NCO Plastic Smart Card Banner

Energy & Environment Awards Hosts First Apprenticeship Conference

On 5 November, we proudly hosted our first Apprenticeship Conference at the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Ansty, Coventry.  

Despite challenging travel conditions and blocked motorways, we were delighted to welcome over 50 delegates for a day focused on the future of apprenticeships and vocational qualifications in engineering and manufacturing. 

Understanding Apprenticeship Reforms

The conference began with an engaging introduction from David Grailey, Managing Director of the MTC, who outlined the significance of apprenticeship reforms and their potential impact on training providers. 

Introducing the Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship

Bernard Zakary, Head of Apprenticeship Assessment, then introduced the EEA Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship for Engineering and Manufacturing, which will be available from 1 December. Bernard’s presentation described the new qualification and the detail of its content and structure.  

Spotlight on Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician

After a networking lunch, the focus shifted to the Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician apprenticeship standard (single and dual discipline). David Morgan, Head of Business Development, Marketing and Sales, outlined the structure and benefits of this apprenticeship, which is designed to equip apprentices with the skills needed for critical maintenance roles. The audience was very engaged and appreciated the opportunity to scrutinise aspects of the changes in more detail, in particular the pathway options in the two standards. 

Expanding Qualification Opportunities

To close the day, Arlene Edwards, Qualifications Manager, introduced a suite of Engineering Maintenance Technician qualifications, which will soon be available. These qualifications can be used to deliver the on-programme training for the Engineering Maintenance Technician apprenticeships, and they can also be delivered as standalone qualifications, offering training providers flexibility to meet learner and employer requirements. 

Looking Ahead

We’ve received fantastic feedback from delegates and are thrilled with the enthusiastic participation throughout the day. This conference marks an important step in supporting apprenticeship providers as they navigate apprenticeship reforms and deliver high-quality training for the engineering and manufacturing sector. 

Get in Touch

If you missed the conference and would like to discuss any of the above topics, please fill out the enquiry form here and a member of our team will be in touch.

Sign up to our newsletter

Be the first to know about our latest updates! Simply enter your details in the form below to get them by email.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
This field is hidden when viewing the form
An assessor checking the work of two apprentices

Apprenticeship Assessment Reforms – what we’ve learned so far 

In February, the Department for Education announced several upcoming changes to apprenticeship assessment. The removal of

Powered by Providers: EUSR Training Network Grows

With 200 EUSR Approved Providers now delivering training across the UK and Ireland, EUSR continues to

Energy Environment Awards Logo

The launch of Energy & Environment Awards

Technical and safety critical skills for a greener world Energy & Utility Skills Group is pleased

A young Indian woman, who is wearing protective eyewear, smiles as she enjoys her engineering class with her peers - they are all wearing blue coveralls.

New Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering and Manufacturing 

We have launched our foundation apprenticeship, the EEA Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship for FA0006 Engineering and