why an advanced apprenticeship with waterside training

WATERSIDE TRAINING
ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP
SCHEME
INFORMATION PACK
PROVIDING APPRENTICES FOR THE FUTURE

ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP
SCHEME
INFORMATION PACK INDEX
Who Says It Works
Page 3
Who are Waterside Training Page 4
Why an Advanced Apprenticeship with Waterside Training Page 5
Our Sponsoring Companies Page 5
What is an Advanced Apprenticeship ? Page 6
Further Education Page 6
Personal Qualities Expected Page 7
Do you Have the Right Qualities ? Page 7
The Waterside Advanced Apprenticeship Programmes Index Page 8
The Waterside Engineering Advanced Apprenticeship Page 9
The Technical Support Advanced Apprenticeship Page 10
The Waterside Glass Manufacturing Advanced Apprenticeship
Sponsored by Pilkington UK Ltd
The Construction Advanced Apprenticeship Sponsored by Pilkington
Refractory Services
The Laboratory Operations Apprenticeship Sponsored by Pilkington
European Technical Centre
Page 11
Page 12
Page 13
Selection Criteria – The Requirements Page 14
Selection Criteria – The Process
(Applications, Testing, Interviews, Offers, References & Medical information)
Page 14
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WHO SAYS IT WORKS ? – OUR CLIENTS AND APPRENTICES DO
Our clients and apprentices (past and present) all agree that a Waterside Apprenticeship is the best start in life for a
young person who wants a career in the manufacturing, process or engineering sectors. Our sponsoring companies
are certain that an apprentice programme with Waterside Training is the best way to secure the skills they need to
keep their operations secure and competitive.
Below are some quotes from our apprentice and sponsoring company representatives to verify our scheme works.
WE DO: THE APPRENTICE
GARY HARPER, SPONSORED BY PILKINGTON
‘Waterside has potentially set up my career for life’
WE DO: THE CLIENT (SPONSORING COMPANY)
Pilkington
The Pilkington float glass manufacturing plants in St. Helens are amongst the most modern manufacturing environments in Europe. Pilkington’s philosophy of
‘best practice’ means that the company needs flexible, well rounded and highly skilled people in its production, engineering and maintenance units. Ron
Hamilton believes that the best way for Pilkington to ensure that it has sufficient numbers of these highly skilled workers is through having an ongoing
apprenticeship programme. Ron Hamilton said;
RON HAMILTON, Operations Director BPE UK
‘Waterside’s selection process is excellent; they know how to find the
right young people who not only want a career in engineering or
manufacturing but have the right ingredients in terms of attitude,
technical aptitude, flexibility and motivation. Waterside delivers
consistently. We have confidence in the people running the programme
and in the quality of the apprentices. Waterside’s formula is tried and
tested and the structure really works for us. We currently have 25
apprentices in manufacturing at three sites. We believe that using
Waterside Training gives us a degree of independence as sponsors, but
ensures a greater commitment from the training provider to satisfy our
needs. We have considered the alternatives but they don’t have the
knowledge or the mind set that Waterside has. Waterside’s management
thinks like we do.’
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WHO ARE WATERSIDE TRAINING
Waterside Training opened in 1996 and was formerly Pilkington Plc’s in house
training company known as Lakeside Training and Development Limited.
Waterside Training is now a well established and profitable joint venture
business between Pilkington plc and St Helens College with the aim of
developing excellent engineering and technical apprenticeships and providing
focused and often tailored learning programmes primarily aimed at engineering,
manufacturing and processing industries in the North West.
We are based at the College’s flagship Technology Centre in St Helens as
pictured below.
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WHY AN ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP WITH WATERSIDE
TRAINING
At Waterside we have one of the best Training Programmes in the business – providing high
quality training for Manufacturing and Processing Industries. It is for this reason that
Pilkington and other local leading multi-national manufacturing companies use Waterside
Training Limited to recruit and train their Advanced Apprentices.
