apprentice

Rail Engineering Operative Apprenticeship

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Level 2 Rail Engineering Apprenticeship Overview

Are you looking for a meaningful career in The Railway? The Railway has been an incredibly essential part of our development as a nation. Each year, over 1.7 billion train journeys are made in the UK and 9% of all of the UK’s domestic freight was moved by rail. A Rail Engineering Apprenticeship is a fantastic way to build on your existing skills and develop new ones that will be invaluable to a Railway Engineer.

This apprenticeship can put you on the path to becoming a Rail Engineer, a lucrative job that earns on average £53,425 per year (range £22,880 to £143,000).

Level 2 Rail Engineer Apprenticeship employees discussing on a railway track with orange vests
Two engineers discussing on railway tracks with orange vests

Entry Criteria and Core Skills

To be a successful applicant for this job, training providers and employers are looking for a Rail Engineering Apprentice who is aware of safe and professional working practices, general engineering techniques, how to work effectively and contribute towards engineering solutions, has awareness of commercial principles and it’s implications.

So, Core skills for this apprenticeship include the ability to understand and comply with safe working practices, willingness to prepare for and deliver a high standard of technical work, the ability to identify and report problems, to utilise tools, materials and equipment effectively and finally all applicants must possess effective communication skills.

What do I need to be a Rail Engineer Apprentice?

To be a Rail Engineer, you would be on the front line of the railway, keeping all the trains running smoothly through managing safe construction, installation and upkeep of the extensive network.

The day-to-day responsibilities of this apprenticeship include…

  • Assisting in the Construction and maintenance of The Railway and it’s components
  • Contributing to functional and operational tests using specialist equipment
  • Helping to diagnose equipment failures and prevent future faults

Specific Knowledge and Skills required

TRACK Understand the process for track installation, methods and techniques for track inspection, maintenance and replacement, what constitutes a track defect or variation, track work instructions, hot weather restrictions and extreme weather plans. Maintain the track and its environment including vegetation and drainage.

ELECTRIFICATION Understand electrical principals. Under direction: assist in maintenance and installation of railway electrification equipment and components; assist in isolation and earthing of electrical systems at different voltages and frequencies, working on live battery & inverter systems and maintaining substation plant.

OVERHEAD LINES Understand mechanical principles and construction design. Follow instructions to assemble overhead line components so to keep in line with detailed specification, using lifting and access equipment while working at heights.

SIGNALLING Understand function and characteristics of railway signalling systems, including electrical, electronic and mechanical principles. Under direction: install & wire signalling or control systems; install position and label equipment, components and cables, undertake relevant checks; assist in testing of components and equipment plus maintain and rectify signal control systems equipment.

TELECOMS Understand principles of electronic devices, circuits, data and communications equipment. Understand the types of operational constraints when carrying out telecoms installation and maintenance activities.

TRACTION AND ROLLING STOCK Understand vehicle design, construction, maintenance and operation. Under direction, carry out preventative and scheduled maintenance activities and follow vehicle maintenance instructions on T&RS communication equipment and check subsystems are operating correctly.

What Qualifications do I gain?

Qualifications gained during this Apprenticeship:
– Level 2 Rail Engineering (Competence)
– Level 2 Rail Engineering (Technical Knowledge)
Duration of Apprenticeship:
12 months

Maximum Funding available:
– £12,000
Level of Apprenticeship:
Level 2 – Equivalent to 5 GCSE passes (see below)

A Diagram showing the different levels of apprenticeships, and to what they are equivalent. A level 2 apprenticeship is classified as intermediate and is equivalent to 5 GCSE passes.
A diagram to show the different Apprenticeship Levels. This Apprenticeship is a Level 2.

Possible job titles include; Track Operative, Overhead Line Operative, Electrification Operative, Traction & Rolling Stock Operative, Signalling Operative, Telecoms Operative.

