PaMPITO has the following types of nationally
recognised training programmes available:
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship programmes usually consist of several qualifications combined together so that the apprentice can develop the broad range of skills required for a specific trade or role. A Plastics Technician, for example, learns his/her trade through an apprenticeship which is made up of three National Certificates in Plastics Processing Technology (Technical) Levels 2, 3 & 4.
There are two types of apprenticeship programmes:
General Apprenticeships for those over 21 years old. They recognise the skills you have already developed through your work as well as developing new ones.
Modern Apprenticeships for 16-21 year olds. These programmes are a great way of learning skills whilst earning money.
Apprenticeships generally last from 3-4 years with both the employer and employee making a commitment to undertake on-job training activities, some courses and some self-paced learning.
Apprenticeships can also be achieved by taking on one level of learning at a time.
Plastics Processing Apprenticeship
Who should do this programme?
If you want to become a Plastics Technician, Die Setter, or have a similar role where you set up and maintain plastics production processes, you will need to undertake an
apprenticeship in plastics processing technology.
What you will learn
This apprenticeship covers three National Certificates in Plastics Processing Technology (Technical) levels 2, 3 & 4. Participants can select a specific strand based on the plastics production process they wish to apply their apprenticeship to.
At level 2 you will be introduced to basic engineering skills and principles; you will learn how to use engineering tools safely and you will be able to operate simple production processes under supervision. At level 3 you will develop these skills
further to be able to work without supervision. At level 4 leadership skills and the ability to undertake production trials are developed.
How to achieve this programme
The Plastics Processing Technology Apprenticeship typically takes at least 3 years to complete. Most of the learning is undertaken on-job with the support of a coach/mentor and an assessor. All of the on-job components are supported by workbooks, which help you focus on the tasks you need to perform to gain the necessary skills.
There are also one or two short courses to attend at each level, which cover the skills you need that you can’t learn from your day to day work.
Plastics Tools Maintenance Apprenticeship
Who should do this programme?
If you want to work with tools and moulds or become a toolmaker within the plastics industry this apprenticeship will provide you with the mix of machining skills and understanding of plastics materials and processes.
What you will learn
This apprenticeship includes three National Certificates in Plastics Processing Technology (Technical) levels 2, 3 & 4 and a significant emphasis on machining, tool making principles, hydraulics and pneumatics. At level 2 drilling, turning and milling skills will be developed in a workshop setting. At level 3 hydraulics and pneumatics will be introduced and at level 4 machining skills will be further developed for a modern manufacturing environment.
How to achieve this programme
The plastics tool maintenance apprenticeship can be done in three distinct stages. Most of the skills are developed on-job with some short courses and practical workshop sessions. All of the on-job components are supported by workbooks. Short courses and workshops sessions are held at key times during each stage of the programme. Typically it takes 3 - 4 years to complete.
Distribution Apprenticeship
Who should do this programme?
People who seek a career in a distribution facility to become a Warehouse or Logistics Manager would benefit from undertaking a distribution apprenticeship.
What you will learn
Starting with the basic skills to ensure safe and effective operations you will learn best practice principles of stock control, customer responsiveness, team leadership,
organising and planning for a distribution facility.
How to achieve this programme
The apprenticeship comprises of three national certificates at level 2, 3 & 4, each taking up to a year to complete. At levels 2 and 3 apprentices learn skills on-job with the support of an external trainer who comes into the workplace to train and assess. At level 4 participants are also required to attend some off-job courses.
Glass Container Manufacturing Apprenticeship
Who should do this programme?
People who seek a career in a glass manufacturing plant to become a Production Manager or Glass Processing Specialist would benefit from undertaking this apprenticeship.
What you will learn
The apprenticeship programme takes 3 - 4 years to complete. At level 2 you will systematically develop specialised glass container manufacturing and related engineering skills and knowledge, such as measurement, selection and use of hand
tools, safe working practices, and basic engineering drawing and design.
At level 3 a broad range of engineering and glass container manufacturing skills and knowledge are developed. Skills include glass container quality analysis, safe processing skills, equipment, and production knowledge. You will develop skills to be able to work under limited supervision. In addition interpersonal skills are developed.
At level 4 further technical expertise is developed so you can take on responsibility for activities related to processing, equipment and production. You will become either a forming specialist or a furnace process engineer. You will also develop significant supervision and quality assurance skills and knowledge.
How to achieve this programme
This apprenticeship is learned on-job with the support of internal and external trainers. Off-job courses are also required, particularly at the higher levels.
Training Map
PaMPITO has developed a training map to assist employees in their career planning. It shows the programmes and qualifications you need to study to be able to undertake certain jobs. The starting point is in the centre of the map with the development of foundation skills. Safety skills are also at the heart of training. Once these skill sets are in place, employees can move out from the lower levels and select the disciplines they wish to follow. View PaMPITO's Training Map here.
Traineeships
All other types of training programmes are traineeships. Trainees generally undertake shorter term training than apprentices. Usually they still complete nationally recognised qualifications, or they may select to do smaller sets of unit standards that may be used as pathways to national qualifications.
National Certificates and Diplomas
Trainees work towards single qualifications, such as a National Certificate or a National Diploma to build skills in a particular area.
For example, the National Certificate in Business [First Line Management] level 3 is an ideal programme for supervisors and team leaders to develop the skills they need to lead a team. They may then choose to go on to the level 4 National Certificate in Business [First Line Management] to further develop their skills.
Limited Credit Programmes (LCPs)
In addition to whole qualification programmes PaMPITO also offers selections of unit standards, grouped together to address specific skill needs. These programmes could be called ‘mini-qualifications’. They are usually half or part of a National Certificate. They are a great stepping stone for trainees embarking on a qualification and they have been developed so that specific skill areas can be learned as necessary.
For example there’s a LCP in Competitive Manufacturing which takes you about half way towards the whole qualification, allowing you to learn specific ‘lean’ concepts, such as 5S or Just in Time (JIT) in a way that suits you and your company.
To find out about PaMPITO’s apprenticeship programmes click on the links below.
