Responsibilities
Xtrac is the World’s leading supplier of high-performance transmissions for top level professional Motorsport and High-Performance Automotive applications. With its Headquarters in Thatcham, Xtrac designs, manufactures and assembles all of its transmissions in-house using the very latest design and analysis tools, and state of the art machining.
For 2021, Xtrac are offering their Princess Royal Training award winning apprenticeship programme which follows an IfATE approved Level 2 intermediate Apprenticeship in Manufacturing Engineering. The duration of the apprenticeship is 18 months and the programme will combine practical on the job training with attendance at Newbury College 1 day a week (term-time).
Xtrac’s Apprentice Manager supports each Apprentice for the entire duration of the programme, starting with making sure the transition into Xtrac and full-time employment is as easy as possible.
Level 2 Apprenticeship:
After a formal induction into the company, the apprentice spends the duration of their programme experiencing and learning aspects of Machining.
Day to day duties will include:
- Setting up and operating a range of manual and CNC machines for different processes
- Competently inspecting parts manufactured
- Collecting and writing up evidence relevant to apprenticeship requirements
- Observing Health and Safety rules at all times
- Following the company quality procedures
College studies take place locally at Newbury College with study work focused on achieving City & Guilds level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Knowledge). The ultimate goal is to achieve a Level 2 work-based Foundation qualification, City & Guilds L2 in Engineering Operations (Skills) and to secure permanent employment with Xtrac.
Following successful completion of the apprenticeship there will be a long-term opportunity for dedicated individuals to continue their development with Xtrac.
Xtrac’s apprenticeship programmes offer a genuine route into a career and they are proud to have 85% of their previous apprentices still at Xtrac as highly valued technicians and professional engineers.
Please apply via the Xtrac website to upload your CV: https://www.xtrac.com/vacancy/2021-apprenticeship/
The selection process will take place during March/April 2021 and will include an initial aptitude test, first and second interviews.
Future Prospects
Past apprentices are now fully skilled CNC machinists, Gearbox Assemblers, Tooling Engineers, Quality and Process Engineers.
Reality Check
The Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage guide (ANMW): https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates
Skills Required
- Mechanical aptitude
- Interest in motorsport
- Practical experience of cars/motorsport, which may be gained from work experience
Qualities Required
Willingness to learn.
Qualifications Required
4 GCSE passes at Grade 3 and above, to include the following subjects: maths, English, Physics, Chemistry, Technologies, Engineering, Graphics or Resistant Materials.
A Mechanical bias is a real advantage, as is an interest in Motorsport and practical experience of cars/Motorsports, which may be gained from work experience.
Training Provided
Workplace training will be provided to achieve all aspects of the role requirements. On-going support will be offered by your employer mentor and Newbury College Assessor to achieve all elements of your Apprenticeship through on-programme learning.
Off-the-job training, during normal working hours, will make up at least 20% of the apprenticeship and will help reinforce the teaching of new knowledge, skills and behaviours. As an apprentice, you will develop and maintain a portfolio of work in preparation for your ‘End Point Assessment’.
The Apprenticeship will include:
- Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Skills & Knowledge)
- Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour
- Level 1 English and maths (if required) prior to taking end point assessment
