The VCA Graduate Training Scheme

About our scheme

The VCA Graduate Training Scheme is a 4 year IMechE accredited programme which aims to develop talented engineers. The scheme follows the IMechE Monitored Professional Development Scheme (MPDS) and offers graduates a structured and supported route to Chartership. As part of this, each graduate will be assigned a mentor, an experienced Chartered engineer, to help with their development.

“a well supported programme boasting a plethora of business and technical opportunities”

The scheme follows a placement programme for the first 2 years. These placements are related to type approval and the work of VCA and will also help develop engineering competencies required for Chartership and ensure fully rounded type approval engineers. These placements will begin with either 6 months at VCA Bristol or VCA Midlands Centre, and could then follow with 3 month placements at:

The Transport Research Laboratory (TRL)
A vehicle manufacturer
The Department for Transport, International Vehicle Standards division
Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA)
A VCA overseas office (not guaranteed)
Millbrook Proving Ground

Following successful completion of the placements, the graduate will be offered a permanent responsible position at VCA for the final 2 years on the scheme.

An important aim of the scheme is to work towards achieving Chartership at the end of the 4th year. The graduate is expected to keep up to date with reports and regularly meet with Mentor and Line Manager to discuss their progress.

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