Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) Automation and Controls Engineering Technician
Role overview
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation will be part of a multi-disciplinary team for example as a member or leader of a project team, maintenance team, service team that will work alongside other stakeholders for example design, production or coordination that interfaces with internal and external customers alike. Monitoring of the operation of these systems can be carried out either within in-situ control rooms/offices or remotely via web based/GPRS based mobile communications.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the ordering, coordination of services, working to established operating procedures for resources such as equipment and software to ensure functionality of automation systems are maintained. In a large company, they would generally report to an engineering manager whereas they may have greater responsibility and autonomy in an SME. Individuals in service provision would certainly find themselves working in a more autonomous situation. In either situation they would be responsible for their own actions and to protect those around them with respect to health, safety and the environment.
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
- Level 3 qualification in Engineering or A Levels in Maths and Physics.
Qualifications obtained
Level 4 Higher Technical Qualification in Engineering
Level 4 Automations and Controls Apprenticeship Standard
Programme includes
Knowledge
Mathematics and Principles: Covering fundamental engineering maths and principles.
Functional Solutions: Creating and justifying engineering solutions.
Safety Procedures: Implementing safety protocols for automation equipment.
Circuits: Dealing with single and three-phase circuits.
Automation Knowledge: Familiarity with PLCs, VSDs, HMIs, SCADA, and robotics.
Instrumentation: Understanding measurement instruments and data transmission.
Software Tools: Using software for configuration, updates, and commissioning.
Networking: Knowledge of industrial communication networks.
Diagnostic Tools: Employing tools for troubleshooting.
Technical Documents: Understanding electrical diagrams and automation components.
Safety Legislation: Knowledge of electrical safety laws.
Quality Systems: Applying quality assurance principles.
Skills
Safety: Working safely and assessing risks.
Documentation: Producing and understanding technical documents.
Project Support: Assisting in project phases.
Diagnostics: Identifying and fixing faults in control systems.
Instrumentation: Setting up and calibrating instruments.
Network Configuration: Configuring industrial networks.
HMI & SCADA: Modifying or configuring systems.
PLC/Robot Programming: Programming and configuring PLCs and robots.
Behaviours
Zero Harm: Prioritise health and safety.
Resilience: Work effectively in teams or independently.
Personal Excellence: Maintain professional interactions with clients and stakeholders.
Communicative: Possess strong communication skills.
Ethical: Uphold professional and business ethics.
Commitment: Focus on quality in all tasks.
Continual Development: Willingness to learn new methods and technologies.
Responsibility: Demonstrate accountability and independent judgment.
Personal Values: Show respect and tolerance towards others.
Ambassadorial: Serve as a role model for engineering practice and promote the profession.
Reflection: Evaluate own performance across all responsibilities.
Where can you work?
Typical examples of occupational roles include:
- Automation and Controls Engineering 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 5 and Level 6 Apprenticeship standards
Level 5 Higher National Diploma 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.