We look for young people with initiative, the right attitude towards work, flexibility, motivation
and technical aptitude. You may not have heard of Waterside before, but we are well known
by all of the secondary schools within a twenty mile radius of St Helens. Hundreds of young
people who are interested in a career in industry apply every year. For every place there are
approximately twelve candidates so competition to become a Waterside apprentice is fierce.
Our Sponsoring Companies
• Autoscrew
• Bodycoat Heat Treatment Limited
• ContiTech UK Limited
• Essex International
• Hutchinson Engineering Limited
• Goodrich Actuation Systems
• Knauf Insulation
• Linde Sterling
• NGF Europe Limited
• Pilkington European Technical Centre
• Pilkington Group Limited - Manufacturing Operations, Cowley Hill, Greengate & Watson Street Works
• Pilkington Group Limited - Refractory Services
• Rockwood Additives
• Spooner Vicars
• Vivalis
• Unifrax Limited
• United Utilities
To make the right products you need the right raw materials and the right people. For the
right candidates, an apprentice programme is the best and most reliable way to ensure that a
company has the skills it needs to support and protect its manufacturing output. As an
apprentice, you will develop as an individual, gain a salary and achieve further and higher
education qualifications along with vocational experience, it is second to none.
Our completion rate is over twice the national average around 87 %.
First we identify and agree with a sponsoring company the precise needs they require for their
future workforce. Apprentice programmes can vary in length, but are typically three or four
years long. As well as providing the mandatory training, education and assessments, we add
all of the soft skills training including personal development, outdoor development courses,
leadership skills and presentation skills to name a few giving you a well rounded and highly
trained programme.
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WHAT IS AN ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP ?
Advanced Apprenticeships give young people an important choice, the choice between
traditional higher education or a training programme which enables them to gain the higher
level skills, and qualifications required by modern manufacturing industry.
Waterside Training work with leading companies who have total commitment to top quality
training.
Each apprentice signs an Apprenticeship Agreement with Waterside (the employer) and their
Sponsoring Company along with their parents for all round support. This sets out the training
programme that will develop the apprentice to his / her full potential.
During the Apprenticeship, Waterside Training will employ you on behalf of a sponsoring
company. Although a permanent position cannot be guaranteed by the sponsoring company
from the outset, a permanent position may be offered to the apprentice on completion of their
training. If this is not possible, Waterside Training will help you use the many skills you gain
during your apprenticeship to seek work with other companies or to pursue a career
elsewhere.
As an Advanced Apprentice with Waterside you will have the opportunity to: -
• Be employed and earn a wage from day one
• Gain high quality skills (to National Vocational Standards)
• Achieve further and higher education qualifications
• Be supported throughout your training by a professional and expert team
• Gather a range of skills and qualifications that will provide you with an excellent foundation for
your future
FURTHER EDUCATION
It is essential to have a sound understanding of the theoretical principles underlying your
chosen apprenticeship as well as a high standard of practical ability. Your continuing
education is an essential part of any Advanced Apprenticeship training programme.
Therefore, you will be required to attend St Helens College or other venues on a day-release
basis for an appropriate course of study in line with the sponsoring company’s requirements.
We require the candidate to be committed at all times to a line of study while undertaking
their apprenticeship.
The courses you study will lead to nationally recognised further and higher education
qualifications. You will undertake a National Certificate, which will usually be followed by a
HNC / HND. The minimum we would require you to undertake is a National Certificate.
Further Education is an important aspect of the apprenticeship and apprentices must attend
courses at appropriate establishments as may be decided by the Company. The courses will
involve attendance both during normal working hours and in the evening, without extra
payment or time off in lieu. At Waterside we believe that your Further Education is as
important as your vocational (site) training which is also supported by all of our Sponsoring
Companies.
