Electrical, Instrumentation & Control Engineering Apprenticeship
About the role
You will learn how to produce and maintain essential project documentation, including:
- Instrument datasheets
- Engineering requisitions
- Instrument schedules
- Cable block diagrams
- Instrument hook-up drawings
- Other project design documents based on technical specifications
Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll develop the technical and professional skills needed to contribute to engineering design work with increasing independence.
Working week
8:30am - 5:30pm (Monday to Thursday, includes a 45 minute lunch break). 8:30am - 3:00pm (Friday includes a 30 minute lunchbreak).
Skills
Required qualifications
Training & development
The apprentice will train through a combination of workplace learning and academic study. They will develop practical skills and knowledge by working on real engineering projects with their employer, supported by experienced engineers. This hands-on experience is complemented by structured academic learning.
Delivery at College/Workshop/Classroom:
- Year 1: Foundation Degree Level 4 (1 day per week) plus Foundation Competence Level 2 (2–3 days per week) - 3 days total per week
- Year 2: Foundation Degree Level 5 (1 day per week)
- Years 3 and 4: Top-up degree delivered at Birmingham City University (1 day per week)
Workplace Learning:
Alongside academic study, the apprentice will gain practical experience by working on real engineering projects within the workplace, supported by experienced engineers.
Delivery Method:
- Years 1 and 2: Block and day release at James Watt College
- Years 3 and 4: Day release at Birmingham City University
- Ongoing workplace learning with employer
This blended approach ensures the apprentice gains both valuable industry experience and a strong theoretical understanding of control systems engineering, progressing from foundation level to a top-up degree.
After completing the Level 6 Control Systems Engineer apprenticeship, apprentices can progress to roles such as Control Systems Engineer, Project Engineer, or Automation Engineer. With further experience, they may advance to senior engineering, project management, or specialist technical roles within the engineering sector. There are also opportunities for further study or professional registration, such as working towards Chartered Engineer status.
Company benefits
- 25 days holiday + an additional day paid leave for Birthday
- Company pension
- Life insurance
- Sick pay
- Health cover with discount benefits
- Flexible working hours
Things to consider
Applicants must be willing and able to travel to both James Watt College and the place of employment in Halesowen as required.
About BIRWELCO LIMITED
Birwelco Ltd is a leading engineering company specialising in the design, manufacture, and installation of process plant and equipment for the energy and industrial sectors. Birwelco, based in Halesowen, is our design office. As a Carbon Negative business since 2020, we understand the importance of businesses like ours coming together to fight against climate change. With expertise in flares, heaters, and a wide scope of engineering design work, Birwelco is renowned for its design expertise and as the creator of the Sonajet Flare Design. We deliver projects both in the UK and internationally, supporting clients with expert engineering solutions and a commitment to safety and excellence.