At Mawdsleys BER, we have a long, proud history of investing in the next generation of British engineering talent. There is nothing quite as rewarding as seeing that investment pay off in spectacular fashion.
Today, we are absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news about our mechanical apprentice, Toby.
Toby has officially completed his Level 3 Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician (MOET) apprenticeship (specialising in the mechanical pathway). Not only did he pass, but he achieved maximum points—a flawless 25.5/25.5—earning a well-deserved Distinction across every single phase of his final End Point Assessment (EPA).
To secure a perfect score on a rigorous City & Guilds assessment is a phenomenal achievement. Here is a look behind the scenes at what it takes to reach the very top of the engineering apprentice ranks.
The Road to 25.5/25.5: What the Apprenticeship Looks Like
Toby’s journey spans roughly three years of highly structured, demanding work divided between academic theory and hands-on, in-workshop application.
Year 1: Balancing Classroom & Workshop
Toby spent two days a week at the City of Bristol College AEC Parkway. Tuesdays and Thursdays were split between intensive technical theory and practical workshop sessions—a schedule that perfectly bridged the gap between the classroom and our own workshop floor in Bristol.
Year 2: Academic Specialisation
College time shifted to one day a week (Thursdays), focusing strictly on high-level theory, while the rest of the week was spent handling real-world motor repairs and engineering projects with us.
Year 3: Fully Immersed at Mawdsleys BER
His final year was based 100% in our workshop, logging a mandatory minimum of 6 hours per week of “Off the Job” hours to document new skills, and working side-by-side with our experienced team to prepare for his final assessments.
Hand Tools to Heavy Machinery
The sheer breadth of knowledge Toby has mastered over these three years is a testament to his dedication:
Practical Mastery: From hand-fabricating precise G-clamps and bevel gauges using bench-fitting hand tools, to stripping and surveying complex industrial gearboxes, pumps, and belt/pulley systems.
Engineering Theory: Toby excelled in highly technical modules, including mechanical principles, engineering mathematics, electrical design, CAD/engineering drawing, and project presentations.
The Ultimate Test: The End Point Assessment (EPA)
The culmination of Toby’s apprenticeship was the City & Guilds End Point Assessment—a multi-stage evaluation designed to test the absolute limits of an apprentice’s knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours.
To achieve his perfect 25.5/25.5 score, Toby had to excel in three distinct areas:
1. The Knowledge Exam
A rigorous online test covering the core principles of maintenance engineering.
2. The Practical Observation
A City & Guilds representative spent a full day in our Bristol workshop watching Toby work. Ever the proactive engineer, Toby prepped and structured his workstation ahead of time to make sure he could demonstrate a wide variety of key tasks under the examiner’s watchful eye.
3. The Technical Interview
An intensive online panel interview with two City & Guilds assessors. The discussion centered on four detailed project write-ups Toby compiled from his real-world work at Mawdsleys:
The UWE Wind Tunnel Project: Working on a complex, legacy aerodynamic system for the University of the West of England.
ABB Induction Motors: A complete strip, survey, and overhaul of three identical AC induction motors.
Motor/Gearbox Assemblies: In-depth mechanical fault finding and diagnostics.
High-Spec AC Motor Survey: Precision dimensional checks and highly detailed mechanical surveying on specialized rotating equipment.
The panel was incredibly impressed, awarding Toby a Distinction across the board.
What’s Next for Toby?
Toby’s appetite for learning hasn’t stopped here. Reflecting on his success, Toby shared:
“I really enjoyed this course because it was well-paced, informative, and allowed me to seamlessly link my college studies with my everyday work. All the college lecturers were incredibly helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. Now, my next goal is to enroll in an HNC/HND course and push onward to achieve a Level 6 qualification in engineering.”
At Mawdsleys BER, we are passionate about career progression. We couldn’t be prouder to support Toby as he takes this next step in his professional development.
Please join all of us in congratulating Toby on an absolutely outstanding achievement. The future of British engineering is in very safe hands!
Are you looking to kickstart your career in engineering?
We are always on the lookout for bright, motivated individuals to join our structured apprenticeship programmes. Keep an eye on our Careers Page for future opportunities!