Embedded Electronic Systems Design Development Engineer Apprenticeship - Level 6

Cutting edge laboratories

Equipped with advanced 3D printing, plastic electronics, high-performance microcontrollers and design simulation software

Top 10 for student satisfaction

In Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Complete University Guide 2024)

Expert team

Our staff bring research expertise and industry experience

Specialise in the rapidly growing field of embedded electronics where you could be at the forefront of new technologies.

These embedded systems are found in everything from smartwatches and home appliances through to telecommunications and industrial automation. As well as using the microcontrollers and sensors integral to the designs, you will look at real-time applications and the role played by machine learning.

Other areas you’ll cover include engineering maths, digital electronics, circuit design, control system analysis, digital signal processing, advanced communications and power semiconductors. There will also be an in-depth project related to your workplace.

As an apprentice, you will employed by a company and will spend block periods of time on campus, where you will put theory into practice solving real problems.

Our well-equipped facilities include power systems laboratories where you can do testing and development. You will also be creating prototypes and simulated designs using our industry-standard software.

Who is it for?

This apprenticeship is aimed at people who have a background in electrical and electronic engineering.

You could go on to work in a variety of industries, developing the next generation of products. Sectors which rely heavily on embedded systems design and development engineers include aerospace, automotive, automation and instrumentation, robotics, telecommunications, transport and consumer electronics.

We have designed the programme so it takes just three years to complete. Each module involves 52 hours of off-the-job training.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Location: Stoke-on-Trent campus
Duration: Typical duration for this apprenticeship is 3 years.
Start date(s): Typical start date for this course is in October.

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Course content

The programme is made up as follows:

Modules

Year 1 Modules:

Applications of Electrical and Electronic Engineering 1
Engineering Mechanics
Applications of Electrical and Electronic Engineering 2
Engineering Professional Development
Engineering Design and Practice
Engineering Mathematics 1

Year 2 Modules:

Engineering Mathematics 2
Procedures for Product Design
Embedded Systems Programming and Applications
Control Systems Analysis
Circuit Design, Modelling and Manufacture
Digital Electronics: Principles and Applications

Year 3 Modules:

Engineering Project
Power Semiconductors
Real Time Embedded Systems Design and DSP Applications
Advanced Communication Systems
Advanced Digital Electronics

End Point Assessment will follow the completion of all modules.

Entry requirements

Level 2 maths and English (GCSE, functional skills or equivalent)
level 3 or above qualifications in stem based subjects such as physics, ICT, computing, engineering or electronics.

Fees

For levy-paying organisations the cost is paid from their digital account at a rate of £27,000. For non-levy paying organisations the cost is £1,350.

Delivery and assessment

Delivery

The programme is delivered at University of Staffordshire. Apprentices will attend an induction at the beginning of the apprenticeship before the launch of the first modules. There is a four-day module launch for each learning block in October, February and May. The module launch is designed to provide apprentices with an overview of the module and its assessment. There will be a number of presentations, activities and the opportunity to get to know your tutors and other apprentices as well as a tour of the library and other university facilities.

To accommodate wide-ranging learning styles, approaches to teaching will be diverse, including but not limited to technical demonstrations, lectures, seminars, independent research, laboratory assignments and simulation exercises, design work, practical problem-solving tasks, presentations and group critiques.

Assessment

The assessment methods used with the programme are varied, formative and develop the learners' transferable skills as well as their technical ability. Their ability to plan, judge, communicate complex issues, solve problems logically, and develop original solutions, in appraising critically the work of others, and in managing their own learning are all assessed within aspects of the programme. In addition, their technical understanding of the context of their work alongside that of others, their breadth of study, and also the depth of their specialist area of study, are also key to the assessment process.

Assessment methods applied include:

Unseen Examinations/Class Tests
Laboratory Assignments/Practical Work/Logbook Records/Reports
Learning Portfolio
Case Studies
Presentations and Oral Examinations
Problem Solving Exercises
Essay Assignments
Design Tasks
Computer-Based/Simulations Exercises
Poster Displays
Individual Projects, Reports and Graduate Show Presentations
Assessment of Work-Integrated Learning

The range of assessment techniques includes exposure to formal examinations, principally to assess knowledge, understanding, application and closed problem solving. Inclusion of the range of formal examinations at each level ensures that the course adheres to the requirements of the professional accrediting bodies.

