About the course
A Masters level programme, including a Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Competence, and designed for the Offshore Wind sector. Recruiting now for September 2022.
This programme is intended to bring together the understanding of engineering and technology with the commercial awareness, management expertise and financial understanding to enable graduates to progress into leadership positions. It is designed to build on the knowledge and skills of graduate engineers to develop sector specific knowledge and experience, enable them to develop a portfolio of evidence to support Chartered Engineer registration and, most importantly, to deliver business benefits to your organisation.
Study
Apprentices will study the following topics and apply their knowledge in their organisation:
- Offshore Wind Energy
- Engineering for Quality and Business Improvement
- Advanced Health, Safety and Environmental management
- Project and Financial Management
- Postgraduate Learning Review and Professional Development
- Individual Project - focussed on a company specific problem or opportunity
This apprenticeship scheme will also bring wider benefits to your organisation:
- Apprentices will bring their new-found knowledge back to their colleagues, keeping businesses at the top of their game.
- They advance the industry. As one business grows and develops, its competitors must try to keep up – leading to new discoveries, advanced technology and progression across the entire sector.
- It will help you attract the best new talent. New recruits will be drawn to a business that cares about their progression. For hard-working, motivated individuals, the opportunity to learn while working will be a big benefit.
- It will boost morale, motivation and productivity because employees feel valued when they know they’re being invested in – and are more likely to stay where they are, and keep giving back.
How is it delivered?
This apprenticeship involves a blend of learning methods, from campus-based classes and on-the-job training to portfolio building and self-directed study. Apprentices will also be expected to work flexibly to keep up with the study and research demands of the programme. The PGDip programme typically lasts for 2 years. There is the option of a further 6 months top up to complete the Masters degree, the fees for which would be arranged separately to the apprenticeship.
How is it assessed?
To complete the course, apprentices will take an End Point Assessment with an external organisation. This assessment will take a number of things into account, including a review of the apprentice’s portfolio and work-based project, as well as a showcase and professional discussion.
This PGDip/MSc programme is intended to bring together the understanding of engineering and technology with the commercial awareness, management expertise and financial understanding to enable graduates to progress into leadership positions. To this end the areas of study have been devised to cover a broad range of topics connected by their application and natural interdependent relationship in the engineering/manufacturing business environment.
Offshore Wind Energy
The application of engineering knowledge to the specific challenges of renewable energy and, in particular offshore wind energy, requires the ability to synthesise knowledge from multiple engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, control and geotechnical engineering. The optimisation of engineering solutions in renewable energy requires the ability to understand and evaluate complex trade-offs while considering resource, environmental, regulatory and financial constraints.
Engineering for Quality and Business Improvement
Within the design and development of new products the consideration of technical capability and resulting quality needs to be understood in order to ensure manufacturing processes are economically viable and capable of achieving required production volumes. Apprentices will evaluate quality standards, cultures and philosophies pertinent to today’s industry expectations. Through the study, development, selection and application of tools and techniques they will gain an insight into the need for quality management, required measures and need for KPIs along with the consequences of getting it wrong. Particular attention is dedicated, through the use of case studies, to the impact to a company when quality systems fail.
Principles such as Lean and agile thinking have their origins in the manufacturing world and have proven invaluable in reversing the fortunes of countless businesses. Apprentices will gain an understanding of the key principles, the need for and approaches to benchmarking, tools and techniques and strategies for successful implementation.
Advanced Health, Safety and Environmental management
The manufacture, installation, operation and decommissioning of offshore wind energy assets have major implications for individual and environmental health and safety. Understanding the health, safety and environmental risks within the industry and developing a critical understanding of the intention and implications of industry standards are essential. Apprentices will gain an understanding of the importance of leadership in creating a health and safety culture within an organisation and will develop the ability to critically evaluate work-place scenarios and propose risk management frameworks.
Project and Financial Management
Project management involves planning, coordinating, budgeting and evaluating projects, as well as managing the risks and the people involved. It is vital in helping organisations deliver new products, services and infrastructure as well as implement new systems and processes to effect change.
Financial theories and frameworks are explored with an international perspective regarding the use and importance of the financial theory. The use of financial statements to measure business performance are explored along with corresponding aspects such as risk and return, asset valuation, capital valuation, investment appraisal and management of working capital.
Postgraduate Learning Review and Professional Development
Underpinning these themes, apprentices will develop the ability to reflectively review their own learning practice and analyse, synthesise and evaluate a personal and professional development plan to address their needs and those of industry and academic stakeholders.
Masters - Individual Project (MSc)
This module provides experience of conducting an independent advanced and extended research project related to Engineering in the offshore wind sector. The topic will be one of current interest related to the learner’s job role and academic background.
The project takes the form of an investigation of a problem that typically involves several of the following areas: commercial and/or academic research, project management, business improvement, quality change, product development, people management or resource planning. This module consolidates the learning from previous modules through the application of theories, skills and techniques learned.
Entry requirements
In order to qualify for apprenticeship funding, apprentices should hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in engineering.
In order to qualify for apprenticeship funding, apprentices should hold a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in engineering. They must possess GCSE English and Maths (Grade C or above) or Functional Skills level 2 Literacy and Numeracy. If they have any other English and Maths qualifications please contact apprenticeships@hull.ac.uk, 01482 466373 prior to applying.
How to apply
Email aura@hull.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1482 464700.
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