Monthly Archives: May 2014

Focus On… Performing Manufacturing Operations Apprenticeships

May 21, 2014 Stephen Smyth - No Comments

Performing Manufacturing Operations Apprenticeships cover a wide range of manufacturing processes which can span a number of industries and sectors. These Apprenticeships cover all of the day to day aspects involved in a manufacturing working environment including health and safety and how to operate effectively. A Performing Manufacturing Operations Apprenticeship can provide you with a great rounded knowledge of the manufacturing industry and processes, putting you in a prime position to advance within a manufacturing career. Depending on the company that you complete your Apprenticeship with, you might specialise in one of a number of possible industries or manufacturing skills […]

Focus On… Mechanical Machining & CNC Precision Engineering Apprenticeships

May 21, 2014 Stephen Smyth - No Comments

Engineering Apprenticeships are a great route into a wide number of industries. CNC Engineering or Computer Numerical Control Engineering is a specialisation in Mechanical Engineering which allows for computer controlled machining, programming the movement of the tools to complete precision tasks. During a Mechanical Machining & CNC Precision Engineering Apprenticeship you will primarily work with metal however you could potentially work with wood, composite materials and plastics. Typical duties include: Programming the machine tool with data taken from technical drawings Planning out the machine operations for each job to maximise efficiency Ensuring the right tools are used for each stage […]

What happens after your Apprenticeship?

May 21, 2014 Stephen Smyth - No Comments

If you’re thinking about doing an Apprenticeship, one of the things that you might be thinking about when considering whether it’s the right route for you is what will happen once you’ve finished you’re Apprenticeship. An Apprenticeship provides you with lots options for the future. Many Apprentices continue to work with the company that they have trained with, being taken on in a permanent role. Staying with the company that you did your Apprenticeship with often also opens up the opportunity for promotion within that company. Some Apprentices choose to go into higher education at college or university, completing HNCs, […]

Focus On… Preparing your CV

May 21, 2014 Stephen Smyth - No Comments

First things first – what is a CV? A CV (short for Curriculum Vitae) is your very own sales document – it helps you list facts about yourself, your skills, qualifications, experience and career history. You will need a CV to apply for Apprenticeship vacancies with companies. Employers will look at your CV to effectively paint a picture of who you are and how you would fit into the role you are applying for. This is why it is important to build up a CV that showcases what you have to offer. CVs usually include contact information, qualifications, work history, […]

How far can Vocational Training take you?

May 16, 2014 Stephen Smyth - No Comments

Simply put, as far as you want as long as your drive and determination exists. Take the case of Fay Chicken who in April 2014 takes up a position with CERN in Geneva in the radiation safety office working with X-Rays. CERN is the location where Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989 and Professor Brian Cox – BBC physics presenter – is currently working on the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. Why become an apprentice? Finishing school or leaving college is a daunting prospect for many young people as they face major decisions that […]

Focus On… Business and Administration Apprenticeships

May 12, 2014 Stephen Smyth - No Comments

Business Apprenticeships are all about learning to play an important support role within any business or organisation. The businesses you could be working for may be in any of a variety of industries in companies of any size. Administrators are often in charge of the day to day tasks involved in keeping an office running smoothly. As an indication of how crucial and important a role administrators play, 97% of employers say that effective administration plays an essential part in helping their business function. Business and Administration Apprenticeships can cover a variety of roles which involve organisation of people and […]

Minimum Apprentice Wage is Increasing

May 8, 2014 Stephen Smyth - No Comments

The Government has announced that from October 2014, all minimum wage brackets will be increasing, including the National Minimum Apprentice Wage. When these new brackets are introduced, the minimum wage for apprentices will increase by 5p an hour, so all apprentices will earn at least £2.73 an hour. If you’re considering an Apprenticeship, this is of course good news! But in reality most apprentices actually earn more than the National Minimum Apprentice Wage. In fact, the average apprentice earns around £170 per week. This is just one of the many benefits of undertaking an Apprenticeship – earning while you’re learning. […]

Focus On… Applying for an Apprenticeship

May 7, 2014 Stephen Smyth - No Comments

So, you’ve decided to go ahead with an Apprenticeship. Now, how exactly do you go about applying? First, you’ll need an ATG Apprenticeships account. This is easy, just click ‘Register’ at the top of the ATG Apprenticeships website and fill in your details. To start with, we’ll only need your email address and a new password. After you have an account with us, go the homepage (click ‘Home’). You can then browse the entire ATG Apprenticeships website for the Apprenticeship that suits you best. You can browse by categories, down the left side of the website, or by jumping directly […]

Moog Apprentice

May 1, 2014 Stephen Smyth - No Comments

ATG Apprenticeships’ very own Mechanical Machining & CNC Precision Engineering Apprentice Ed Smith has been commended for his great work with his employer Moog. 17 year old Ed works at Moog full-time and trains with ATG Training on day release, working towards a Level 3 NVQ. For more on our  Mechanical Machining & CNC Precision Engineering Apprenticeships please view here Ed completed his AS Levels, but felt that he wanted to do something more hands-on. “I really like being able to do a practical course knowing that I’m working towards a qualification that will help me in a job that […]