Maintenance and operations engineering technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A maintenance and operations engineering technician carries out installation, maintenance, and repair of plant and equipment in engineering and manufacturing environments covering mechanical, electrical, and control systems. At level 3, apprentices develop the broad multi-skilled knowledge needed to keep industrial operations running safely and efficiently. The role leads to senior technician, reliability engineer, or engineering team leader positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Mechanical engineering principles including fluid power, drives, and rotating machinery
Electrical and electronic systems including motors, drives, and control panels
Automation and PLC-based control systems and basic fault-finding techniques
Safe isolation, lock-off, and permit-to-work procedures
Engineering drawing reading including P&IDs, wiring diagrams, and schematics
Condition monitoring techniques including vibration analysis and thermography
Continuous improvement principles applied to maintenance practice
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out planned preventive maintenance on mechanical and electrical plant
Respond to breakdowns and diagnose faults across mechanical, electrical, and control systems
Isolate, repair, and re-commission equipment following safe working procedures
Read engineering drawings and schematics to guide fault-finding and repair
Complete maintenance records in the computerised maintenance management system
Carry out basic modifications and installations under engineering supervision
Report defects, near-misses, and maintenance recommendations to your team leader
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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