Ready to Apply? See some employers / training providers ready to hire in the links below:

Or, check out some of the other engineering and manufacture apprenticeships listed on our website:

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Operator – Level 2 Apprenticeship

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Non destructive testing operator surveying large metal pipe for quality check

Step into the world of science-based engineering with the Non-Destructive Testing Operator Apprenticeship. If you’re looking to start a career in some of the biggest industries in the world such as Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Energy, Power, Nuclear, and Transport, look no further as NDT qualifications can provide you with opportunities for all of the above. Read on to find out if the Non-Destructive Testing Operator Apprenticeship is the right fit for you.

Job Opportunities and Entry Criteria

Non-Destructive Testing Apprenticeships can provide a vast array of opportunities to kick start you into a well-paying career. Some of these include training in the product technology industry sector, education into NDT methods, and working as part of a team with workers at a similar level to yourself and of a superior level, allowing you to make contacts within the industry and potentially progress within the ranks

Entry level salaries after the completion of an apprenticeship usually start at around £26,000 and can go up to anything from £55,000 a year for experienced engineer level employees. If that isn’t enough to get you interested, some big organisations involved in creating the standard for the Non-Destructive Testing Operator were The British Institute of NDT, and Rolls Royce, meaning that popular companies similar to these organisations are sure to have a need for hiring NDT Operators.

Non-destructive testing operator surveying plane engine parts to ensure they are quality checked before being installed

Apprenticeship Entry Requirements

There are no educational entry requirements for this role, however you will need to achieve a level 1 in English and Maths in a level 2 English and maths test prior to taking the end-point assessment when completing the apprenticeship if you have not already achieved this through GCSEs. You will also be required to pass the NDT eyesight test, meaning you should have good, aided eyesight or good unaided eyesight for health and safety reasons. Adequate physical fitness is also beneficial for this role.

Daily duties and Primary responsibilities

On a day-to-day basis an NDT Operator Apprentice can expect to take part in some of the following tasks:

  • Inspection of materials, welding, and other product components or items using one NDT method
  • Report defects on the external surface of a test item or component
  • Visually assess and inspect products
  • Refer inspection results to a more qualified member of staff
  • Training and safe use of equipment used for inspections and assessments
  • Being forthcoming to your supervisor when raising concerns over the frequency of a certain type of defect
  • Marking defective areas for other follow up validations and assessments by supervisors or colleagues

Some of the tools you can potentially be expected to learn to use during this apprenticeship can include devices that measure conductivity, resistivity, and corrosion, as well as thickness gauges, flaw detectors, material condition testers, and eddy current instruments.

Testing equipment used by a Non-destructive testing operator

Knowledge and behavioural modules

Some of the key aspects of NDT operating that you will have the opportunity to gain knowledge about are:

  • Health and safety – In regard to Non-Destructive Testing ensuring your safety and the safety of others in the workplace is incredibly important. Your training and understanding will be relevant to the NDT method you will be using based on your training provider.
  • NDT methods – To complete the Level 2 apprenticeship in this area you will be required to understand and action one NDT method, which will be taught to you by your training provider.
  • Identifying defects – During this apprenticeship you will be required to learn and understand how to assess products and identify defects effectively against acceptance/rejection criteria.
  • Sector specific technology – You will be expected to understand and use relevant industry technologies, have knowledge of quality aspects, and working practices, such as induction information and workplace confidentiality protocols.
  • Industry relevant materials – Knowledge of well-used, new, and upcoming materials and product technology within your industry sector is considered extremely beneficial to learn in the Non-Destructive Testing apprenticeship.

Important qualities for Non-Destructive Testing Operators apprenticeship candidates:

  • Ethics – Speak to all colleagues with respect and treat individuals with equality in mind. Discrimination in the workplace is not tolerated and all workers should report anything if they feel they are being treated unfairly.
  • Time Management – All projects, assignments, and duties should consistently be completed in a timely manner and deadlines should be met or an extension should be requested in advance depending on the circumstances.
  • Independence – Be able to work on assignments without assistance from others and having a positive impact on the work environment.
  • Comfortable Working in a Team – Work in a team and support team members by equally contributing to any workload in any given teamwork scenario.
  • Communication Skills – Communicating with senior members of staff and colleagues to ensure work is completed on time and to a high standard, and any issue are raised and resolved.
  • Initiative – Apply knowledge learnt and experience gained throughout your apprenticeship to your daily tasks and use your initiative to raise any issues with senior members of staff.
Non-destructive testing operator apprentice using testing equipment to survey the safety of train tracks

