FAQ

Apprenticeships are an excellent way of gaining qualifications and workplace experience at the same time. As an employee, you can earn as you learn and you also gain practical skills from the workplace.

The Forklift Engineering Apprenticeship is provided at the T-TEC training centre in Swindon.

IMI Modern Apprenticeship in Maintenance and Repair (Lift Truck), at the Advanced Level (level 3 equivalent).

Some apprentices carry on for an extra year, and progress to the Higher level.

There are no absolute requirements: F-TEC staff and the employer will need to work out whether each candidate is suitable for the course.

However, this is a technical apprenticeship so it needs sound knowledge of maths and science with good English skills. The Advanced apprenticeship is set at “A Level” standards so you will need to be able to work at this level.

An Advanced Level apprenticeship like this takes three years to complete.

It varies from employer to employer, but most fork lift truck engineering apprentices earn around £150 per week while they’re training.

Once qualified, an engineer can expect to start on about £350 per week.

(These estimates are based on a survey of apprentice employers in June 2012.)

 

There is no definite age limit, but government funding decreases after the age of 18 and is unlikely to be available at all after the age of 24 – which is a consideration for colleges and employers.

Since most apprentices are aged 16-18, you should also feel comfortable working alongside people of this age group.

It is expected that you will spend 5 weeks (Sunday to Friday) away per year.

Your employer has a duty to ensure you’re safe while you’re at work, in the same way as any other employee. When you’re at college, you’ll come under the safeguarding arrangements there.

Successful apprentices receive a nationally recognised qualification, and most go on to have a long and successful career at the company where they've been employed throughout their course.

The college year starts in September or October, and it works best if you are already comfortably established with your employer before this starts – at least a month or two, preferably more.

The application and recruitment process can take many months and some employers may be willing to take on an apprentice 6 months or more before the college course starts, so the earlier you start the better.

The best thing to do is to register your interest as soon as possible, as this gives you the most options.

The best way is to fill out this form, to register your interest with Karl Baum Associates.

This doesn’t commit you to anything, but will get things started, and help them match you to potential vacancies and employers.