Largest number of apprentices lead way in new training standard

One of HETA's apprentices undergoing some training.

THE Humberside Engineering Training Association (HETA) has welcomed the Humber region’s largest cohort of apprentices on to the new Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician (MOET) standard. This represents a fundamental step forward in how engineering apprenticeships are delivered.

Previously, apprentices – regardless of their chosen trade – would follow a similar pathway, constrained by the frameworks surrounding the set qualifications required. However, the MOET standard enables companies to define apprenticeships that are more specifically tailored to their industry, roles and desired outcomes for the apprentices they sponsor.

HETA apprentices will therefore benefit from training that is more closely aligned with the sector related to their placement. The length of apprenticeship programmes will remain approximately three years in duration. However, apprentices will now qualify following an ‘end point assessment’ conducted by an independent organisation.

“MOET is probably the most flexible of the engineering standards,” says HETA’s Operations Manager Matt Gardner. “It is almost a blank book for companies to set up their own training programme, which also makes it highly transferrable. We train across sectors as diverse as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, food and drink, power generation and so on. However, we are seeing that MOET suits most engineering- and maintenance-type roles in any industry.”

HETA worked in close collaboration with each of the companies it is delivering the MOET standard through, to define priorities and construct a suitable programme. As with any new standard, this is an ongoing process to ensure that it is meeting industry needs and HETA is delivering the best outcomes for its apprentices. As such, it enables HETA to provide an even more comprehensive service to the 350 companies it supports locally and nationally across its three locations.  

HETA’s Chief Executive Iain Elliott concludes: “We strongly recognise the need to invest in the progressive development and training of our young engineers, and the introduction of the new MOET standard is central to this. HETA has been at the forefront in responding to the changes in the way apprenticeships are delivered”

“Since the new standard was launched, HETA’s team has worked tirelessly with industry to define the new programmes and we are committed to their continuous development. Through this, we will continue to lead the way in the delivery of industry-relevant apprenticeships.”

Find out more about the opportunities available at HETA at one of its open evenings or taster days: https://www.heta.co.uk/apprenticeships/key-dates-open-days