Conclusion

Does the Level 2 Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Operator Apprenticeship sound like the right fit for you? We hope this post has given you an insight into the NDT course and has encouraged you to start your journey in finding the perfect career that is enjoyable and supports you financially. Non-Destructive Testing can open up a vast range of doors within the working world, making it a great choice for if you are yet unsure of what industry you wish to work in and are looking for an apprenticeship that will give you transferrable skills and keep your options open.

If Non-Destructive Testing is not for you but you’re still looking for something at a higher level in the science-based engineering field, why not check out our blog on the Level 6 Manufacturing Engineer Degree Apprenticeship?

At ApprenticeTips.com we love to hear all your questions and strive to help as many people interested in apprenticeships as we can, so head over to our Twitter direct messages to ask us for tips personally.

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Aerospace Software Development Engineering – Level 6

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coding on a laptop

Do you have a passion for coding and technology and would like to apply your skills and knowledge to the aerospace industry? This career opportunity in aerospace software development engineering may just be the right fit for you.

Career overview

As an aerospace software engineer, you will influence the way products and systems are built to accommodate for modifications as well as upgrades in the product life cycle. On this degree apprenticeship, you will gain insight on interpreting and analysing data such as code, engineering requirements and designs.

You will be expected to work both as individuals and as part of wider Engineering teams. This could include research and development teams as well as other teams from different engineering disciplines. 

Entry criteria

These entry requirements are subject to change depending on individual employers, however, a typical apprentice will have already completed at least two STEM-based subjects at A-level standard or an equivalent. These include subjects such as Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Computing, Chemistry and Biology, while achieving 96 UCAS points or above.

This would be alongside 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or a grade C and above including Maths, English and Double Science.

Additionally, apprentices without Level 2 Maths and English must achieve these qualifications before taking the end-point assessment.

While the timeframe may vary the typical duration of this apprenticeship is 48 months. This can be reduced if the student has already demonstrated expertise in this discipline or has prior experience in it.

Skills you will learn on your Aerospace Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

  1. Degree apprentices will be able to define all stages of the software lifecycle, as well as the interactions between them.
  2. Apprentices will learn about the procedures and tools that are used to control the change and modification of software products.
  3. Develop and apply algorithms, including specification, design, and implementation.
  4. Apprentices will use the standard methodologies for software production and the toolsets that assist efficient development to apply appropriate engineering operations and toolsets.
  5. Analytic approaches (engineering mathematics): apprentices will use mathematics to reason about software properties such as safety and performance.
  6. Apply Systems Engineering principles: apprentices will learn the criteria for making architectural decisions in order to get the best possible solution for potentially competing system goals.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency with “Modelling & Simulation” software: apprentices will learn how to use “Modelling” toolsets to develop software more rapidly and reliably.
  8. Demonstrate an understanding of code, design, and requirements documentation by reading and interpreting software engineering data.
  9. Apprentices will apply systematic approaches to identify and reduce waste and inefficiencies in their software production activities, using business improvement strategies to ensure the optimisation of processes, resources, and budget.
  10. Apprentices will explore chances to demonstrate compliance with acceptable standards such as statutory, quality, organisational, environmental, and health and safety regulations.
Rocket taking off.

Knowledge Modules

In order to complete the apprenticeship, you must first obtain two certifications. These are the following:

  • Level 4 Diploma in Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (Development Competence)
  • Level 6 Bachelor Honours Degree (BEng or BSc) Stipulated by the employer and accredited by an Engineering Council licenced Professional Engineering Institution

For the completion and final certification of the Apprenticeship Standard, all of the qualification requirements in the foundation and development phases are required.

