Engineering & Manufacturing Apprenticeship Standard

Engineering Maintenance Technician (Level 3) dual discipline

A Level 3 apprenticeship combining mechanical and electrical maintenance for multi-skilled engineering technician roles.

Qualification Level 3 Standard
Government Funding Up to 100%
Start Dates Year Round
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Course Overview

Overview of the role

Conducting maintenance of engineering plant and equipment

Occupation summary

Engineering maintenance technicians work in a range of industries that use plant – machinery, apparatus and fixtures – and equipment. This includes energy, leisure entertainment, manufacturing, processing, and utilities companies. The working environments vary across the industries.

This is a core and options apprenticeship. An apprentice must be trained and assessed against the core and one option.

The options are:

  • electrical and control and instrumentation technician
  • electrical and mechanical maintenance technician

Electrical and control and instrumentation maintenance technicians work covers electrical and control and instrumentation. For example, motors, single-phase and three-phase, power supplies, low voltage or high-voltage electrical distribution, programmable logic controllers, flow meters, heat exchangers and safety controls.

Electrical and mechanical maintenance technicians work covers electrical and mechanical. For example, motors, single-phase and three-phase, power supplies, and low voltage or high-voltage electrical distribution, actuators, fans, pumps, valves, gearboxes, and pipework.

Engineering maintenance technicians maintain plant and equipment to optimise operation. They conduct planned and preventative maintenance to prevent issues occurring and reactive maintenance when problems occur. For example, responding to breakdowns. They must prepare for and accept jobs, complete work safely to required standards, close the job, and complete work records. They also contribute to continuous improvement activities. They may complete work as part of a team or alone, depending on the task.

Daily, they interact with other maintenance technicians, engineers, and support operatives. They also have contact with other internal and external stakeholders. This may include operations, managers, quality, research and development, and admin staff. They may also have contact with auditors, regulators, and customers undertaking site visits. They typically report to an experienced maintenance engineer.

They must maintain the safe and reliable operation of plant and equipment. Work must comply with any industry specific regulations. Safety is a key priority. They must comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations and procedures and sustainability practices. They must complete tasks in line with their company’s procedures and timescales. They also must also take account of business operation considerations such as cost and service level agreements.

Typical Job Roles

  • Control, instrumentation and automation technician
  • Electrical and instrumentation craftsperson
  • Electrical and instrumentation technician
  • Electrical and mechanical maintenance craftsperson
  • Electrical and mechanical maintenance technician
  • Engineering maintenance technician
  • Engineering technician
  • Maintenance and operations engineering technician
  • Maintenance engineering technician
  • Maintenance technician

Typical Tasks

Conducting maintenance of engineering plant and equipment. This includes planned and preventative maintenance to prevent issues occurring and reactive maintenance when problems occur. For example, responding to breakdowns. They must prepare for and accept jobs, complete work safely to required standards, close the job, and complete work records. They also contribute to continuous improvement activities. They may complete work as part of a team or alone, depending on the task.

Daily, they interact with other maintenance technicians, engineers, and support operatives. They also have contact with other internal and external stakeholders. This may include operations, managers, quality, research and development, and admin staff. They may also have contact with auditors, regulators, and customers undertaking site visits. They typically report to an experienced maintenance engineer.

They must maintain the safe and reliable operation of plant and equipment. Work must comply with any industry specific regulations. Safety is a key priority. They must comply with health, safety, and environmental regulations and procedures and sustainability practices. They must complete tasks in line with their company’s procedures and timescales. They also must also take account of business operation considerations such as cost and service level agreements.

Course Modules

This apprenticeship has core and options. An apprentice must be trained and assessed against the core and one option. The options are:

  • electrical and control and instrumentation technician
  • electrical and mechanical maintenance technician

Electrical and control and instrumentation maintenance technicians work covers electrical and control and instrumentation. For example, motors, single-phase and three-phase, power supplies, low voltage or high-voltage electrical distribution, programmable logic controllers, flow meters, heat exchangers and safety controls.

Electrical and mechanical maintenance technicians work covers electrical and mechanical. For example, motors, single-phase and three-phase, power supplies, and low voltage or high-voltage electrical distribution, actuators, fans, pumps, valves, gearboxes, and pipework.

Entry criteria

The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.

The gateway requirements for your EPA are:

  • achieved English and mathematics qualifications in line with the apprenticeship funding rules
  • for the interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence, you must submit a portfolio of evidence

Career progression

  • Automation and controls engineering technician
  • Lead engineering maintenance technician
  • Electronic systems principal engineer
  • Systems engineer (degree)
  • Through life engineering services specialist (integrated degree)
  • Manufacturing engineer (degree)

Professional recognition

This apprenticeship aligns with Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)

Please contact the professional body for more details.

This apprenticeship aligns with The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for Engineering Technician (EngTech)

Please contact the professional body for more details.

Key Information

Status

Approved for delivery (available for starts)

Reference

ST1443

Version

1.0

Options

Electrical and control and instrumentation engineering maintenance technician, Electrical and mechanical engineering maintenance technician

Typical assessment period

4 months

Minimum hours for compliance

835

Route

Engineering and manufacturing

Integration

None

Maximum funding

£27000

Date updated

14/07/2025

Approved for delivery

23 June 2025

Lars code

815

Class code

Z0001890

EQA provider

Ofqual

Review

This apprenticeship will be reviewed in accordance with our change request policy.

