Process industry manufacturing technician
Level 3 · AdvancedEngineering and manufacturing 3 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
This Level 3 apprenticeship develops technicians who operate, optimise, and maintain manufacturing processes in process industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, paper, and oil and gas. You will monitor production systems, carry out quality checks, and ensure safe and efficient operation of continuous or batch manufacturing processes. It can lead to senior process technician, shift supervisor, or process engineer roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Process manufacturing principles for continuous and batch production systems
Operation and monitoring of process plant equipment including reactors and separators
Quality sampling, testing, and statistical process control methods
HAZOP, COSHH, and process safety management in manufacturing
Instrumentation, control systems, and process automation fundamentals
Environmental management including emissions, effluent, and waste controls
Maintenance and troubleshooting of process manufacturing equipment
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Monitor and control process manufacturing equipment to specification
Carry out quality sampling and testing of process materials and products
Adjust process parameters to maintain product quality and throughput
Conduct safety checks and implement process safety procedures
Record production data accurately in manufacturing information systems
Investigate and resolve process deviations and quality non-conformances
Participate in shift handovers and communicate process status clearly
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
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.