Systems Engineering Masters Apprenticeship Programme DetailedFAQs v0.1 - Feb 2016
Apprentice
General
1.What is SEMAP?
2.Will the apprenticeship be recognised by other defence employers?
3.What qualification will I get?
4.Which qualification should I do?
5.What is the difference between a Post Graduate Certificate, Post Graduate Diploma and a full MSc?
6.What will I be required to do?
7.How long will it take me?
8.What will it cost me?
9.What benefits will I get from completing this apprenticeship?
10.Will I be called an apprentice?
11.Is this apprenticeship accredited by a professional institution?
12.What is and what is the purpose of creating a competency profile?
13.How do I apply for the scheme?
14.Who is eligible for the scheme?
15.What will be assessed in this apprenticeship?
Academic study
16.How much academic study will I be required to do?
17.Can I change which academic qualification I want to achieve mid apprenticeship?
18.How many academic modules will I be required to do?
19.What modules do I have to do?
20.Can I chose when to do modules?
21.What types of assessment will be used?
22.What happens if I fail an academic module?
23.What happens if I want to exit the apprenticeship early?
24.Where will academic modules be delivered?
25.What happens if I am unable to attend a module?
26.When are examinations held?
27.Where are examinations held?
28.When will I get my academic results?
29.Where can I find the terms /semester dates?
30.Can I study a foreign language as part of the apprenticeship?
31.Will I need any special equipment to take the apprenticeship?
32.Who do I contact to find out more about academic study?
33.What happens if I have already obtained a Level 7 degree (for example an MEng), can I incorporate that learning into this academic award?
Vocational Work Assignments
34.What are work assignments?
35.Is there a defined length for a work assignment?
36.How many work assignments will I need to do?
37.Will work assignments be assessed?
38.What will I need to do on each work assignment?
39.Who creates the logbook?
40.Do I have to use a logbook?
41.What information do I have to put into a logbook?
42.What ongoing support will I get?
43.What happens if a work assignment doesn’t meet the learning objectives?
44.Where can I do my work assignments?
45.Who do I contact to find out more about work assignments?
Synoptic End Point Assessment
46.What is the synoptic end point assessment?
47.Who will be assessing me on at synoptic end point assessment?
48.What will I have to do for the synoptic end point assessment?
49.Where will the synoptic end point assessment take place?
50.What is a VIVA presentation and what will I be required to do?
51.What is involved in the portfolio of evidence review?
52.What is involved in the Interview?
53.What happens if I fail the synoptic end point assessment?
54.What is the certificate of completion?
55.Will the apprenticeship as a whole be graded?
56.Where will the synoptic end point assessment be held?
57.Who do I contact to find out more about the synoptic end point assessment?
58.When will I find out the result of the synoptic end point assessment?
59.Who is the assessment organisation?
Employers
General
60.What is the benefit of using apprenticeships?
61.What is different about this apprenticeship to other systems engineering schemes (i.e. an MSc)?
62.Can I publicise our use of the scheme?
63.Why are apprentices required to obtain 120 credits?
64.How long does the apprenticeship take?
65.Does the apprentice have to attend training offsite?
66.Do employers have to provide any training?
67.How do I provide feedback on the scheme?
68.Is this apprenticeship accredited by a professional institution?
69.Who will provide assurance that the apprenticeship is aligned to my business needs?
70.Can the apprentice take an academic break from the apprenticeship?
Finance
71.What are the requirements for obtaining trailblazer funding?
72.What funding bracket has the SFA given this apprenticeship?
73.What employer incentives am I eligible for?
74.Who will I need to pay?
75.How will employer incentives be paid?
76.When will I need to pay?
77.What do employers need to pay?
78.What information will I need to provide for funding purposes?
79.How long will SFA funding be available for?
80.How much will costs increase each year?
81.What is included in the academic costs?
82.Are there any other costs I should be aware of?
83.Is in-house training paid for?
84.Who do I contact to find out more about apprenticeship finances?
85.Are travel and subsistence costs included in the government funding contribution?
Academics and Vocational Work Assignments
86.How long will each apprentice be away from the business to obtain academic tuition?
87.Who pays for the costs of conducting academic tuition?
88.How do I incorporate normal business operations into vocational work assignments?
89.What can be expected from academic mentoring?
90.How will employers interact with academia?
91.What happens if business needs override those of the apprentice?
92.What is the purpose of creating a competency profile?
93.How do I tailor the competency profile to my business?
94.Does the competency profile need to be signed off by anyone?
95.Why is attainment of the entire competency framework not required?
96.The INCOSE Guide to Competency Evaluation defines the evidence requirements for each practitioner level competence. Will each apprentice need to achieve each evidence requirement to pass assessment?
97.How much time will each apprentice require for academic study outside of delivered tuition?
98.What is involved in vocational mentoring?
99.How do we ensure mentors provide consistent advice?
100.Will the apprenticeship include tuition of supporting domain specialisms, for example Project management, procurement, commercial?
101.How do I access training and support material?
