Apply your creative and technical skills in a fast-paced industry to create innovative products for the world.
Welder
A Welder will primarily assemble or repair pieces of metal using a range of techniques and equipment. They may specialize in certain welding operations, depending on the industry or company they work in. Welders will have good knowledge of the metals they work with and understand how to interpret drawings and specifications. They will often work in environments that have strict health and safety procedures and will be responsible for adhering to them. Welders will be required to follow processes that may involve cutting and measurement of materials and will have responsibility for the quality of their work.
EAL NVQ Certificate in Fabrication and Welding Level 1
This is an introductory course for people who are new to welding. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete.
City & Guilds Diploma in Engineering (Fabrication & Welding) Level 2
This is a course for people who have either completed a Level 1 Welding course or for people who already have some experience with welding and fabrication. You can also progress onto this course after completing the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete. You will complete a Level 2 or City & Guilds Advanced Welding during this course.
EAL Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering Technologies (Fabrication and Welding) Level 3
You can apply directly to this course if you have completed a level 2 welding or fabrication or have 5 GCSEs at grade A* - C. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete. You will complete a Level 3 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Fabrication & Welding Technology.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Engagement Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the first step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You can complete a range of work experience and training activities on the Engagement Strand. There is no minimum number of hours but you can complete up to 21 hours per week. You will be entitled to claim a training allowance of up to £30 per week for attending, depending on the number of hours you complete.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Advancement Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the next step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector after completing the Engagement Strand. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You can complete a range of work experience and training activities on the Advancement Strand. You will need to complete between 16 and 30 hours per week. You will be entitled to claim a training allowance of up to £55 per week for attending, depending on the number of hours you complete.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Employment Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the final step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector after completing the Advancement Strand. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You will complete a 6 month internship on the Employment Strand. You will need to complete between 16 and 30 hours per week. You will earn a salary paid at least at the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
City & Guilds Diploma in Engineering (Fabrication & Welding) Level 2
This is a course for people who have either completed a Level 1 Welding course or for people who already have some experience with welding and fabrication. You can also progress onto this course after completing the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete. You will complete a Level 2 or City & Guilds Advanced Welding during this course.
EAL Subsidiary Diploma in Engineering Technologies (Fabrication and Welding) Level 3
You can apply directly to this course if you have completed a level 2 welding or fabrication or have 5 GCSEs at grade A* - C. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete. You will complete a Level 3 City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Fabrication & Welding Technology.
Career Progression:
Welders can become specialised in materials and equipment for specific industries including marine, nuclear, or oil and gas industries. There are lots of opportunities to work internationally as a welder. As a welder, you could progress to become a Metal Fabricator, Workshop Manager, or move into teaching within a Further Education Setting. You could start your teaching career as an Assessor or Technician and work towards Qualified Teachers Status (QTS).
Inventory Controller
Inventory Controllers are responsible for the levels of stock that exist and the accuracy of the inventory that a company declares. They will conduct a variety of procedures for monitoring material movement, verification of stock levels, and ensuring the availability of material. Inventory Controllers will use manual and automated tools on a daily basis and will have a responsibility to escalate potential issues accordingly, acting as the first line of defence for the supply chain and production teams. They will often have an auditing function in their role and work closely with a range of operational teams to ensure that all products can be manufactured to the given schedules. Inventory Controllers will develop a good knowledge of raw material and production processes and a strong understanding of the company's supply chain. Their working patterns will usually align with production schedules or warehouse operating times.
IT Users - Diploma
This is an introductory course for people who are new to the IT world. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete. You will complete a Pearson BTEC Level 1 Diploma for IT Users during this course.
Level 2 Extended Certificate in IT
This is a course for people who have either completed a Level 1 IT course or for people who already have some experience with technology or in engineering. You can enrol onto this course with 4 GCSEs at grades A* - C. You can also progress onto this course after completing the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete. You will be assessed via practical assessments and continuous assessment.
