JourneyApprenticeshipsEngineering and manufacturing support technician

Engineering and manufacturing support technician

Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 3.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship

What it involves

Engineering and manufacturing support technicians provide technical and operational support in engineering or manufacturing environments, helping to keep production running smoothly and supporting improvement activities. You will work alongside engineers and production teams, carrying out quality checks, maintenance tasks, data recording, and process support. It is a versatile role found across sectors including automotive, aerospace, food production, and pharmaceuticals, with good progression into senior technician or engineering roles.

On the job

What you’ll learn

Manufacturing processes and the technical systems used in your sector
Quality control and inspection techniques and measurement tools
Lean manufacturing principles: 5S, waste reduction, and process improvement
Health, safety, and environmental legislation in manufacturing
Technical data recording, analysis, and reporting
Basic maintenance support: planned preventive maintenance routines
Engineering drawing interpretation and specification reading
On the job

What you’ll do day to day

Carry out quality inspections on components or finished products
Collect and record production data and report on any non-conformances
Support planned maintenance activities alongside maintenance engineers
Help implement 5S and lean improvement activities on the shop floor
Liaise between production and engineering teams to resolve technical issues
Set up equipment or prepare materials for production runs
Maintain accurate technical records and update process documentation
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.

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What it’s really like

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