MEGA DEGREE PROGRAMME

Launch your Engineering career with a world class manufacturer

Course Type
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Level / Qualification
Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering – BEng (Hons)
Course Duration
Four Years
University / College Campus
Magee
Start Date
Each September

MEGA Degree Apprenticeship in Manufacturing & Engineering

Our MEGA (Manufacturing & Engineering Growth & Advancement) Programme offers young people an exceptional opportunity to earn a fully funded degree in Manufacturing and Engineering with one of Ireland’s leading manufacturing companies.

Apprentices will gain an abundance of real-time industry experience and acquire relevant training and skills through the programme, which has been created with industry needs at its epicentre, resulting in relevant, highly skilled apprentices.

What does the Role Entail?

Whilst working across our world class manufacturing plants, you will gain hands on experience in some of the most advanced technology and benefit from the support of a highly experienced, dedicated mentor.

You will be instrumental in assisting the company to develop and implement strategic plans and embrace advancing technologies, including emerging renewable technologies. You will gain exposure to a range of innovative, industry leading decarbonisation projects and programmes as we take on the challenge to decarbonise one of the most carbon intensive manufacturing processes in the world.

Working as an Engineering Apprentice, you will gain experience in the following areas in line with your academic studies:

  • Robotics

    In this area you will encompass the development and improvement of autonomous devices, robots, and work on our electro-mechanical systems.

  • Automation

    You will be involved in the application of machines and look at strategies to improve the efficiency of tasks through the integration of software and equipment into the existing systems.

  • Digitisation

    The impact of digitisation on all aspects of engineering is rapidly increasing. New digital technologies and methods are changing the engineering processes in planning, design and process improvements. You will review our existing systems and processes and recommend and support the introduction of new and improved methods whilst working alongside experienced engineers.

  • Renewable Energy

    You will learn about a range of renewable energy options and become involved in a number of exciting projects currently underway at Mannok aimed at reducing our carbon footprint.

  • Materials for Engineering

    You will gain an understanding of a range of engineering materials, their properties and densities that you will work with on a regular basis.

The Degree

As part of the Programme, you will be enrolled in the BEng (Hons) Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering course through Ulster University, Magee campus. This part-time Higher Level Apprenticeship is run over four years, and includes a combination of study at university and full time employment in the work place.

You will cover modules such as Manufacturing Processes, Maths for Engineering, Design and CAD, Statistics and Renewable Energy and Manufacturing Technology, which will be aligned to workplace activities.

More information on this Degree Apprenticeship Course can be found here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get paid?

Yes – You will earn a base starting salary of £15,000 per year, with the opportunity to earn up to an additional 10% bonus. Your salary will be reviewed and incremented based on your performance throughout the programme.

Have I any fees to pay?

No – The Department of Economy will fund the cost of the university fees based on full class attendance and successful completion and pass of all modules each semester.

How many hours am I expected to work?

Apprentices will attend site 5 days per week when they are not scheduled to attend University. Contractual hours are Monday – Thursday  8.00am to 5.30pm and Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm with paid leave (as applicable) to attend University.

What type of work will I be doing?

On commencement of the Apprenticeship, the work activity in Mannok will, where possible, mirror the course content being delivered each semester. Activity will help build a good understanding of basic engineering principles and will involve working alongside experienced engineers on significant projects.

Where will I be working?

You will be based in one of our large world class manufacturing facilities between Derrylin, Co. Fermanagh, and Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan.

Am I entitled to holidays?

Yes – As with any other employee, Apprentices will be entitled to 30 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays.

What happens after the 4 years?

On successful completion of the degree, Apprentices will be invited to join the graduate programme in Mannok.

What happens if I decide it’s not for me?

One of the requirements from the Department of Economy is the successful completion of the degree programme. Failure to pass the programme may result in all fees having to be paid back by the Apprentice.

What are the Entry Requirements?

Entry requirements for the course are set by Ulster University, they are as follows;

A level grades BBB to include ONE from GCE A Level Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technology and Design, Design and Technology, Double Award Life and Health Sciences, Double Award Science/Applied Science, Engineering, or Electronics.