Conclusion

This course is a great place to start if you want to work in the engineering industry and begin to learn while you earn.

Design, development, and production of both airborne and ground-based software for test equipment, training systems and simulators are typical roles after completing your Degree apprenticeship.

If this isn’t what you’re searching for, follow us on Twitter to keep up with the most recent blog postings or take a look at our different engineering apprenticeships.

A Guide To Effective Content Creation

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Digital-Marketing-Content-Creation-Flatlay

Content creation: an arguably vague sector within the digital marketing spectrum, but needless to say an oh-so-important one. Not only does it allow you to innovate with your brand, but also to grow with your audience. When you dive deep into the depths of what content creation can entail in your apprenticeship, you’ll find a vastness of creativity, ideas and excitement. And with an ever-growing range of outlets for your creations and the development of more ways to reach your audience, it is clear to see why content creation can be seen as one of the most exciting areas of digital marketing.

But with such remarkable opportunity for experimentation, and so much availability for new and exciting ideas, not only can creating content for your brand feel somewhat overwhelming, but it also means there’s huge potential to miss the mark when it comes to resonating with your audience. So, I’ve rounded up my top tips to ensure that the content you create in your digital marketing apprenticeship remains fresh and your results remain strong.

Know Your Audience

It’s the oldest trick in the book – and it’s easy to see why. When you begin to think about the type of content you want to create for your brand, the audience you’re targeting should be at the top of your list for considerations. Not only does this mean understanding what themes of content they’ll find relatable, but also where they’re going to be found.

For example, considering which channels they’re more likely to interact with (and more specifically which channels they interact with whilst in a conversion mindset) Also, it’s important to consider which types of content they’re more likely to engage with. For instance, do they prefer feed posts or do they show more engagement in stories? Creating customer personas are a great way to begin to understand this. And when you begin gaining data on content that performs well, you’ll be able to refine your understanding on what is considered engaging for your audience.

Use Your Voice

It’s certainly not an easy job, but it’s a worthwhile one. Creating a voice for your brand and company which goes beyond getting the client or customer to convert is one of the most effective ways to make sure content delivers results. By creating a tone of voice for your brand which is used across owned media, your audience begin to engage with your brand on a personal level. Rather than just being a company which provides a needed service, you’re now an organisation which tells a story and is relatable to the human instinct of your customer or client.

An effective way of doing this can either be by showing the behind-the-scenes workings of your business, creating content which inspires customer feedback and communication, or simply by using humour to engage with your audience.

Consistency Is Key

Once you’ve established a clear tone of voice and understand your audience, consistency within your content is a great way to keep your brand on your audience’s radar. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to recycle the same best-performing video over-and-over on every channel, or that you have to plaster your logo onto every piece of content you create, it simply means maintaining the brand’s online reputation.

This can be anything from writing copy which matches the brands tone of voice, subtly using brand colours or fonts within graphic design work, or even having a consistent schedule to post content. Consistency creates yet another layer of familiarity of your brand for your audience and is an effective method to keep customer interest retained.

Digital-Marketing-Content-Strategy-Planning

Plan, Prepare, Execute

PPE – no, not that kind… All jokes aside, having a content creation process which includes thorough planning will ensure that content is not only created, but executed to a level which shows off the full potential of your brand. By having a clear understanding of hero-trends, micro-trends and keywords that you want to target, you’ll ensure your content remains relevant and insightful for your audience.

Keyword research tools, Google Trends and even having a clear understanding of your audience’s current interests, are great methods to ensure you’re on the ball with planning and preparing relevant and engaging content.

And To Wrap It Up

From having a clear and solid understanding of your audience and how to reach them, to creating consistent content which aligns with your brand, effective content creation is one of the best ways to not only reach your target audience, but to also keep them retained. And whilst these tips only make up the foundations when it comes to creating effective and engaging content, they’ll allow you to experiment with content and grow your company, whilst staying true to your brand and audience.

For more content creation tips, take a look here, or for more information on Digital Marketing, check out our blogs.