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our AccessAbility Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties. You will also have full access to our support services such as Student Guidance.

Feedback

Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Responsibilities

The employer must not ask the apprentice to contribute financially to the direct cost of learning
Ensure apprentices are given a minimum of 6 hours per week in off-the-job training
Enter into a contract with University of Staffordshire
Participate in reviews with the apprentice and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets the needs of the apprentice
Provide apprentices with a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning
Provide the apprentice with paid time to attend off-the-job training, including additional support for English and Maths, or support accessed for learning difficulties and/or disabilities
Recognise that the apprentice must complete the apprenticeship within their working hours
Support the apprentice to gain new skills

A citizen of a country within the European Economic Area (EEA) or have the right of abode in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the EEA for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning
Able to complete the apprenticeship in contracted working hours
Be an employee (have a contract of employment for the duration of the apprenticeship) on the first day of their apprenticeship and be paid at least a wage consistent with the law for both the time they are in work and in off-the-job learning
Be in a new job role (nine months or less), or in an existing job role, where significant new knowledge and skills are needed - employer statement of justification needed (relevant to the apprenticeship)
Be in full-time employment for at least 30 hours a week (37.5 for nursing apprenticeships)
Has the right to work in England
Maintain a safe, healthy and supportive environment, which meets your needs
Not be enrolled on another apprenticeship at the same time
Participate in reviews with the employer and university, providing evidence and feedback on progress at work and success in meeting apprenticeship milestones

Administer the funding and running of the apprenticeship standard to an acceptable standard of quality and in compliance with the ESFAs requirements
Agree jointly between the university, the employer and apprentice, an individual learning plan (ILP) ensuring that satisfactory progress is achieved and to ensure that the contents of the ILP fulfil the requirements of the apprenticeship standard
Provide a safe, healthy and supportive learning environment, which meets the needs of the apprentice
Provide off-the-job learning and assessment and oversee the on-the-job skills development as detailed in the ILP
Provide support on the selection of the endpoint assessor, if applicable. The endpoint assessment will be completed by the learning provider for all integrated degrees

Careers

Examples of industrial sectors that rely heavily on Embedded Systems Design and Development Engineers include Aerospace, Automotive, Automation and Instrumentation, Robotics, Telecommunications, Information and Computer Technology, Defence, Energy (including renewables), Transport and Consumer Electronics.

Facilities

3D Printing Bureau

Book in jobs, pay for prints, collect work and get technical support using our collection of 3D printers. Read more

Available Printers include Mojo, Up Box, Markforged Onyx One, Formlab 3, and Stratasys J55. Print in various materials - resin, metal, carbon fibre and clay! Find out more about our Print Bureau and our 3D printing facilities

Smart Zone

A bustling centre of invention, innovation and creation with two floors of dedicated workshop and collaboration spaces for engineering and creative students. Read more

The Smart Zone fuses state-of-the-art fabrication spaces with augmented and blended reality facilities, allowing you to bring your ideas to life using the latest digital and immersive technologies. Find out more about our Smart Zone.

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Engineering Laboratories

Packed with state-of-the-art software and hardware resources reflecting current trends in the development of engineering subjects.

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Reverse Engineering Laboratory

Our Laboratory contains 3 Dimensional scanning capability, Additive Manufacturing machines featuring PolyJet, FDM, 3DP processes, as well as Laser Engraving ability.

Specialist Laser Cutting

Get access to our Trotec Speedy 400 laser cutter and practice with technology used for industrial manufacturing applications.

Renewable Energy Lab

Use the latest equipment in renewable energy, including Power Systems Lab that provides real-time testing and development facilities for electrical engineering, Thin Film Lab for plastic electronics, our wind tunnel, and our high voltage cage.

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CAD Modelling Labs

Our dedicated CAD studios replicates real practice where you'll have access to excellent drawing and computer facilities including the latest industry-standard software. Read more

Software includes: Rhino, VRED, SolidWorks, Alias, Maya, KeyShot, and Adobe Creative Suite. Find out more about our computer workshops

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Enquire

To join a higher degree apprenticeship programme or recruit an apprentice for your business, enquire with us today.

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