OR

BTEC level 3 in a relevant discipline 

OR

Combination of A level / BTEC grades.

PLUS

Applicants must have at least a grade C in GCSE Mathematics and English Language or equivalent.

For other criteria or alternative qualifications see the full entry requirements here.

What support will I receive?

All Apprentices will be assigned a dedicated mentor who will track your progress and guide and support you throughout the programme. You will also be supported by other team members and your line manager.

  • Why Work with Mannok
  • Benefits & Rewards
  • Professional Development
  • Wellbeing
  • Why Work with Mannok

    Why Work with Mannok

    At Mannok, we value the strength, skill and ingenuity of our workforce and we're committed to continual development and investment in our people to support every employee to achieve their career goals.

    We have a diverse culture, reflected not only in our business functions, but also in our people. A career with Mannok means joining a team that puts people at its core, whether it be customers, partners or employees. We offer significant development opportunities through a wide and varied range of roles and actively seek out potential.

    Mannok is an industry leader, with over 830 employees and almost 50 years of manufacturing history, supplying quality products to some of the construction and food packaging industries’ largest organisations.

    Sustainability sits at the heart of our values, as outlined in our 2030 Vision. We have ambitious targets which will see us transform from a carbon intensive business to a more sustainable pathway. In order to achieve our sustainability goals, we will rely on the commitment and support of every employee and seek to recruit those with shared values. We have built our vision on three core pillars of People, Planet and Partners, each of which are essential to the long-term success of our organisation, ensuring we continue to make a substantial contribution to the economic, social and environmental sustainability of this region for the next and future generations.

  • Benefits & Rewards

    Benefits & Rewards

    We value our people and give recognition for personal success, drive, commitment and determination. We understand that rewards are more than pay and performance related bonuses, so we have a variety of benefits to cater for the diverse needs of our people, these benefits include:

    • Attractive performance related pay scheme with annual salary review
    • Pension scheme
    • Life Assurance scheme
    • Sponsorship for professional qualifications / study leave
    • Enhanced company sick scheme
    • 30 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
    • Incremental holiday allowance increase for long-term service
    • Skills Development Programme with structured career pathways linked to salary increments, rewarding multi-skilled personnel
    • Social Club
    • Discount on company products
    • Health & Wellbeing Programme
  • Professional Development

    Continuous Professional Development

    A career with Mannok offers a range of opportunities to continue learning and professional development, both internally as part of your role, and through our numerous educational and professional development partnerships.

    SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

    We are changing how we develop, measure, and recognise levels of skills and competency in our business through the extension of our award-winning Skills Development Programme to every employee to enable all staff to become up-skilled and cross-skilled.

    The Programme will provide every employee with a structured development pathway and the necessary training materials to support their progression. Progress is linked to salary increases, ensuring our employees are financially rewarded for their skills and experience and are supported and encouraged to achieve their career goals.

    PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

    At Mannok, we enable and encourage employees to progress their careers with recognised courses and qualifications in a wide range of disciplines through our range of development partnerships with some of the country’s leading educational and professional bodies. Employees have the opportunity to gain degree level qualifications and go on to become chartered in their relevant role.

  • Wellbeing

    Wellbeing & Resilience

    Here at Mannok, we recognise the importance of looking after our employees’ mental health and wellbeing, and that our duty of care goes beyond ensuring physical safety.

    We aim to create a diverse and inclusive workplace, enhance the mental and physical wellbeing of every Mannok team member and provide support to help sustain our people and build resilience into our business systems.

    We have established a partnership with local mental health charity, AWARE, and introduced a new Mental Health Charter to outline our commitment to the mental wellbeing of our employees. We have trained mental health first aiders across our business and all managers receive mental health training.

    Activities and advice on looking after your mental wellbeing are actively promoted through our internal communication channels and we provide signposting to support services available. Our digital employee health and wellbeing portal provides access to health, fitness and mindfulness classes and multiple resources to enable a tailored wellbeing platform for every Mannok team member.