Level 3 Advanced Furniture CNC Technician Apprenticeship

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CNC-Technician-Apprenticeship-Machinery

From creating quality craftsmanship to undertaking critical, precision orientated tasks, in the Advanced Furniture CNC Technician Apprenticeship you’ll be exposed to the multitude of responsibilities and challenges which come with understanding Computer Numerically Controlled machinery. Not only that, with this rewarding earn-while-you-learn role you will see your work used everywhere and anywhere: from your coffee table at home, to the chair at your local pub.

What will I learn as a CNC technician apprentice?

In this exciting and technical role, you will undertake a number of duties which are designed to help you meet the KSB competencies you’re required to demonstrate. There are 12 occupational duties in total which you will undertake, these vary from setting up, operating and maintaining CNC machinery, identifying and rectifying any faults within the furniture production process, and checking that all furniture produced fits quality standards and necessary specifications. The duties you carry out will ensure that within the 24 months you’ll develop a solid understanding of how the furniture CNC process works. And more importantly, you’ll understand how to effectively use the processes in a safe and dependable manner.

How will I be assessed in the apprenticeship?

For this apprenticeship, your performance will be judged against a variety of KSBs; these are different competencies relating to knowledge of your role and industry, skills you’ve developed within your role, and behaviours you undertake when working both independently and with your team. In total there are 28 knowledge, 23 skill and 12 behaviour competencies which you will be judged against.

To demonstrate your knowledge, you’ll be expected to understand the technical processes within CNC and how to fix any problems that arise with machinery, as well as having an in-depth understanding of machine maintenance.

To demonstrate the skills you’ve developed, you’ll be expected to show how you’d set up and operate CNC machinery, whilst using appropriate safety measures and procedures. Another skill demonstration will involve showing how furniture can be modified from CAD drawings to suit the CNC processes you’ll be using.

To demonstrate behavioural developments in your role, you’ll be expected to show how you’ve displayed integrity in your work, how you’ve asked questions to further understand your responsibilities, and how you perform with minimal supervision.

Furniture-CNC-Technician-Apprenticeship-Behind-The-Scenes

The Apprenticeship Standard

This apprenticeship typically lasts for 2 years, however this does not include your EPA period. Upon completion, you will have attained a level 3 qualification in the role and it will set you up to further advance your education and career in the engineering and manufacturing industry. Maximum funding you’ll receive for the course is £11,000 and the apprenticeship is provided by Ofqual.

What qualifications do I need to apply?

If an exciting career in furniture engineering is what you’re looking for, this apprenticeship is certainly a great way to kick-start that. Whilst there are no requirements for qualifications to apply and begin the apprenticeship, you must have achieved a level 2 in English and Maths prior to the End Point Assessment. However, if you have an education, health and care plan, or a legacy statement, an Entry level 3 for English and Maths is required before completing your EPA.

So, is this the right apprenticeship for you?

If you’re someone who isn’t afraid of a challenge, loves to fixate on the finer details and is inspired by a rewarding role which is pivotal in a process, then the Advanced Furniture CNC Technician Apprenticeship could be the perfect role to help you launch your career in the industry. Not only will you get paid whilst you develop crucial skills for the role and workplace, but you’ll also be exposed to a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities to ensure that you develop your understanding and your skills to the best of your ability.

To find out more and research other engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships, take a look here.

Level 3: Spectacle Maker Apprentice

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Spectacles being repaired by a Spectacle Maker Apprentice.

DETAILS OF THE APPRENTICE ROLE

A Spectacle Maker Apprentice is anyone who uses their skills and labor for the production and repair of finished, quality assured spectacles. This comes within a wide range of prescriptions, coatings and finishes, frame types and styles. They will be using a range of materials for frames, lenses and optical manufacturing and repair tools and equipment. They may be working within a small glazing workshop or in a larger manufacturing environment.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED TO BECOME A LEVEL 3 SPECTACLE MAKER APPRENTICE

Health & Safety

  • How to comply with current health & safety at work legislation and regulations including COSHH, PPE in the work environment.
  • Safe handling of materials and work processes that ensure the safety of self and others. This includes methods for the safe and sustainable disposal of waste materials.

