Engineering Maintenance Technician

Level

This apprenticeship standard is set at level three.

Entry Requirements

To start one of our apprenticeships, you must be over 16 years old and employed in a relevant role. Every employer is different and therefore entry requirements can vary. We are committed to supporting you in developing your skills either prior or during your apprenticeship journey. Minimum requirements prior to starting for 16 - 18 year olds: Grade 4 GCSE in maths and English or Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent in both. 19+: If evidence of achieving a Grade 4 or above in maths or English is not available, the employer will decide if Functional Skills will be a requirement at the interview stage.

Duration

36 months (plus 3 months once into Gateway). This may be reduced if an apprentice has gained previous relevant knowledge and skills.

Start Dates

No fixed start date

Location

This apprenticeship is delivered within the workplace, so it is available across the Activate Learning College regions. Please enquire for further details.

Cost

Overview

This work-based Apprenticeship is ideal for those wanting a career working as an Engineering Maintenance Technician. You would learn in your workplace, away from your workstation and have activities set by your employer and workplace assessor. You will have the opportunity to practise and embed your skills at work. 

Delivery

You will learn the following skills pertinent to the engineering route you undertake. You could choose to undertake any of the following routes:

  • Electrical Technician
  • Mechanical Technician

You will gain skills in the following areas:

  • How to use engineering knowledge and understanding to apply technical and practical skills
  • Helping position, install, replace, assemble or repair products and/or equipment
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • Industry regulations
  • Adapting to different situations, environments and technologies

Off-the-job training within the workplace to complete activities set by the Assessor to ensure the off-the-job requirements are met. 

Engineering Maintenance Technician apprentices could learn skills such as:  

  • Locating and rectifying faults on plant and equipment 
  • Complying with industry health, safety and environmental working practices and regulations 
  • Communicating with and providing information to stakeholders in line with personal roles and responsibilities 
  • Reading, understanding and interpreting information and working in compliance with technical specs. and supporting documentation 
  • Prepare work areas to undertake work-related activities and reinstate those areas after the completion of the work-related activities 
  • Inspecting and maintaining appropriate plant and equipment to meet operational requirements 
  • Assessing and testing the performance and condition of plant and equipment 
  • Communicate, handover and confirm that the appropriate engineering process has been completed to spec.

Additional activities will need to be completed in readiness for EPA.  

Throughout the duration of the programme, apprentices will learn the required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSB’s), with ongoing support from a dedicated assessor visiting your workplace and support from your employer to generate real work experiences to meet defined KSBs. This will include Core Knowledge. 

A Technician will understand:

  • First principles relating to the operation and maintenance of appropriate plant and equipment 
  • Relevant industry health and safety standards, regulations, and environmental and regulatory requirements 
  • Maintenance and operational practices, processes and procedures covering a range of plant and equipment
  • The relevant engineering theories and principles relative to their occupation 

As part of the national apprenticeship guidance, you will also undergo Equality and Diversity, British values and Prevent Training, which will prepare you with the necessary behaviour needed to work within the Engineering industry. 

Further details can be found on the Skills England Engineering maintenance technician page.

Behaviours

  • Prioritise safe working practices. For example, risk aware, minimise risks, and proactively work towards preventing accidents.
  • Consider sustainability when using resources and carrying out tasks.
  • Take ownership for the delivery and quality of own work. For example, self-motivated, disciplined in the approach to work tasks, and work carried out in line with standards.
  • Team-focus to meet work goals and support inclusivity. For example, support others, show respect to others, and create and maintain productive working relationships.
  • Committed to continued professional development to maintain and enhance competence.

Specialist roles

In addition, an Electrical Technician will:

  • position, assemble, install and dismantle electrical plant and equipment, which may include motors, switchgear, cables and conductors, to agreed specifications
  • carry out planned, unplanned and preventative maintenance procedures on electrical plant and equipment
  • replace, repair or remove components in electrical plant and equipment and ensure its return to operational condition
  • diagnose and determine the cause of faults in electrical plant and equipment

In addition, a Mechanical Technician will:

  • position, assemble, install and dismantle mechanical plant and equipment which may include pumps, valves, gearboxes, pipework, to agreed specifications
  • carry out planned, unplanned and preventative maintenance procedures on mechanical plant and equipment
  • replace, repair or remove components in mechanical plant and equipment and ensure its return to operational condition
  • diagnose and determine the cause of faults in mechanical plant and equipment

Typical 20% off-the-job training

Since the introduction of new style apprenticeships in May 2017, it’s been a requirement that every apprentice spends at least 20% of their time on off-the-job training. The required 20% off-the-job training hours will be calculated via the apprentices contracted hours of work, holiday entitlement and length of programme and will be clearly specified in our commitment statement. This requirement doesn’t have to be a daunting prospect – and doesn’t even mean the apprentice has to be away from their workplace 20% of the time.

Progression

This apprenticeship will allow learners to progress within their employment enhancing the skills and knowledge that they have gained at Level 3, or to progress to a Higher-Level Apprenticeship in Engineering, for example, Level 4 Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician. Achievement of this apprenticeship demonstrates to an employer that the Apprentice has the necessary technical skills and knowledge needed for an Engineering Maintenance Technician role.

How to Apply

If you have an employer and a determination to excel, apply now using our simple form and we’ll be in touch soon.

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Progression routes

What happens next? Most people stay on with the employer they train with, but there are plenty of options! You may decide to study a higher-level apprenticeship, return to academic studies, or work full time. We will support you whatever you decide!

The apprenticeship programme

You will have access to a range of support and advice we have on offer. This includes support from Advice and Admissions, Learning Support and Student Support.

You can access all facilities at Activate Learning Colleges and reap benefits, such as student discount. However, you may not be entitled to certain funding and travel bursaries as apprenticeships are paid positions.

How much will I earn?

The amount you’ll earn will vary depending on the nature of your role, sector and business you are working with.

The minimum hourly rate for an apprentice is £8.00, however most apprentices are paid more than this. If you are over 19 and have completed one year, you will be paid national minimum wage. 

You will also be entitled to the same conditions as all other employees in a business, including paid holiday, sick pay and pensions (where requirements are met).

What can I expect from my apprenticeship?

You must be at least 16 years old when you start an apprenticeship.

There are 3 types of apprenticeships depending on your requirements and previous qualifications: day release, work-based and block-release.

Your apprenticeship programme may be assessed with:

  • Practical assessments/exams
  • A portfolio of evidence
  • Interviews and presentations
  • Final assessments
  • On and off the job training

You will have a performance coach visit your workplace every eight weeks as well as an inhouse mentor throughout your apprenticeship.

An apprenticeship typically lasts 24 months, but can vary between 12 months to 5 years.