102.Can in-house training be incorporate?
103.Can we incorporate academic training from another institution?
104.What will be expected of the lead assessor?
105.How much evidence will need to be provided in the portfolio of evidence?
Synoptic End Point Assessment
106.What is the synoptic end point assessment?
107.What involvement will employers have in the synoptic end point assessment?
108.How do I ascertain if an apprentice is ready for the synoptic end point assessment?
109.How do I prepare an apprentice for the synoptic end point assessment?
110.What involvement will employers have in the VIVA assessment?
111.What involvement will employers have in the Interview?
112.How do we ensure Lead Assessors provide consistent moderation?
113.What is the process to issue a certificate of completion?
114.Who will issue the certificate of completion?
115.What happens when the apprentice has completed their apprenticeship?
116.Who do I contact to find out more about the synoptic end point assessment?
SMEs
117.What happens if I cannot provide a certain type of work experience?
118.What happens if I cannot provide a suitable mentor or assessor?
119.Can I send apprentices on work placements in other employers?
120.Are SMEs treated any differently?
Apprentice
General
1.What is SEMAP?
A: The Systems Engineering Master's Apprenticeship Programme (SEMAP) is a 3-5 year programme of blended vocational and academic learning at Master's level that will develop a rounded systems engineer at INCOSE practitioner level who should also be able to apply for a CEng.
2.Will the apprenticeship be recognised by other defence employers?
A: Many defence employers have been involved in the development and use of this apprenticeship scheme. It is the flagship skills project of the Defence Growth Partnership which incorporates almost all of the defence primes along with a good representation of medium and small enterprises. Those employers involved in the scheme will recognise the scheme and its worth.
3.What qualification will I get?
A: You will obtain one of the following qualifications, depending on the amount of academic study you complete.
- Post Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering (Systems Engineering PG Cert)
- Post Graduate Diploma in Systems Engineering (Systems Engineering PG Dip)
- MSc in Systems Engineering (Systems Engineering MSc)
4.Which qualification should I do?
A: It is up to you as to which academic award you wish to achieve, you will be able to transfer between awards when on the scheme (subject to which modules you have completed and the authorisation of the academic body).120 Academic credits is mandated under the apprenticeship (equivalent to a Post Graduate Diploma). Each apprentice is able to continue their academic study to obtain a full MSc however this additional aspect is outside the scope of the apprenticeship and will not be assessed or contribute towards it.
A Post Graduate Certificate (60 credits) may be obtained when an apprentice has already completed accredited prior systems engineering learning. It is anticipated that few will have enough accredited prior learning (accredited by the lead academic provider) to just obtain a Post Graduate Certificate as part of this apprenticeship.
5.What is the difference between a Post Graduate Certificate, Post Graduate Diploma and a full MSc?
A: The Post graduate Certificate, Post Graduate Diploma and MSc are all different levels of academic award. Each has a level of credits associated with it and depending on how many you successfully complete will depend on what academic award you attain. A Post GraduateCertificate is awarded upon successfully completing 60 credits of level 7 academic study, a Post Graduate Diploma after 120 credits of level 7 academic study and an MSc after 200 credits.
6.What will I be required to do?
A: As with any apprenticeship scheme, you will be required to undertake modules of academic study and then demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours learnt on live projects and work placements. The aim of the apprenticeship is to attain Practitioner Level understanding (defined by the INCOSE competency Framework).
You will be required to complete this academic study, use and develop learning outcomes and record your progressive development through these work placements. At the end of the apprenticeship you will have to prepare and submit your evidence and further demonstrate your learning.
7.How long will it take me?
A: It will depend on what academic award you opt to do and how much prior experience you have. The outcome of the apprenticeship is to achieve practitioner level skills and understanding. Typically this may take between one and five years.The flexibility around timescales enables you to learn at your own rate and fit in tuition around your normal work in your employer.
8.What will it cost me?
A: Nothing, your employer, subsidised by a Government contribution will pay for your academic tuition. Travel and accommodation will be paid in line with your employer’s policy. Vocational work placements or projects within your own or another employer, will incur no cost to you.
9.What benefits will I get from completing this apprenticeship?
A: You will obtain a recognised academic award from one of the leading systems engineering institutions in the UK, which is recognised and endorsed by INCOSE, other employers. The structured nature of the apprenticeship also leads itself towards an apprentice acquiring and recording the necessary evidence required for professional registration.
10.Will I be called an apprentice?
A: In formal literature you will likely be referred to as an apprentice. This is just to comply with the guidelines for the scheme.
Academics will refer to apprentices as students. Employers can refer to apprentices with any applicable term if required.
11.Is this apprenticeship accredited by a professional institution?
A:The apprenticeship as a whole (Academic and Vocational) is not accredited by a professional institution.
Individual academic modules (and the whole academic offering) offered under this apprenticeship has been accredited and would be valid for any professional registration application. Please consult the academics literature for more information.
The structure and learning objectives of the scheme have however been endorsed by INCOSE UK.