3 A-levels
You do not need a degree to be an Inventory Controller, however, completing A-levels will give you the option to go to university later in your career. Most universities will ask for BBB grades at A-level to study Accountancy or Engineering. Some universities may require that one of your A-levels be in Mathematics. Useful A-level choices for a career in Inventory Management include Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, IT, Physics, Business, or Economics. You will be assessed via exams and coursework in most A-levels. There are alternatives to A-levels for entering university, such as a BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering or Computing.
Level 2 IT Users – non-statutory
An apprenticeship is a job where your employer supports you to learn new skills and gain qualifications whilst working. You will need to apply for an apprenticeship opportunity with a local employer to access this framework, or ask your current employer to put you on an apprenticeship. You will complete Level 2 Diploma in IT User Skills qualification through this apprenticeship. You may need to complete Essential Skills Wales (ESW) qualifications in English, Numeracy and Digital, if you do not have relevant GCSEs.
Level 3 IT Users – non-statutory
You can enrol onto this apprenticeship if you have five or more GCSEs or some experience in engineering and manufacturing. You will need to apply for an apprenticeship opportunity with a local employer to access this framework, or ask your current employer to put you on an apprenticeship. You will complete a Level 3 Diploma in IT User skills through this apprenticeship. You may need to complete Essential Skills Wales (ESW) qualifications in English, Numeracy and Digital, if you do not have relevant GCSEs.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Engagement Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the first step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You can complete a range of work experience and training activities on the Engagement Strand. There is no minimum number of hours but you can complete up to 21 hours per week. You will be entitled to claim a training allowance of up to £30 per week for attending, depending on the number of hours you complete.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Advancement Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the next step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector after completing the Engagement Strand. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You can complete a range of work experience and training activities on the Advancement Strand. You will need to complete between 16 and 30 hours per week. You will be entitled to claim a training allowance of up to £55 per week for attending, depending on the number of hours you complete.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Employment Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the final step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector after completing the Advancement Strand. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You will complete a 6 month internship on the Employment Strand. You will need to complete between 16 and 30 hours per week. You will earn a salary paid at least at the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
Level 2 Extended Certificate in IT
This is a course for people who have either completed a Level 1 IT course or for people who already have some experience with technology or in engineering. You can enrol onto this course with 4 GCSEs at grades A* - C. You can also progress onto this course after completing the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete. You will be assessed via practical assessments and continuous assessment.
Career Progression:
Inventory controllers work at the intersection of the manufacturing process enabling them to gain a broad understanding of each function within the operation and strong transferable skills. In most organisations, an inventory controller would be able to progress into a supporting financial or accounting role, or a role within the production setting. Inventory Controllers develop good verbal communication skills which will enable them to move into team management positions.
Food and Drink Engineering Technician
Food and Drink Engineering Technicians will work with a range of materials and technical equipment to ensure processes are configured correctly, equipment is operating efficiently and products are manufactured to exact specifications. Engineering Technicians will have specific knowledge of legislation and regulations for their industry and be responsible for adhering to strict procedures within their working environment. The role may require specialist skills in mechanical and electrical engineering or material science, depending on the products they work with and the function they are responsible for within the product life cycle. They are likely to work as part of a collaborative team of engineers and technicians and will require good skills in technical documentation and report writing. Engineering Technicians will work on a variety of projects, which may include new product development, process optimisation, and testing and validation.
Level 1 Engineering
This is an introductory course for people who are new to the Engineering world. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete. You will complete a EAL Level 1 Diploma In Engineering Technologies during this course.
Level 2 Engineering
This is a course for people who have either completed a Level 1 engineering of manufacturing course or for people who already have some experience with technology or in engineering. You can enrol onto this course with 3 GCSEs at grade D or above. You can also progress onto this course after completing the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete. You will be assessed via practical assessments and continuous assessment.
Mechanical Engineering - Subsidiary Diploma
You can apply directly to this course is you have five or more GCSEs grade A* - C, or if you have completed a level 2 construction and the built environment. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete a Subsidiary Diploma and two years to complete an Extended Diploma. Many universities will accept an Extended Diploma qualification instead of 3 A-levels. You should aim to achieve a minimum of MMM (merit, merit, merit) if you hope to go to university.