Materials

  • The properties, uses and limitations of materials used for spectacle making including types of resin, plastics, glass and metals.
  • Techniques for protecting, moving, handling and storing materials.

Tools

The key optical tools and equipment used, the principles of how they work, and how they are prepared, maintained and safely used, including:

  • Hand tools such as precision screwdrivers and optical pliers.
  • Checking tools including focimeter, lensmeters, calipers and base clocks.
  • Process tools including Laps and pads.
  • Cutting, planing and polishing equipment, drills, tinting baths and coating machines.

Quality

  • The application and monitoring of the employer’s quality standards including methods of recording work.

Construction of Spectacles

  • The process of spectacle making and the elements and principles for the construction of spectacles.
  • Typical construction of spectacles and work practice and any restrictions placed on the construction including availability of lens types / frame limitations.

The Manufacture, Service and Repair of Spectacles

  • How to diagnose, analyse and assess for repair or manufacturing options.
  • How to assess and advise on the appropriate level of intervention that may be required.
  • Costings and the process of seeking approval for work.
  • How to apply mathematics and the optical science necessary for the production of prescription and non-prescription lenses.
  • Possible manufacturing problems which may occur and how to respond to them.

SKILLS REQUIRED TO BECOME A LEVEL 3 SPECTACLE MAKER APPRENTICE

Health & Safety and Working Environment

  • Maintain good standards of health and safety for self and for others, using safe working practices.
  • Prepare and maintain a safe working environment, where both hand tools and mechanical tools are prevalent.
  • Identify and minimize hazards and risks in the working environment.

Technical Interpretation and Understanding

  • Create and interpret technical optical specifications, drawings, and other written and verbal instructions for the manufacture and repair of spectacles. This includes the identification and appropriate response to problems, including testing and adjustment, seeking advice and guidance as appropriate.

Manufacturing and Repair Process

  • Select and use the appropriate processes, techniques, materials, tools and equipment for manufacture or repair of spectacles.
  • Undertake the spectacle making process from inception to realization.
  • Remove and dismantle components and products, correcting faults and re-assembly of spectacles to the appropriate standard.

Tools and Equipment

  • Carry out testing and adjustment of spectacles, including lens conformity, frame set-up and cosmetic checks.
  • Maintain materials and equipment as appropriate, including grinding and polishing equipment, assembly tools, (precision screwdrivers, optical pliers, routers), measuring devices (focimeters and lensmeters, base clocks and calipers).

Quality

  • Work to the appropriate optical quality standards and systems, with efficient use of time, materials and resources.
  • Record work and either self-evaluate or obtain feedback from others to improve work and working practice.

BEHAVIORS REQUIRED TO BECOME A LEVEL 3 SPECTACLE MAKER APPRENTICE

Quality Focused

  • Follow policies and procedures, have a strong attention to detail and apply quality assurance checks through the spectacle repair or manufacturing process.

Professionalism

  • Have a strong professional work ethic including pride in your work and attention to detail.
  • Plan and manage time effectively.

Self-development

  • Keep up to date with best practice and emerging technologies within the optical sector.
  • Obtain and offer constructive feedback to others, and develop and maintain professional relationships.

Safety Orientated

  • Be aware of and adopt the processes and procedures for the safe manufacturing or repair of spectacles for both self and others.

OTHER DETAILS FOR THE APPRENTICE

Typically the apprenticeship will take 24 months to complete. The maximum funding for this course from the government is £4000. Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end-point assessment.

CONCLUSION

This apprenticeship is perfect for anyone with an interest in spectacle making and starting an apprenticeship. Once the apprenticeship has been completed and the apprentice is qualified, achievement of the standard meets the requirements for eligibility to be admitted as a Freeman of the Worshipful or Company of Spectacle Makers.

To keep up to date about approved apprenticeship standards in the UK please click here.

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How Canva Can Help You Shine As A Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprentice

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Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprentice

Introduction

Learn more about our favourite marketing tool Canva, and how it can help you shine as a Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprentice.

