engineering Operations
• LEVEL II: NVQ3 in the appropriate trade pathway for your role
• A technical certificate BTEC Level III diploma

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

To apply for the Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme, you’ll need 6 GCSEs at grade C or above, including Maths, English and a Science / Technology / Engineering related subject.

Advanced Business engineering Apprenticeship

In BLANEY Business apprentices provide essential skills to our business operations to drive it forward. This professional support for our operations is an integral part of our business and key to the future success of BLANEY.

For those with the drive to succeed the prospects for development and progression are excellent. Upon entering BLANEY as a Business apprentice you will be taught the Business skills with technical engineering practice, accelerating your ability to understand engineering operations, manufacturing processes and materials.

Typical career paths can include:

• Business development, strategic planning and Marketing
• Sales distribution growth and development with overseas opportunities
• Technical service and customer support
• Purchasing
• Supplier development
• Business and resource planning, data analysis and quality systems
• Materials control and manufacturing planning
• Logistics, (incoming parts / outgoing machines)
• Business Systems Administration

Apprentices on this program will experience a variety of business roles such as:

• Design office and parts administration
• Purchasing
• Manufacturing scheduling and planning
• Manufacturing operations
• Logistics
• Dealer and customer information support
• Business and resource planning, data analysis and quality systems
• Technical Customer Service

As well as gaining a basic appreciation of manufacturing processes and methods, you will learn about the key business systems, and the cost and quality requirements which enable us to effectively run our leading global business.

Successful candidates can expect:
You will undertake at least 4 placements over the first two years to understand a variety of disciplines before specialising in a particular field.

• A recognised Level 3 technical qualification – BTEC Business
• Diploma in Business at College
• Level III award (Technical Support) – to demonstrate your ability to apply your skills in the work environment
• You will follow new modules developed specifically to complement BLANEY future growth plans.

The BLANEY Business apprentice you will study the following subjects: (see website for details)

• Business environment
• Business resources
• Marketing
• Communication
• Accounting
• Market research
• Project management
• Supply Chain
• Business ethics
• International business

Modules include:

• Supply chain and Stock Management, Business Accounting, International Business, Business Ethics, Business Resources and Planning
• Along with the other apprenticeship schemes run by BLANEY you will have access to the internal development program to develop your personal skills, communication and teamwork.

We are looking for candidates who have a minimum 5 GCSE’s at A*- C including Maths, English and a relevant scientific/ technology subject.

Along with the academic requirements we will also look for candidates who can demonstrate a passionate interest in their area of study, a desire to succeed and a can-do attitude.

You will also complete qualifications and Skills in a number of the following fields:

• Planning production, operations and engineering activities
• Providing technical sales and marketing support
• Determining production and engineering requirements
• Scheduling production and project activities
• Obtaining resources for operations and engineering activities

Higher Technician Apprenticeship

Degree Level

An alternative route to getting a degree without going to university fulltime. Earn while you are learn instead of taking out a student loan. Join us as a Higher Technician Apprentice within Engineering and you’ll start influencing our success in pathways across our business, including:

Technical Services

In our Engineering Cost Estimation department, you’ll develop a core understanding of engineering in addition to a range of financial and analytical skills. In other roles, you’ll solve supplier technical issues in our manufacturing sites while developing your overall technical knowledge. Among other opportunities, you’ll visit suppliers to help them grow their lean manufacturing techniques and quality approach.

Design

Here you’ll build on our designs or create new ones. You’ll do this in one of three ways; by translating 2D concepts into 3D products, developing concepts and data into digital models, or turning geometrical data into new machines.

Product Development

In this area, you’ll apply your engineering skills in one of two key areas. You may work with machine testing, carrying out performance data tests to support our product development programmes. Alternatively, you might work in Computer Aided Design where you’ll learn forming and machining techniques.

Systems Development

Here you’ll build on our designs or breathe life into new ones. You’ll work on hydraulic, power, electrical engine and cooling systems.

Manufacturing and Quality

In this role, you’ll be pivotal to the improvement of existing products and launch planning and smooth delivery of exciting new ones. Your studies will help you focus on the advanced manufacturing techniques and project management skills required to launch our products on time.

Growing your practical engineering knowledge and developing your supervisory skills to ensure your team deliver high quality products; you’ll be working in a fast-paced and cost-conscious manufacturing environment.

“The best thing about taking an apprenticeship at BLANEY is getting practical experience alongside my qualifications. there are so many great things about working at BLANEY, i can’t just pick one”
– William, Higher Apprentice.

WHAT TO EXPECT

As a Higher Technician Apprentice, you’ll combine institution-based learning with hands-on experience .

You’ll spend day release at college learning the fundamentals of engineering. Outside of term time, you’ll compliment your studies working at BLANEY.

During your second year, you’ll continue to work within one of our expert teams whilst furthering your qualifications.

WHERE WILL IT LEAD?

As well as gaining commercial and professional experience, you’ll also achieve academic and vocational qualifications, such as:

• NVQII in Performing Engineering Operations.
• NVQIII in Business Improvement Techniques
• NVQIV in Engineering Manufacturing
• Level IV Technical Qualification Degree

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

To join the Higher Apprenticeship Scheme, you’ll need five GCSEs at grades A*- C including Maths, English and a Science / Technology / Engineering related subject.

In addition, You’ll also need two A Levels at grade C or above in Maths subjects or a combination of Maths subject /Science/Technology or Engineering related subjects. A BTEC Level III qualification or equivalent in Engineering or Technology (160 credits/UCAS points with a min of a merit award in maths) will also be considered.