Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician
Role overview
Maintenance & Operations Engineering Technicians covers 7 roles: Electrical Technicians; Mechanical Technicians; Control & Instrumentation Technicians; Wind Turbine Technicians Electrical System and Process Control Technicians; Electromechanical Technicians and Plant Operations Technicians. They will maintain the safety, integrity and effective operation of plant and equipment in one or more of the following Industries that are part of or have activities that are part of the broader national infrastructure Engineering Sector: the electricity generating environment, which may use a range of different fuels including coal, gas, nuclear, wind and other renewable sources; telecommunications power plants; oil and gas refining; nuclear waste reprocessing; processing and production of chemicals; pharmaceuticals; human and animal food; cosmetics; petrochemicals; sewerage and the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas.
Electrical/Mechanical/Control and Instrumentation/Wind Turbine Technicians will work on various types of plant and equipment commonly found throughout the Engineering Industry sectors and the Technicians can be expected to migrate through these sectors during the course of their careers. Dependent upon the sector that they are employed in there may be subtle differences in terms of the composition and application of the plant and equipment. However, the fundamental principles of operation will be the same regardless of the engineering sector.
To support the business and operational requirements of modern integrated engineered production plant and services, Electrical Systems and Process Control Technicians and Electromechanical Technicians will need to apply a range of conventional skills and knowledge to undertake engineering activities on a selection of electromechanical and process control plant, systems and equipment.
These Technicians will undertake installation, testing, servicing, removal, replacement, maintenance and repair of a range of equipment, sometimes complex, as part of planned preventative and reactive maintenance programmes. They may also undertake decommissioning activities when plant is being removed from service.
Plant Operation Technicians will undertake the safe and efficient operation of complex integrated energy conversion and production plant and systems. These activities could include plant commissioning, isolation and testing, plant preparation, plant start-up and shut down, monitoring and controlling plant and dealing with critical operational problems.
Entry requirements
- Five GCSE’s at Grade C/4 (or above) including Level 2 or GCSE C/4 or above in English, Maths and Science.
- If an Apprentice has not already achieved Level 2 (GCSE C/4 or above) English & Maths they must: -Study for and achieve Functional Skills Level 2 English & Maths.
- Initial Assessment on enrolment Level 2 Maths & English
Programme includes
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
Core Skills:
A Technician will apply their knowledge of plant and systems to safely perform maintenance and operational activities with minimum supervision. This will require them to:
comply with industry health, safety and environmental working practices and regulations
locate, and rectify faults on plant and equipment
communicate with and provide information to stakeholders in line with personal role and responsibilities
read, understand and interpret information and work in compliance with technical specifications and supporting documentation
prepare work areas to undertake work related activities and reinstate those areas after the completion of the work related activities
inspect and maintain appropriate plant and equipment to meet operational requirements
assess and test the performance and condition of plant and equipment
communicate, handover and confirm that the appropriate engineering process has been completed to specification
Core Behaviours
Health & Safety – follows health & safety policies and procedures and be prepared to challenge unsafe behaviour using appropriate techniques to ensure the protection of people and property when working alone and/or with appropriate supervision
Quality focused – ensures that work achieves quality standard both occupationally and personally
Working with others – works well with people from different disciplines, backgrounds and expertise to accomplish an activity safely and on time
Interpersonal skills – gets along well with others and takes into account their needs and concerns
Critical reasoning – uses resources, techniques and obtained facts to develop sound solutions while recognising and defining problems
Sustainability and ethical behaviour – behaves ethically and undertakes work in a way that contributes to sustainable development
Risk awareness – demonstrates high concentration, the desire to reduce risks, ability to be compliant and awareness of change, through regular monitoring and checking of information
Where can you work?
Typical examples of occupational roles include:
Electrical Technician; Mechanical Technician; Control and Instrumentation Technician; Wind Turbine Technician; Electrical System and Process Control Technician; Electromechanical Technician; Plant Operations Technician
Key information
Starts
- The apprenticeship programme will start in September.
Enrolment
- The enrolment process will be completed prior to the start date of the apprenticeship.
Delivery
- The apprenticeship will be delivered at Loughborough College for one day per week (Term time only)
Awarding organisation
EAL
Progression opportunities
Level 4, 5 & 6 Apprenticeship standards
Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering
Full-time employment
Additional information
Current Delivery Involves:
- One day per week (Term time only) at Loughborough College
- A progress review every 12 weeks with dedicated trainer assessor and line manager / workplace mentor
- Observations and professional discussions with dedicated trainer assessor in the workplace