3 A-levels
Most universities will ask for ABB grades at A-level to study Integrated Engineering. Some universities may require that one of your A-levels be in Mathematics. Useful A-level choices for a career in Production Management include Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Business, or Economics. You will be assessed via exams and coursework in most A-levels. There are alternatives to A-levels for entering university, such as a BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering.
Integrated Engineering (BEng)
A Bachelors degree will normally take three years to complete, however, you may be able to opt to complete a year in industry or sandwich placement in between your second and third year which will give you valuable work experience. Many Integrated Engineering are accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) which will make it easier for you to gain professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and work towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) after you graduate. If you don't have the right A-level or BTEC grades you may be able to complete an Access to HE Diploma or a Foundation Year at university to access this course.
Level 3 Food and Drink Technical
You can enrol onto this apprenticeship if you have five or more GCSEs or some experience in engineering and manufacturing. You will need to apply for an apprenticeship opportunity with a local employer to access this framework, or ask your current employer to put you on an apprenticeship. You will complete a Level 3 Diploma in Food and Drink Engineering Maintenance through this apprenticeship. You may need to complete Essential Skills Wales (ESW) qualifications in English, Numeracy and Digital, if you do not have relevant GCSEs.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Engagement Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the first step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You can complete a range of work experience and training activities on the Engagement Strand. There is no minimum number of hours but you can complete up to 21 hours per week. You will be entitled to claim a training allowance of up to £30 per week for attending, depending on the number of hours you complete.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Advancement Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the next step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector after completing the Engagement Strand. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You can complete a range of work experience and training activities on the Advancement Strand. You will need to complete between 16 and 30 hours per week. You will be entitled to claim a training allowance of up to £55 per week for attending, depending on the number of hours you complete.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Employment Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the final step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector after completing the Advancement Strand. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You will complete a 6 month internship on the Employment Strand. You will need to complete between 16 and 30 hours per week. You will earn a salary paid at least at the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
Level 2 Engineering
This is a course for people who have either completed a Level 1 engineering of manufacturing course or for people who already have some experience with technology or in engineering. You can enrol onto this course with 3 GCSEs at grade D or above. You can also progress onto this course after completing the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete. You will be assessed via practical assessments and continuous assessment.
Mechanical Engineering - Subsidiary Diploma
You can apply directly to this course is you have five or more GCSEs grade A* - C, or if you have completed a level 2 construction and the built environment. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete a Subsidiary Diploma and two years to complete an Extended Diploma. Many universities will accept an Extended Diploma qualification instead of 3 A-levels. You should aim to achieve a minimum of MMM (merit, merit, merit) if you hope to go to university.
Career Progression:
Food and Drink Engineering Technicians and progress to become a Food and Drink Engineer by attending college to complete an HND or completing an apprenticeship with an employer. Food and Drink Technicians can move into technical roles in the broader Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry, or within other regulated Advanced Manufacturing Sectors such as Aerospace or Automotive. Food and Drink Technicians can also move into team management roles, overseeing technicians on shift or operators within the production setting.
Production Operative
Production Operatives will primarily work on an assembly process or production line. Their tasks will depend on the product that is being manufactured but they will be expected to operate to specific standards so that the product meets quality standards and is produced in a set time period. Production Operatives may be trained on multiple operations and processes, with the opportunity to develop a range of skills. They will usually work as part of a team and have work patterns that align with the production schedules. They will have responsibility for adhering to company policies and production procedures and maintaining a clean and safe environment in their operational area.
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (PLA)
This is an upskilling course available via the Welsh Government Personal Learning Account (PLA). You must be aged 19+ and in employment or self-employment (including freelance) to access funding to attend this course. If you are not eligible for PLA, you may be able to pay to attend the course - contact the College for more detail.
