The Engineering Apprentice’s Mate is a point and play, learning experience app for engineering apprentices, giving them instant access to independent learning, support and assessment activity in the workshop.
This proof-of-concept app provides ‘machine triggered’ learning through AR elements including clickable buttons, overlaid videos, labels, images and sounds. The interactive approach to skills development promotes self-reliance and independence for work. The app is mapped to the new engineering apprenticeship standards, with content created by engineering instructors to meet learner’s needs throughout their apprenticeships to their end-point assessments. It promotes digital pedagogies and best practice to instructors and the next phase of development will give the provider customisation features. Tutors are encouraged to support the content library, build their own digital skills and develop confidence in using vocational tech, with quick-start instructions and ‘how to’ guides. Further development involves engagement of key employers such as Siemens and Rolls Royce and working with AMRC at Sheffield to extend the device from hand held to wearable technologies.