Employer Information Case Study
Course Level:
- Level 7
Department:
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Duration:
- 2 Year blend of Full Time and Work Based Learning
- Two 15 week blocks in TUS
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is an alternative to full-time third-level courses. Apprenticeships are paid employment allowing the apprentice to “earn while you learn” and an excellent opportunity to get a recognised qualification while at the same time gaining on-the-job experience relevant to your chosen career.
Career Profile
The Industrial Electrical Engineer is required to design, plan, assess risk, troubleshoot, program and commission a wide range of industrial electrical systems safely and in line with all relevant Irish and EU standards. The Industrial Electrical Engineer is required to compile system documentation, present proposals & analysis within the company, work with colleagues to achieve project success on-time and within the resources available, demonstrate systems operation, carry out statistical analysis & investigation, maintain, repair and regularly assess the needs for the upgrading of industrial electrical systems.
Who should apply for the Apprenticeship in Industrial Electrical Engineering?
The Apprenticeship in Industrial Electrical Engineering leading to the award of a Level 7 Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng) Degree has been specifically designed as a progression programme for qualified electricians who wish to upskill and to acquire advanced knowledge to move into engineering roles in Industry. The apprenticeship is a 2 year programme, with an approved employer. 70% of the time is spent on the job and the remaining 30% of the time is spent in Limerick Institute of Technology (TUS).
Who is the programme suited to?
This two-year programme was developed in collaboration with the Electrical, Engineering, Automation and Manufacturing Sectors who identified a need for qualified Industrial Electrical Engineers to address the skills gaps in these sectors.
Apprenticeship contracts of employment are with a registered employer. The application for entry to the course are submitted by the employer.
Class contact hours
The programme involves a 24 month apprenticeship contract with an employer with 70% of the time spent on the job and with two 15 week blocks spent at the TUS. Contact hours while on the job will take up to 4 hours per week, which can be done in apprentice’s own time or partly at work, depending on the relevance of the project to their daily work.
Contact Hours while in Limerick Institute of Technology
Institute Block 1: 28 hours per week
Institute Block 2: 28 hours per week
Contact Hours while On The Job
On average 4 hours per week
These industrial electrical systems include electrical power facilities & distribution boards, electrical machines & motor controls, networked industrial control systems (PLCs/SCADA), pneumatic actuated equipment, process & instrumentation (P&I) sensors/actuators, protection systems, industrial facilities & energy systems, production monitoring & tracking and any other electrical systems relevant to the industry.
Entry Requirements
Applications to the programme can only be submitted by registered Employers.
The programme is primarily designed for qualified electricians who meet the entry criteria below.
The entry qualification for the Apprenticeship can be demonstrated as follows:
- Holder of the Advanced Certificate (Level 6) in Craft (Electrical)
- Holder of the Advanced Certificate (Level 6) in Craft (Electrical/Instrumentation) or Craft (Refrigeration)
- Holder of the TUS Higher Certificate in Electrical Engineering (Level 6), or a cognate Level 6 Electrical Certificate, with relevant industrial electrical experience
- Registered Electrician with qualifications (National Craft Certificate / Senior Trades) other than in (a) or (b) above, can apply for access through the TUS recognition of prior learning process
- Candidates with other technical /electrical qualifications equivalent to the TUS Level 6 Certificate in Electrical Technology and relevant industrial electrical experience can apply for access through the TUS recognition of prior learning process
Timeline
Induction
Mentor Training
Stage 1 – On the Job, September (21 weeks*)
- Work Based Learning Portfolio
- Industrial Communication and Personal Development
Stage 2 – Institute Block, January (15 weeks*)
- Engineering Mathematics
- Advanced Electrical Control Systems Workshop
- Electrical Drawing & BIM
- Engineering Communications and Collaborative Working
- Electrical Planning and Layout
- Electrical Machines
Stage 3 – On the Job, May (18 weeks*)
- Work Based Learning Project
Stage 4 – Institute Block, September (15 weeks*)
- Engineering Maths 2
- Automation System Design
- Electrical Testing and Fault finding
- HV / MV Electrical Systems
- Plant Maintenance Systems
Electives (Select 2):
- Process Instrumentation & Calibration
- HV/MV Network Operations
- HMI & SCADA
Stage 5 – On the Job, January (35 weeks*)
- Project Management & Work Based Learning Portfolio
- Industrial Project
Stage 5 involves a significant time on-the-job (35 weeks) implementing the knowledge and skills gained. This stage will include a substantial work based project, supported by a module in project management along with both academic and industrial mentoring.