Level 2 Improving Operational Performance
An apprenticeship is a job where your employer supports you to learn new skills and gain qualifications whilst working. You will need to apply for an apprenticeship opportunity with a local employer to access this framework, or ask your current employer to put you on an apprenticeship. You will complete Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations and a specialist knowledge based qualification through this apprenticeship. You may need to complete Essential Skills Wales (ESW) qualifications in English, Numeracy and Digital, if you do not have relevant GCSEs.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Engagement Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the first step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You can complete a range of work experience and training activities on the Engagement Strand. There is no minimum number of hours but you can complete up to 21 hours per week. You will be entitled to claim a training allowance of up to £30 per week for attending, depending on the number of hours you complete.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Advancement Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the next step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector after completing the Engagement Strand. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You can complete a range of work experience and training activities on the Advancement Strand. You will need to complete between 16 and 30 hours per week. You will be entitled to claim a training allowance of up to £55 per week for attending, depending on the number of hours you complete.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Employment Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the final step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector after completing the Advancement Strand. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You will complete a 6 month internship on the Employment Strand. You will need to complete between 16 and 30 hours per week. You will earn a salary paid at least at the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
Career Progression:
Becoming a Production Operative is a great first step into the Advanced Manufacturing sector. Production Operatives can move into skilled technical roles such as a Quality Operator, Repair Technician, or Production Technician. You can also move into a Production Team Leader role and then into a Production Manager role. Production Operators have transferable skills for organisation and process that can enable them to move into entry-level roles in other industries such as Logistics, Healthcare and Hospitality.
Production Manager
Production Managers are responsible for delivering the requirements of their customers. This will include managing the people and the processes to produce the given product on time and to the agreed quality standard. The size of the team and the scale of the operation will vary, depending on the industry and the business. Production Managers could be responsible for a specific product or the full production facility. Other areas of responsibility could include managing inventory, creating production and resource plans, and ensuring adherence to company policy and procedures. Production Managers will work closely with other functions of a business such as Human Resources, Finance, Health and Safety, and Logistics. They will also be required to communicate effectively with Senior Management and generate reports on the performance of their team.
Introduction to Business Skills
This is an introductory course for people who are new to Advanced Manufacturing Sector. This is a part-time course which usually takes four months to complete. You will complete a City & Guilds Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge during this course.
Business - BTEC First Extended Certificate
This is a course for people who have either completed a Level 1 business or finance course or for people who already have some experience in Financial and Professional Services. You can progress onto this course after completing the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete. You will complete a Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Extended Certificate in Business qualification during this course.
ILM L3 Award in Effective Coaching
You can apply directly to this course is you have five or more GCSEs grade A* - C, or if you have team leadership or coaching experience. This is a part-time course which usually takes two years to complete.
CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management
You can apply directly to this course is you have completed a Level 3 qualification in business or people management. This is a part-time course which usually takes one years to complete. This qualification is not funded, therefore you will be required to pay to enrol on the course. This course will enable you to become professionally registered as an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (Assoc. CIPD).
3 A-levels
Most universities will ask for BBB grades at A-level to study Mechanical Engineering. Some universities may require that one of your A-levels be in Mathematics. Useful A-level choices for a career in Production Management include Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Business, Economics and Psychology. You will be assessed via exams and coursework in most A-levels. There are alternatives to A-levels for entering university, such as a BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering.
Mechanical Engineering (BEng)
A Bachelors degree will normally take three years to complete, however, you may be able to opt to complete a year in industry or sandwich placement in between your second and third year which will give you valuable work experience. Many Mechanical Engineering are accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) which will make it easier for you to gain professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and work towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) after you graduate. If you don't have the right A-level or BTEC grades you may be able to complete an Access to HE Diploma or a Foundation Year at university to access this course.
Production Engineering Management Masters - MSc
A Masters degree will normally take one year to complete. Undertaking a Masters Degree will allow you to specialise and enter the job market at a higher level that with a Bachelors Degree alone. With experience as a Production Manager you will be able to apply for professional registration as a Chartered Manager (CMgr) with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
Level 2 Management
An apprenticeship is a job where your employer supports you to learn new skills and gain qualifications whilst working. You will need to apply for an apprenticeship opportunity with a local employer to access this framework, or ask your current employer to put you on an apprenticeship. You will complete Level 2 Diploma in Team Leading through this apprenticeship. You may need to complete Essential Skills Wales (ESW) qualifications in English, Numeracy and Digital, if you do not have relevant GCSEs.
