Lifting equipment technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A lifting equipment technician inspects, tests, maintains, and repairs cranes, hoists, and other lifting equipment used in construction, manufacturing, ports, and other industries. At level 3, apprentices develop mechanical engineering skills alongside specialist knowledge of lifting equipment regulations and safe load calculations. The role leads to senior technician, appointed person, or lifting equipment manager careers.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Types of lifting equipment including overhead cranes, hoists, and mobile plant
LOLER, PUWER, and other statutory inspection and maintenance requirements
How to carry out thorough examinations and record findings accurately
Load calculations and how to assess safe working loads and configurations
Mechanical fault diagnosis and repair techniques for lifting machinery
Safe systems of work including isolation, permit-to-work, and toolbox talks
How to use precision measuring instruments and test equipment
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Carry out thorough examinations of lifting equipment in line with LOLER requirements
Conduct planned preventive maintenance and record all work accurately
Diagnose and repair mechanical faults on cranes, hoists, and lifting accessories
Test braking systems, limit switches, and load cells after maintenance or repair
Prepare and issue examination reports and defect notifications to clients
Identify defective or unsafe equipment and take the appropriate action to remove it from service
Advise clients on their statutory obligations and upcoming inspection schedules
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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