Like many occupations, Digital marketing is, well… Digital. We’re almost certain you’ve seen a plethora of advertisements for various task management services, designed to streamline workflow within a digital environment. Asana, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet are examples of these services. These platforms excel at what they do due to the need of a stable method of communication and task management within a digital organisation.

It’s safe to say, demand for these platforms has increased dramatically in the past 15 months, with the current times having a huge effect on everyone’s working situation. Infact, Microsoft teams alone saw a 50% increase in daily users in the first 6 months of the global pandemic, most likely due to the large percentage of employees working remotely.


Using Canva As A Level 3 Digital Marketing Apprentice

With over 30 million active monthly users, Canva is a well established, industry standard web tool primarily used for content creation and digital marketing strategies. It’s been made even more accessible recently with the addition of a downloadable app version I can access from my desktop and mobile device. 

Used to create social media graphics, presentations, printable documents, animated and other visual content, Canva offers users a platform for marketers to create digital content easily with in-built assistance.

Because of its unrivalled ease of use and low stress, this is a perfect tool for learners, as well as professionals.


What Is Canva Pro?

“It is essential to have good tools, but it also essential that the tools are used in the right way” – Wallace D. Wattles

Digital tools are absolutely vital for a level 3 digital marketing apprentice, and professionals. One of the most popular has unquestionably been Canva Pro, a digital marketing tool used by new and established businesses as an alternative to heavy, expensive software with a much higher skill ceiling.

Canva Pro is the paid-subscription version of Canva, which brings a number of additions at a reasonable price of £99 per year, including:

  • 75+ million premium stock photos, videos, audio and graphics
  • 420,000+ free templates with new designs daily
  • Create 1 Brand Kit and upload your own fonts and logos
  • Unlimited use of Background Remover
  • Resize designs infinitely with Magic Resize
  • Save designs as templates for your team to use
  • 100GB of cloud storage
  • Schedule social media content to 7 platforms
Digital Marketing Apprentice

Top 5 Uses For Canva Pro


75+ million premium stock photos, videos, audio and graphics

Finding the right stock photo for a project can be a time consuming and sometimes pricey investment, however with Canva Pro’s large bank of stock images, you’ll be able to find the perfect image, 100% of the time. By entering simple keywords into the search bar, you can find exactly what you’re looking for all in one location.


Unlimited use of Background Remover

Want to be able to remove an entire background from an image? Well Canva gives you the option to do that with 1 click…pretty good right? Well Canva Pro removes the limit cap on this function, allowing you to remove as many backgrounds as I want!


Upload your own fonts

A disadvantage about the regular Canva compared to Canva Pro, is the inability to upload user fonts. This can be particularly problematic when a client has specifically requested a font for a piece of marketing, ruling Canva out of the question as a resource tool. Canva Pro removes this issue by allowing users to create a Brand Kit, adding logos and fonts to the application without restriction.


Instagram Stories

With 1 billion monthly Instagram users and over 500 million daily story users, engagement has never been more important on the platform. With the sheer amount of traffic, incorporating stories into your strategy is a great way to advertise to consumers, and take up all that screen space. Stories aren’t the easiest thing to design, that’s where Canva comes in. With tons of story templates you’ll be able to harness this digital tool to save me time, and create relevant content.


Content Planner

Exclusive to Canva Pro and Canva Enterprise, introduced in 2021 is the content planner feature. If you’re familiar with content planners such as Buffer and Hootsuite, then this feature needs no explanation. However if you’re not familiar, we will provide an explanation here at ApprenticeTips.

This feature turns Canva from a tool which focuses on content curation, into a platform capable of publishing content directly to social media accounts from the application. By simply linking an account to the right project folder, with a few simple clicks we can add images to a calendar, picking and choosing the dates and times for our freshly created content to be published out to the world wide web. 