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PERSONAL QUALITIES EXPECTED
The Personal Qualities expected of an Apprentice include:
• self-motivation as well as the ability to work effectively as a team member
• a genuine interest in the apprenticeship you are applying for
• the ability to think logically and respond appropriately to changing information and tight
timescales
• an aptitude for practical work in a demanding and increasingly complex environment
• the right attitude towards work, are flexible, motivated and have a technical aptitude
• punctual and have good timekeeping and attendance
• to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• have good presentation skills
DO YOU HAVE THE RIGHT QUALITIES ?
Do you have the right qualities to join our sponsoring companies in their fast developing
businesses?
If so, you are probably a high calibre candidates looking for the best Advanced
Apprenticeship opportunities, a salary during your training, nationally recognised
qualifications such as HNC and NVQ and a world-class sponsoring company committed to
supporting you through your apprenticeship.
Waterside Training’s sponsoring companies are World-Class companies with manufacturing,
engineering maintenance and production units in and around St Helens.
These companies are looking for high quality people to join Waterside’s Advanced
Apprenticeship programmes commencing in September this year.
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WATERSIDE’S ADVANCED
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMMES
THE ENGINEERING ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP
THE TECHNICAL ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP
THE GLASS MANUFACTURING ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP
THE CONSTRUCTION ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP
THE LABORATORY OPERATIONS ADVANCED
APPRENTICESHIP
Over the next couple of pages you will find the above apprenticeships explained
in more detail, please check with our covering letter included with this
information pack for the exact apprenticeships being offered before applying.
You must quote on your application which apprenticeship you would like to be
considered for. If you would like to apply for more than one apprenticeship you
can, but you will need to complete a separate application form in context with
that apprenticeship.
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THE WATERSIDE ENGINEERING ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP
An outstanding career opportunity is offered by Waterside Training on behalf of multi-national
companies.
An Engineer works as part of a team to provide engineering support to the operation.
The production units within these multi-million pound companies run continuously 24 hours a
day, 365 days a year and a considerable level of engineering support is always required to
maintain the production equipment, improve efficiency and product quality.
They require high caliber people to follow a 4-Year Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering
and potentially develop to become a key member of the engineering team maintaining multimillion
pound equipment.
You will be trained in both traditional and modern engineering skills ranging from electrical
and mechanical maintenance and welding through to Lean Manufacturing. Though initially
covering a wide range of engineering skills you will later specialise in either the electrical or
mechanical trade. You will train to become qualified in Engineering Techniques and gain
experience in all aspects of Engineering / Manufacturing. The training programme is
competency based leading firstly to an NVQ 2 and subsequently to an NVQ 3 in Engineering
Maintenance.
Based primarily at Waterside Training for the first year of your apprenticeship then on
successful completion of the probationary year, you will be based at a Sponsoring Company
site. You will work typically between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
However, occasionally, you may be required to work outside these hours or work to the hours
of your sponsoring company site while on placement and while carrying out your
apprenticeship at your sponsoring company site.
For the engineering apprenticeship on health and safety grounds it is a requirement that if
selected you are able to differentiate between colours. All applicants will, therefore, be
required to undergo an eye test for colour blindness during a pre-employment medical.
Foundation Training
• NVQ 2 PEO
• Nationally Recognised Technical Certificate
• Key Skills
• Personal Development
• Product Knowledge
• Glass Technology (where appropriate)
• Communication / Information Technology Skills
•
Post Foundation
• NVQ 3 Engineering Maintenance
• Study Towards a National Certificate and HNC
• Key Skills
• Personal Development
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THE WATERSIDE TECHNICAL ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP
An outstanding career opportunity is offered by Waterside Training on behalf of Pilkington
European Technical Centre based at Ormskirk, Lathom.
A Technical Services & Support Engineer works as part of a team to provide support and
service to develop, design and modify technical areas. These areas include installation of
technical equipment and set up and configuration of plant / equipment. There would be
progression to team leading, planning, monitoring and checking development activities.