12.What is and what is the purpose of creating a competency profile?
A: It is understood that at times, an apprentice may be required to conduct work not relating to SEMAP for other business reasons. Given the flexibility in the scheme it is hoped that this will not adversely affect the apprentices learning.
Where disruptions or a change in business needs occur over long periods, or impact academic delivery dates, employers are encouraged to advise the lead provider (if one is contracted) and the academic provider at the earliest opportunities.
13.How do I apply for the scheme?
A: Please see the apply page on the SEMAP website.
14.Who is eligible for the scheme?
A: Eligibility rules are listed in the latest version of the trailblazer funding guidance. Annex 1 – ‘apprentice eligibility for funding’ defines the rules for apprentices. The latest version of the trailblazer funding rules document can be download from the .GOV website.
15.What will be assessed in this apprenticeship?
A: Your skills, knowledge and behaviours will be assessed against the criteria defined in the Standard for this apprenticeship. This will primarily be the INCOSE Competency Framework practitioner level standard, alongside other employer requirements and domain specialisms.
Your employer may also add additional criteria which you may be assessed against.
Academic study
16.How much academic study will I be required to do?
A: A typical apprentice on SEMAP will be required to obtain a Post Graduate Diploma in Systems Engineering (PG Dip) which is equal to 120 credits of framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FEHQ) level 7 learning.
17.Can I change which academic qualification I want to achieve mid apprenticeship?
A: You may be able to yes. Please consult with the lead academic provider to discuss this further.
18.How many academic modules will I be required to do?
A: This will depend on which academic award you want to complete.
To obtain a Post Graduate Certificate you will need to complete 40 credits of core modules and 20 credits of elective modules
To obtain a Post Graduate Diploma you will need to complete 70 credits of core modules and 50 credits of elective modules
To obtain an MSc you will need to complete 70 credits of core modules, 50 credits of elective modules and a thesis.
19.What modules do I have to do?
A: There are a number of core modules which you will be expected to complete (70 credits for a Post Graduate Diploma). These must be taken. There will also be the opportunity to complete 50 credits (or more if desired) of elective modules. These are selected by the apprentice and cover a range of topics. A list of elective modules is listed on the SEMAP website (Academic Structure page).
If you identify a module you would like to undertake which is not listed, please consult with the academic provider.
20.Can I chose when to do modules?
A: Yes, it is up to you as to when you conduct each module. Each module will typically be run twice a year. Academic institutions will provide guidance on module selection as some may fall in logical order.
Please note where prerequisites for modules exist, they must be complied with. Modules may also only be available subject to availability.
21.What types of assessment will be used?
A: Academic modules may be assessed using a combination of assignment, group assessments, presentations and examinations, which will encourage reflection and application in context, using case study examples.
Formal assessments, such as essay assignments, practical assignments, or dissertation style research may be carried out in the apprentice’s own organisation. Written and oral examinations, problem solving exercises and presentations may require the apprentice to be assessed at the academic institution’s site.
Reviews of your recorded evidence will be made throughout the apprenticeship.
22.What happens if I fail an academic module?
A:If you fail a module you will likely be given the opportunity to re-sit the module or appeal the assessment. Appeals must be made in accordance with the academic institutions guidance. Failed modules may also limit the score you can obtain in any re-sit examination. Again this will be detailed within the academic institutions guidance.
Any modules failed, will not contribute to the credit requirements for this apprenticeship.
23.What happens if I want to exit the apprenticeship early?
A: You will be able to exit the scheme at any point if you wish. All outstanding costs must be paid by your Employer. If you have successfully completed the necessary credits for a PG Cert or PG Dip, and meet the academic requirements of the institution you will be awarded the qualification.
Please discuss this matter with your Employer Mentor or Academic Mentor.
24.Where will academic modules be delivered?
A: Academic modules will be delivered by the academic institutions providing them. A list of modules and their delivery locations can be found on the SEMAP website.
25.What happens if I am unable to attend a module?
A: If known in advance please notify the academic institution at the earliest point, they will then provide you with the options of when the module is next available.
If you are unable to attend and notify the academic institution shortly before a module commences, your employer may be charged.
26.When are examinations held?
A:This depends on the academic institution, the module and the type of assessment.Please consult the module specification to find out more.Exact dates will be available from the academic institution.
27.Where are examinations held?
A:Academic assessment will be made at the academic institution for assignments, group assignments, presentations and general examinations. Essays, some practical assignments and dissertation style assessments may be carried out remotely.
28.When will I get my academic results?
A: This will vary by academic institution.Individual module results are typically made available to students after marking and moderation has been made.
29.Where can I find the terms /semester dates?
A: Term/Semester dates can be found on the academic provider’s website.
30.Can I study a foreign language as part of the apprenticeship?
A: No. It is not part of the requirement for systems engineering.
31.Will I need any special equipment to take the apprenticeship?
A: It is not likely that any special equipment will be required.
Any equipment required for vocational working, for example personal protective equipment will be provided to you by your employer (unless this is not their policy).