Conclusion

If you’re an aspiring or professional digital marketer, I advise this tool over many of the others. It combines versatility with ease of use, removing the stigma that good visual content can’t be achieved without heavy duty software. While Canva is a free to use application, the amount of assists and benefits the Pro Subscription brings will certainly help you shine as an apprentice!

To learn more about the Level 3 Digtial Marketing Apprentice course in its entirety, click this link.


To discover more about Canva Pro, you can visit the website here.

Not what you were looking for? We at ApprenticeTips publish regular blogs about tools and best practices for learners. We also offer training programs and apprenticeships from a huge library of options, including the level 3 digital marketing apprentice.

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Is An Autocare Technician Apprenticeship For You?

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Autocare Technician Apprenticeship

Introduction

An AutoCare Technician Apprenticeship is a robust way to get industry experience and training in the car repair industry. If your goal is to keep cars moving and help vehicles last longer, this opportunity might be for you.

No area of the Car Repair landscape would be able to function properly without Autocare Technicians. They are the labourers, existing as the heart of the workforce and are capable of carrying out a range of services and repairs to cars. An Autocare Technician demands a combination of technical skills, customer services and retail qualities.

An Autocare Technician Apprentice would need to demonstrate a good grasp of the practical and theoretical aspects of vehicle repair and maintenance, being able to work as independent workers and part of a team when required. A candidate would need to understand how their respective centre operates from a brand standards point of view, whilst knowing how their role contributes towards business objectives.

Technical accuracy will be important, however the role also demands excellent customer handling, telephone correspondence, sales, organisation and problem solving skills. All these are required to become a competent Autocare Technician capable of conducting industry standard levels of work.


Autocare Technician Apprenticeship Details

Behaviours:

An Autocare Technician will be expected to demonstrate the following:

  • A passion for car repair
  • The ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
  • A strong work ethic needed to maintain a good relationship with customers
  • Meet the standards required by your employer
  • Compliance with equality and diversity policies


Level:

This apprenticeship is set at level 2.


Qualifications & Entry Requirements:

Each employer will set their own entry requirements for an apprenticeship, but a level 2 in Maths and English is generally required before taking the end-point assessment.


Duration Of An Autocare Technician Apprenticeship:

This apprenticeship will take an expected duration of 30 months to complete. (This can be reduced depending on course and learner requirements). This can be reduced if the learner has demonstrated competency before this threshold, or has had previous experience in this field before.

Like many of our Apprenticeships here at ApprenticeTips, the role is broken down to several work aspects, each requiring a different skill set that an Autocare Technician would be able to do.

Autocare Technician Qualification

What Requirements Do I Need As An Autocare Technician?

To thrive as an Autocare Technician, an employee would need to apply safe working procedures to work on both hybrid and electric vehicle systems, since these types of cars have become more popular in recent years. The ability to carry out safety inspections using vehicle specific data is also important, considering the legal implications.

Adhering to health & safety legislation in the workplace is also needed in this sector. You’ll also need to know the importance of following workplace procedures and the importance of not doing so. The same applies to health and safety legislation and company compliance.

A basic to moderate understanding of motoring fundamentals including steering, suspension, braking, battery and charge systems.


What Skills Will I Achieve In The Workplace?

The ability to conduct a variety of mechanical procedures using industry standard tools and diagnostic equipment. You will learn how to carry out vehicle safety inspections, replacement of specific mechanical parts, tyres and components, and carry out stock management procedures. While complying with company policy, industry standards and healthy and safety legislation.

An Autocare Technician Apprentice will also be required to embrace the customer service and sales side of the industry. Learning how to deal with low level complaints, communicate with both customers and suppliers and use specific IT systems and hand held devices to complete work to a high standard.

In this blog, the core elements of an Autocare Technician have been covered, but there is more to discover. To read more about the Autocare Technician apprenticeship in its entirety, click here.


Conclusion

This course offers an excellent starting point for a rich and enjoyable career within the autocare industry.

You’ll also be able to learn while you earn, and really build a bond with the apprenticeship program while you’re at it. Opportunities will present themselves towards the end of your learning too, if you wanted to continue your education with us at ApprenticeTips.

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