Technical Services & Support are performed by individuals whose work involves a technical
area, and are provided by a host of different people within a company including planners,
estimators, quality controllers, inspectors, testers, technical buyers, contract engineers,
technical authors, materials schedulers, applications engineers, stock controllers - not just
technicians.
They require high caliber people to follow a 4-Year Advanced Apprenticeship in Technical
Support and potentially develop to become a key member of the team.
You will be trained in both traditional and modern engineering skills ranging from electrical
and mechanical maintenance and welding through to Lean Manufacturing. Though initially
covering a wide range of engineering skills you will later specialise in a Technical area. You
will train to become qualified in Engineering Techniques and gain experience in all aspects of
Engineering / Manufacturing. The training programme is competency based leading firstly to
an NVQ level 2 in Engineering and subsequently to an NVQ level 3 in Technical Services &
Support.
Based primarily at Waterside Training for the first year of your apprenticeship then on
successful completion of the probationary year, you will be based at a Sponsoring Company
site. You will work typically between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.
However, occasionally, you may be required to work outside these hours or work to the hours
of your sponsoring company site while on placement and while carrying out your
apprenticeship at your sponsoring company site.
On health and safety grounds it is a requirement that if selected you are able to differentiate
between colours. All applicants will, therefore, be required to undergo an eye test for colour
blindness during a pre-employment medical.
Foundation Training
• NVQ 2 PEO
• Nationally Recognised Technical Certificate
• Key Skills
• Personal Development
• Product Knowledge
• Glass Technology (where appropriate)
• Communication / Information Technology Skills
Post Foundation
• NVQ 3 Technical Services & Support
• Study Towards a National Certificate and HNC
• Key Skills
• Personal Development
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THE WATERSIDE GLASS MANUFACTURING ADVANCED
APPRENTICESHIP SPONSORED BY PILKINGTON UK LTD
An outstanding career opportunity is offered by Waterside Training on behalf of Pilkington
based in St Helens. The sites produce flat glass for Architectural and Automotive purposes.
Pilkington require high calibre people to follow a 3-Year Apprenticeship in Manufacturing
(Glass) and potentially develop to become key members of the production team.
A manufacturing person in the glass industry works as part of a team to control raw material
delivery, mixing, melting, stretching, cooling, cutting, packing and despatch of packs of flat
glass for automotive and building products applications.
Float glass production units are multi-million pound facilities that run continuously to produce
glass 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The manufacturing teams work on a continuous shift
system and are paid a shift-work premium in return. During your apprenticeship it is likely you
will be required to experience shift work.
Much of the work in a Pilkington Glass Manufacturing Plant involves monitoring the
computerised control of the above processes. This requires alertness and the ability to
respond appropriately to changes in visually presented information (and the ability to
intervene safely and effectively when things go wrong!).
Manufacturing team members have a sound understanding of the basic principles of Physics
and Chemistry and the nature of materials to complement their understanding of the
production process as a whole. This enables them to contribute to continuous improvement of
the products and manufacturing processes. They learn to use many modern manufacturing
improvement techniques such as Statistical Process Control, Visual Workplace, Total
Productive Maintenance and Problem Solving Methodology.
Under normal conditions, much of the work is indoors though some outdoor work e.g. moving
raw materials and transferring packs of glass may be required (you may learn to drive forklift
trucks and other heavy vehicles). During unsteady process conditions or product changes,
some work may take place under hot conditions.
Foundation Training
• NVQ 2 Glass Manufacturing
• Nationally Recognised Technical Certificate
• Key Skills
• Personal Development
• Product Knowledge
• Glass Technology
• Communication / Information
Technology Skills
Post Foundation
• NVQ 3 Glass Manufacturing
• Study Towards a National Certificate
• Key Skills
• Personal Development
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THE CONSTRUCTION ADVANCED APPRENTICESHIP SPONSORED
BY PILKINGTON REFRACTORY SERVICES
An outstanding career opportunity is offered by Waterside Training on behalf of Pilkington Refractory
Services based in St Helens. The department is responsible for the construction and maintenance of
Pilkington’s Glass melting furnaces worldwide. Pilkington require high calibre people to follow a 4-Year
Advanced Apprenticeship in Construction and potentially develop to become a key member of the team.
