Higher apprenticeships (Level 4)

Higher apprenticeships at Level 4 are equivalent to studying a HNC, CertHE, Level 4 NVQ, BTEC or the first year of university, along with developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard. Level 4 apprenticeships usually involve part-time study combined with off-the-job training and on-the-job development.

Higher apprenticeships provide an opportunity to gain Level 4 qualifications or above, with most apprentices gaining an NVQ Level 4, HND, or foundation degree.

Higher apprenticeships are aimed at individuals who have completed an advanced apprenticeship or equivalent qualifications. They are ideal for employees who are ready to further their skills and knowledge to take the next steps in their careers. Higher apprenticeships (Level 4) can provide a route to promotion or offer a stepping stone to a degree apprenticeship.

The minimum wage rate applies to apprentices under 19 years and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year. Many companies pay more than this, particularly for higher level apprenticeships.

A higher apprenticeship (Level 4) with us takes three years and follows a day-release format from your organisation where you will study one day a week with us in the centre, developing a portfolio of evidence to meet the knowledge, skills and behaviours required.

You will work towards meeting all of the duties required in the standard, completing your apprenticeship after an End Point Assessment.

For the Automation and Controls Engineering Technician apprenticeship:

You will need one of the following:

• A minimum of two A-Levels at grade C or above, which must include mathematics or further mathematics and one of the following subjects: physics, biology, chemistry, D&T systems and controls, engineering or computer science.
• An engineering BTEC Level 3 with at least 120 credits at MM (Merit Merit) level
• An engineering Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma with at least 180 credits at MMM level
• Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma in engineering (VRQ) at MM or above
• Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in engineering (VRQ) at MMM
• Level 3 Foundation Technical Level Engineering at M or above, plus 1 A-level from the list above
• Level 3 Technical Level Engineering: Design engineering at M or above and one A level at grade C from the list above 
• A Level 3 EAL Diploma in an Engineering-based subject at merit or above
• Equivalent qualifications such as Technical Levels at MM or above.
• A T-level qualification in an engineering subject at overall MERIT and C or above in CORE

Applicants are also required to successfully complete the AMRC Training Centre and employer recruitment and selection process to secure a place on an apprenticeship programme. This programme will focus on your understanding of electrical principles.

Eligibility requirements:

UK Nationals

• UK passport, showing you are a British citizen or a citizen of the UK, having the right of abode in the UK
• Birth certificate - please also bear in mind that if your name is different from the name you are using, you must also have your deed poll documentation.

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals (EUSS) and other non-UK nationals:

One of the following: 

• A valid non-UK passport A non-UK national identity card 
• A non-UK birth certificate

You will also need: 

• Copy of your eVisa
• 3-Year residency evidence EU, EEA or Swiss National  ( who have EUSS status)
• Applicants who have pre-Settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) must demonstrate continuous ordinary residence in the EU/EEA or Switzerland for at least the previous 3 years on the apprenticeship start date. I.e. Utility bills, bank statements, mortgage statements