This qualification has been developed to provide learners with an advanced knowledge and understanding of the practices and processes of a range of machining techniques. It covers knowledge, understanding and skills that are relevant to a wide variety of careers and study routes and take a hands-on approach to machining training.

Learners must be at least 16 years old. There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. However, learners must have the potential to achieve all aspects of the qualification. In particular, learners should be able to demonstrate that they have the minimum levels of literacy and numeracy required to comply with the health and safety aspects of the scheme, the completion of the learning outcomes, and the assessments.

This qualification is predominantly for learners completing the development phase of the level 3 Machinist - Advanced Manufacturing Engineering apprenticeship standard or in full time education who are interested in machining and would like to gain an advanced level of knowledge and understanding about the machining sector. The qualification may also be suitable for learners who are interested in machining techniques and/or are considering a career change. The qualification has been specifically designed to offer progression into a higher level of study or an Apprenticeship.

Assessment methods within this qualification include an on-screen multiple choice examination for one of the mandatory units and Internal centre marked practical and knowledge assessments for the remaining three mandatory units, and also includes an on-screen multiple choice examination for one of the optional units, and knowledge assessments for all other optional units. Assessment methods have been designed to assess the knowledge, understanding and skills of learners for all units. The on-screen multiple choice examinations are set by EAL and marked by EAL. The internal assessment is set by EAL and marked by members of the delivery team at the Centre. Where the assessment takes the form of written/short answer or multiple choice question papers, these must be treated as controlled assessments. All assessment decisions are then subject to internal and external quality assurance.

This qualification has four mandatory units, which provides learners with knowledge of the engineering environment, techniques and principles within the machining sector, and fourteen optional units, from which a learners will select a minimum of four units within their choice of units equating to a minimum of 8 units in total.

Qualification Specification