Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician – Level 3

This apprenticeship is designed for employers looking to develop skilled Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technicians.

Overview:

• Purpose: Train technicians to maintain the safety, integrity and effective operation of plant and equipment.
• Roles covered: Electrical Technicians, Mechanical Technicians, Control and Instrumentation Technicians, Electrical System and Process Control Technicians, and Electromechanical Technicians.

Core Benefits:

• Skilled Workforce: Apprentices gain comprehensive skills in installation, maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair of plant and equipment.
• Industry Standards: Training aligns with industry health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Professional Registration: Apprentices can achieve Engineering Technician (Eng Tech) status with a professional engineering institution.

Training Details:

• Duration: Typically 36-42 months.
• Entry Requirements: Generally, three GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher, including Mathematics, English and Science, or equivalent experience.
• Pathways: Specialised training in mechanical, electrical or electromechanical systems.

Employer Advantages:

• Operational Efficiency: Well-trained technicians ensure the smooth and efficient running of your plant and equipment.
• Quality Assurance: Apprentices are trained to meet high-quality standards and work effectively within teams.
• Sustainability and Safety: Emphasis on ethical behaviour, sustainability and rigorous safety practices.

This apprenticeship programme is an excellent opportunity to invest in the future of your workforce, ensuring you have highly skilled technicians to support your business needs.

GCSEs in Maths and English grades 4-9 (C or above) or Level 2 Maths and English Functional Skills.

Apprentices will be required to attend all off-the-job training during term time to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the standard and complete their mandatory qualification. Employers will actively be involved in the 12-week review process and support target setting to develop the apprentices. Employers will provide support in preparing the apprentice for their End Point Assessment (EPA).

An apprentice will need to demonstrate the following core behaviours:

• Health and Safety: Follow health and safety policies and procedures, and challenge unsafe behaviour to protect people and property.
• Quality Focused: Ensure work meets quality standards both occupationally and personally.
• Working with Others: Collaborate effectively with people from different disciplines, backgrounds and expertise to complete tasks safely and on time.
• Interpersonal Skills: Maintain good relationships with others, considering their needs and concerns.
• Critical Reasoning: Use resources, techniques and facts to develop sound solutions while recognising and defining problems.
• Sustainability and Ethical Behaviour: Act ethically and contribute to sustainable development.
• Risk Awareness: Demonstrate high concentration, a desire to reduce risks, compliance and awareness of changes through regular monitoring and checking of information.

These behaviours ensure that apprentices can work safely, efficiently and collaboratively in their roles.

Level 3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

The apprentice will be assessed using a variety of assessment methods. This will include observations, completing job write-ups, question and answers and witness testimonies from the employer. The apprentice will build a portfolio of work-based evidence that they will present for their End Point Assessment (EPA).

The End Point Assessment (EPA) for the Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician apprenticeship includes several key components:

1. Knowledge Test: assessing the apprentice’s understanding of core knowledge areas such as health and safety, maintenance practices and engineering principles.
2. Practical Observation: evaluating the apprentice’s ability to perform tasks and demonstrate skills in a real work environment.
3. Technical Interview: conducted by an independent assessor, this interview focuses on the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours, using evidence from their portfolio.
4. Portfolio of Evidence: a collection of documents and records that showcase the apprentice’s work and achievements throughout the apprenticeship.
5. Professional Discussion: a structured discussion between the apprentice and the assessor to explore the apprentice’s knowledge and experience in more depth.

The apprentice will attend College on a day-release basis over three academic years, depending on their prior skills and learning.

The apprentice will be required to come equipped with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): safety boots, safety glasses and company workwear/overalls.

They could progress to a Level 4 Lead Engineering Maintenance qualification.

This apprenticeship is suitable for the following job roles:

• Electrical Technicians: working with electrical plant and equipment, including motors, switchgear and cables.
• Mechanical Technicians: handling mechanical plant and equipment, such as pumps, valves and gearboxes.
• Electromechanical Technicians: managing integrated electromechanical power and control systems.

These roles ensure the safety, integrity and effective operation of plant and equipment across various engineering sectors. 

You may already have someone in your organisation – or someone who has come to you directly asking for an apprenticeship. However, if you don’t, we have a free recruitment service to help you hire the best candidate for your organisation from our talent pool and can provide external advertising through social media and the National Apprenticeship Service’s website.

If you are an employer and you would like to know more, please email businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or call 01332 387421