Structure

We generally select our apprentices to attend a local College and a recently established academy run by Engineering Trust Training Ltd.

We work in partnership with Engineering Trust Training Ltd who will work between the college and Norbar to ensure that the right standards are selected and monitored.

For a typical Skilled Machining type role...

Year 1

4 days at college studying Advanced Manufacturing (Foundation Competence) basic practical skills training

1 day a week studying Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge)

Year 2

1 day a week studying Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge)

4 days a week in Company following an internal training plan

NB. For Machining roles the apprentice will undertake a Level 3 Machinist Knowledge Qualification

Year 3 and 4

You will spend the remainder of your time in the Company following your training plan.

It may be possible, depending on the Company’s needs to follow further education such as an HNC or Foundation degree.

NB. This will vary depending on the end job role

Management and Support

Not only will you be fully supported by our experienced staff, you will have the ongoing support of an Engineering Trust Training Ltd Training Officer who will monitor your progress every 4-6 weeks. They are there to ensure there is a successful and timely completion.

Both Norbar and Engineering Trust Training Ltd will be on hand to answer your queries and resolve your questions.

General Information

Entry requirements: - Numeric grades of at least 5 and above including Maths, English and a Science.

College holidays: - You will be expected to come back into Norbar during Christmas, Easter and half-terms or take some annual leave.

Communication: - You will be expected to maintain regular contact with the HR Department to discuss progress and expenses. You will also be expected to regularly communicate with The Engineering Trust and your Training Officer.

Expenses: - Norbar will reimburse mileage expenses or train fares. Up to £300 will be offered to support a suitable lap top. Books and other writing equipment will not be reimbursed.
 

Terms and Conditions

Whilst in Company, the general hours of work will be 7.30am – 4.30pm Monday – Thursday with a 30-minute unpaid break for lunch and 7.30am – 12 midday on a Friday.

Whilst at college you will be expected to attend the college for the hours required to successfully achieve your apprenticeship.

You will be automatically enrolled into Norbar’s pension scheme (if eligible) after 3 months’ service. The standard contribution is 5% or 6% which is matched by the Company with an additional ½%. You can also choose a salary sacrifice option.

Free life assurance of 3 times your basic salary is also available, as is a Profit Share plan.

Current salary rates (Pay Award Pending)

• Year 1 - £8.53 per hour (c £17,077 per annum approx)
• Year 2 - £10.14 per hour (c £20,300 per annum approx)
• Year 3 – Training rate of end role
• Year 4 – Training rate of end role

How to Apply

We will be taking apprentice applications between February and the end of April each year. After this point we may not be able to consider your application.

You should go to the Engineering Trust Training Ltd website and complete the on-line application form.

Engineering Trust Training Ltd will undertake the initial assessments and short list candidates that meet our requirements and specification.

Applications will then be forwarded to Norbar and we will undertake a number of interviews and if necessary arrange a selection process which will allow you to meet others, spend time on the shop floor and undertake Norbar specific tests.

Job offers will be made by Norbar with the view that the successful candidate(s) work for us for at least 4 weeks during the summer months prior to attending The Engineering Trust Academy based in Bicester in the September.

This will offer you a broader understanding of what Norbar does to allow an easier application of theory.

What Our Apprentices Say

 

Overview

Amy

Thomas R

Thomas J

Career Paths

Darren Smithson

Darren started a 4 year Advanced Modern Apprenticeship with Norbar in 2002. During this time Darren completed a PEO level 2, National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, NVQ3 in Manufacturing and a HNC in Mechanical Engineering.

In 2006 Darren became a CNC machine setter and worked his way up to become a Tooling Engineer in 2009. Today Darren continues to work at Norbar as a Production Engineer. Read more...

Dereck Bell

Dereck began his 4 year modern apprenticeship on Manufacturing & Design Engineering back in 1996.

During his apprenticeship Dereck gained a NVQ Level 2 in General Engineering, a National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, a Higher National Certificate in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, NVQ Level 2 and 3 in Technical Services, NVQ Level 3 in Engineering Machining and was awarded ‘Oxfordshire Apprentice of the Year’ in 1998.

After completing his apprenticeship Dereck became a Mechanical Zone Engineer providing manufacturing and engineering support by designing tooling for use with existing processes. In 2007 Dereck achieved an NVQ Level 4 in Engineering Management.

Since 2012 Dereck has worked as a Design Engineer within the Torque Wrench process focusing on design and development of specialist small torque tools. Dereck has recently started to make the transition from Design Engineer to Technical Shift Manager whilst retaining Engineering authority within the thriving torque wrench process. Read more...

Steve Lawson

Steve joined Norbar in 1996 on a Mechanical apprenticeship after completing his GCSE's.

During his apprenticeship Steve gained a ONC and HNC in Mechanical Design togther with a NVQ Level 3 in Engineering.

After his apprenticeship Steve was offered a grade 3 Design Engineer role and after 2 years was promoted to grade 2 Design Engineer where Steve became more involved in in the design of complex products and project work. Steve is now a Grade 1 Design Engineer and looks forward to continuing his long and rewarding career at Norbar.Read more...

Howard

Howard joined Norbar as an Electronics Apprentice in September 1988 and successfully completed his 4-year apprenticeship in 1992.

He was offered a position as Electronics Technician and in 1995 was promoted to Electronics Chargehand. Again in 1998 he was promoted to Electronics Production Manager.

As of 2017, he is now Head of Operations responsible for the Manufacturing and Assembly areas of the company. As part of this role he is involved in a Systems Integration Team whose main objective is to understand information processing and computer based systems within the Company, driving improvement and information technology. Read more...