Refractory Bricklayers work with specialist heat resistant materials and clays. They build and maintain
industrial furnaces, boilers and kilns. Although the skills they possess are equally applicable to other
construction industries, the work in the St Helens area is predominantly for the Glass Industry. Refractory
Bricklayers usually work in teams. Work can be outdoors as well as indoors and you may have to work at
heights, or in tunnels and shafts and in hot conditions. When you are fully trained it is likely you will be
required to experience overseas work.
Refractory Bricklayers may perform the following tasks: -
• Work from plans and specifications
• Spread layers of clay / mortar to serve as a base and binder for
refractory blocks / bricks in rows, designs or shapes, spreading
clays / mortar between joints
• Place bricks, remove excess clay / mortar from refractory blocks /
bricks and check vertical and horizontal alignment
• Use various tools to shape refractory material / bricks to fit
spaces
• Construct arches and other shapes to meet plans and
specifications
• Repair and maintain refractory related structures
• Operate cutting, grinding and drilling machines
• Erect scaffolding (subject to health and safety regulations)
The apprentice will train to become qualified in Refractory Brickwork and will study to achieve a Nationally
Recognised Certificate in Construction as an associated educational qualification. Pilkington (as the
Sponsoring Company) will also require the individual to develop team-working and communication skills
consistent with working as a member of a highly motivated, highly skilled team.
The Refractory Brickwork training programme is competency based leading firstly to an NVQ 2 and
subsequently to an NVQ 3. You will be required to attend College as necessary where you will gain a
sound understanding of construction and glass manufacturing principles as well as developing your own
commitment to continuous personal development.
The personal qualities expected of a Construction Apprentice include being able to work with your hands,
being able to follow plans, being physically fit and healthy and be able to work at heights.
Foundation Training
• NVQ 2 Refractory Brickwork
• National Certificate
• Key Skills
• Personal Development
• Product Knowledge
• Glass Technology
• Communication / Information Technology Skills
Post Foundation
• NVQ 3 Trowel Occupations
• Furnace Construction and Design Principles
• Study towards a National Certificate and HNC
• Key Skills
• Personal Development
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THE LABORATORY OPERATIONS APPRENTICESHIP SPONSORED
BY PILKINGTON EUROPEAN TECHNICAL CENTRE, LATHOM
An excellent development opportunity is offered by Waterside Training on behalf of Pilkington
Automotive Research and Development based at Lathom, Ormskirk.
A Pilkington Laboratory Technician works as part of a team to provide expert technical
support to Pilkington’s global Building Products and Automotive business lines. Pilkington’s
Building Products and Automotive glass production units are multi-million pound facilities that
run continuously to produce glass 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A considerable level of
technical support is always required to continuously improve product quality and production
efficiency as well as develop innovative new products for the market place.
Specialising in a key area of expertise such as:
• Chemical Analysis
• Offline Coatings product and process development
• Melting Technology
• Refractories and Raw Materials Analysis
• Combustion Engineering and Pollution Monitoring
• Fire Glazing Technology
You will be trained in modern analytical technical support techniques ranging from stress
measurement to process and product development depending on your area of specialism.
You will be based primarily at Pilkington’s purpose built technology centre at Lathom near
Ormskirk and will work between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. On
occasions, you may be required to work outside these hours.
As the technology centre supports Pilkington’s operations worldwide you may, in the future,
be required to work overseas for periods of time to help support particular projects or solve
particular plant / process problems in other countries.