Level 3 Management
You can enrol onto this apprenticeship if you have five or more GCSEs or some experience in Financial and Professional Services. You will need to apply for an apprenticeship opportunity with a local employer to access this framework, or ask your current employer to put you on an apprenticeship. You will complete a Level 3 Diploma in Management through this apprenticeship. You may need to complete Essential Skills Wales (ESW) qualifications in English, Numeracy and Digital, if you do not have relevant GCSEs.
Level 4 Management
You can enrol onto this apprenticeship if you have A-levels, a Level 3 BTEC Diploma (or equivalent) or relevant experience and skills in production or business management. You can also progress onto this apprenticeship once you have completed the Level 3 Management apprenticeship. You will need to apply for an apprenticeship opportunity with a local employer to access this framework, or ask your current employer to put you on an apprenticeship. You will complete a Level 4 NVQ Diploma in Management and a specialist knowledge based qualification through this apprenticeship. You may need to complete Essential Skills Wales (ESW) qualifications in English, Numeracy and Digital, if you do not have relevant GCSEs.
Level 5 Management
You can enrol onto this apprenticeship if you have an HNC (or equivalent) or relevant experience and skills in production or business management. You can also progress onto this apprenticeship once you have completed the Level 4 Management Apprenticeship. You will need to apply for an apprenticeship opportunity with a local employer to access this framework, or ask your current employer to put you on an apprenticeship. You will complete a Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Management and Leadership and a specialist knowledge-based qualification through this apprenticeship. You may need to complete Essential Skills Wales (ESW) qualifications in English, Numeracy and Digital, if you do not have relevant GCSEs.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Engagement Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the first step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You can complete a range of work experience and training activities on the Engagement Strand. There is no minimum number of hours but you can complete up to 21 hours per week. You will be entitled to claim a training allowance of up to £30 per week for attending, depending on the number of hours you complete.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Advancement Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the next step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector after completing the Engagement Strand. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You can complete a range of work experience and training activities on the Advancement Strand. You will need to complete between 16 and 30 hours per week. You will be entitled to claim a training allowance of up to £55 per week for attending, depending on the number of hours you complete.
Jobs Growth Wales+ Employment Strand
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the final step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector after completing the Advancement Strand. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You will complete a 6 month internship on the Employment Strand. You will need to complete between 16 and 30 hours per week. You will earn a salary paid at least at the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
Introduction to Business Skills
This is a flexible programme offered by Careers Wales that allows you to take the final step to becoming employed in the Advanced Manufacturing Sector after completing the Advancement Strand. You will work towards objectives that you agree in an Individual Learning Plan. You will complete a 6 month internship on the Employment Strand. You will need to complete between 16 and 30 hours per week. You will earn a salary paid at least at the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
Business - BTEC First Extended Certificate
This is a course for people who have either completed a Level 1 business or finance course or for people who already have some experience in Financial and Professional Services. You can progress onto this course after completing the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme. This is a full-time course which usually takes one year to complete. You will complete a Pearson BTEC Level 1/Level 2 First Extended Certificate in Business qualification during this course.
ILM L3 Award in Effective Coaching
You can apply directly to this course is you have five or more GCSEs grade A* - C, or if you have team leadership or coaching experience. This is a part-time course which usually takes two years to complete.
CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management
You can apply directly to this course is you have completed a Level 3 qualification in business or people management. This is a part-time course which usually takes one years to complete. This qualification is not funded, therefore you will be required to pay to enrol on the course. This course will enable you to become professionally registered as an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (Assoc. CIPD).
Career Progression:
Productions Managers can progress into Operational Management and Manufacturing Management Roles. They can also move laterally into Quality, Supply Chain Management, or Commercial roles. Production Managers have highly transferable management and organisation skills that can enable them to move into operational management roles in other industries such as Logistics, Healthcare, and Hospitality.