As a specialist you will develop an in depth theoretical knowledge of the scientific discipline
most relevant to your chosen specialism (e.g. chemistry, physics, materials science) and you
should therefore be able to demonstrate having shown a keen interest in science at school
and in pursuing a scientific career.
The personal qualities expected of a Laboratory Technician include: self-motivation as well as
the ability to work effectively as a team member and communicate effectively both verbally
and in writing. Good presentation skills are also important. You will have a genuine interest in
a scientific career and the ability to think logically and respond appropriately to changing
information and tight timescales.
Foundation Training
• NVQ 2 Laboratory Operations
• National Certificate
• Key Skills
• Personal Development
• Product Knowledge
• Glass Technology
• Communication / Information Technology Skills
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Post Foundation
• NVQ 3 Laboratory Operations
• Study towards a National Certificate and HNC
• Key Skills
• Personal Development

SELECTION CRITERIA – THE REQUIREMENTS
• You will have (or hope to achieve) at least 5 GCSE’s at Grade’s A - C in Mathematics, English,
Science plus two other technology based subjects or A Level equivalent.
• You will have a genuine interest in a Scientific, Manufacturing, Engineering or Construction related
career.
• You will be able to demonstrate your communication and teamwork skills.
• Successful applicants are always self-motivated, reliable and prepared to commit
themselves fully to the requirements of this demanding but exciting training opportunity.
SELECTION CRITERIA – THE PROCESS
Application Forms
Initial selection is based on the information you give on the Application Form, therefore, it is important that you
complete the application form fully and give as much information as you can highlighting any previous experiences
that you have had that relate to the apprenticeship you are applying for, i.e. part time jobs, hobbies, clubs or projects
you have carried out that can enhance your application.
Selection Tests
You may be invited to attend a range of aptitude tests and depending on your test results you may be selected for a
first interview.
First Interview
If you are selected for first interview you will be invited to attend an interview at Waterside. This relatively informal
first interview provides you with an opportunity to discuss your application and possible career with members of our
team. Make sure you come prepared for the interview and bring with you your National Record of Achievement.
Final Interview and Site Visit at Sponsoring Company Site
If you are successful and invited to a final interview, you will be asked to attend the sponsoring company site, where
you will be taken on a tour of the factory. You will need to prepare a 5 minute presentation including information on
the sponsoring company, its products, your reasons for applying, your personal qualities and why you are interested
in obtaining an apprenticeship with us. The panel of interviewers will consist of the sponsoring site and Waterside
personnel.
Conditional Offer
After careful consideration, if you are successful you will be offered the opportunity of a Waterside sponsored
apprenticeship. This conditional offer will be given subject to confirmation of GCSE results at Grades A - C, good
references, and passing a pre-employment medical. Waterside will confirm your offer in writing upon these
conditions being satisfactory. A full Apprenticeship Agreement will be signed at a parents evening on
commencement of your apprenticeship by you, Waterside, your parents and a representative from your sponsoring
company.
References and Pre-employment Medical
Waterside will write out to referees given on your application form to confirm your character and suitability upon you
accepting the conditional offer. A pre-employment medical will be arranged during which general health screening
and drug screening will be covered. However, on health and safety grounds it is a requirement that if selected you
are able to differentiate between colours. All applicants will, therefore, be required to undergo an eye test for colour
blindness during a pre-employment medical.
If you are interested in an apprenticeship with Waterside, apply now by
returning your application form.
Waterside Training is an Equal Opportunities employer and welcomes applications from suitably qualified individuals regardless of race,
gender, sexual orientation or disability. All applications are considered on merit and applications from women are encouraged as they are
under represented in this area.
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Waterside Training Limited
Technology Campus, Waterside,
Pocket Nook, St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 1TW.
Telephone: 01744 616837
Email: kkirby@waterside-training.co.uk.
Web: www.waterside-training.co.uk
© Waterside Training Ltd, 2007.
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