Employer Involvement

Employers involved in creating the standard: Alpek Polyester, Conoco Phillips, Digital Realty, Drax, EDF Energy, Enfinium, Enva, Evo Energy, Exxon Mobil, Finning, Green Energy, Exxon Mobil, Husqvarna, Ineos, Jaguar Land Rover, MoD, National Grid, NHS, Orsted, RWE, Sellafield Sites, Siemens, SSE, Sterling PSL, Swizzels Matlow, Tesco, Tronox, Veolia, Westinghouse.

Employers that hire our apprentices

Express Engineering
CMR Group
CMP
B&B
AkzoNobel
Baker Hughes
BEL Engineering
Bridon-Bekaert
Engineering & Manufacturing

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Real Stories. Real People.

What our apprentices say.

Ofsted Good Provider
Daniel Young
Millers UK — Daniel YoungEngineering Apprentice

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship here at Miller UK and have been fortunate enough to be presented with many opportunities to further my skills and knowledge in different departments."

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Georgia Pickering
Georgia PickeringEngineering Apprentice

"The best part of doing an apprenticeship was the combination of learning in an educational setting and applying that knowledge in real-world practice. It gave me the opportunity to earn a qualification while working alongside experienced engineers."

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Liam Johnson
Millers UK — Liam JohnsonBusiness Administration Apprentice

"The best part of my apprenticeship was the opportunity to learn while on the job. I thrive in environments where I can apply new knowledge directly, and the apprenticeship provided a great balance of theory and practical application."

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Renata Kozlovskaja
Renata KozlovskajaBusiness Administrator · Level 3

"Don't be afraid of challenges. They make you stronger. Every time you think you can't do something, push yourself to do it and you will be amazed at what you can achieve."

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Help & advice

Apprenticeships, explained

The questions we get asked most, answered plainly.

The first step is completing an online application form through the TDR Training website.

If eligible, the candidate will be invited to TDR to complete:

  • A 40-minute English and maths assessment.
  • An interview with one of TDR’s Training Officers.

Completing an assessment and interview does not automatically guarantee a place on the TDR recruitment database.

Candidates are assessed on:

  • Punctuality.
  • Presentation.
  • Preparation.
  • Communication skills.
  • Interview responses.
  • Motivation.
  • Overall attitude and professionalism.

Making a positive impression is essential, as successful candidates will be shortlisted for employer opportunities.

Once a candidate has been added to the TDR recruitment database, our Employer Engagement Team will actively work to identify suitable employers and apprenticeship opportunities.

When a suitable opportunity becomes available, we will contact the candidate and arrange an interview where appropriate.

Although we work hard to support candidates, we cannot guarantee that every candidate will secure an apprenticeship. We therefore recommend candidates continue applying to other colleges and training providers to maximise their opportunities.

We use several methods to communicate with candidates about apprenticeship opportunities.

Text messaging is our most common method of contact, but we also use telephone calls and email.

Candidates must regularly check their messages and respond promptly. Failure to answer calls or reply to messages could mean missing out on important apprenticeship opportunities.

Yes. Candidates should keep TDR updated with any changes that could improve their chances of securing an apprenticeship.

Examples include:

  • Passing a driving test.
  • Achieving additional GCSEs or qualifications.
  • Gaining work experience.
  • Becoming more flexible about apprenticeship choices.

Regular communication ensures we always have the most up-to-date information when matching candidates with employers.

During the assessment and interview process, we spend time understanding what each candidate wants to achieve and what type of engineering career interests them.

We often challenge candidates to explain why they want to follow a particular route, helping ensure they have made an informed career choice.

Candidate information, interests and career aspirations are recorded and used when matching individuals with suitable employer vacancies.

TDR will not put a candidate forward for a position that does not match their interests, as finding the right fit is important for long-term success.

A candidate who has completed, or is currently completing, a relevant Level 3 engineering qualification should still aim to secure a Level 3 apprenticeship.

The technical qualification is only one part of the full apprenticeship programme. An apprenticeship develops practical skills, technical knowledge and workplace behaviours while the apprentice is employed and gaining real industry experience.

If the Level 3 qualification already achieved is relevant to the apprenticeship standard, the overall duration of the programme may be reduced through recognition of prior learning.

TDR Training is different from a traditional college.

Every learner attending TDR for practical training, a BTEC or an HNC is employed by an engineering employer. They are therefore expected to behave in the same way as they would in the workplace.

We expect high standards of:

  • Attendance.
  • Punctuality.
  • Professional behaviour.
  • Respect.
  • Health and safety awareness.
  • Commitment to learning.

Every learner represents their employer while attending TDR and is expected to act as an ambassador for their company.

This creates a professional, safe and industry-focused learning environment.

No. Apprenticeships at TDR do not only start in September.

Because TDR has its own dedicated engineering training school, we can support apprentice starts throughout the year. This provides greater flexibility for both employers and candidates.

Unlike a traditional college, TDR continues to support learners throughout the year, including school half-term periods and summer breaks.

No. As an apprentice, you do not pay for your training.

The cost of apprenticeship training is funded through government funding and employer contributions.

Employers are responsible for paying their apprentice a wage. Depending on the size of the business and, in some circumstances, the age of the apprentice, a contribution towards training costs may be required.

Apprentices must receive at least the National Minimum Wage for apprentices.

The latest rates can be found here:

https://www.gov.uk/national-minimum-wage-rates

Many TDR employers choose to pay above the minimum rate, meaning wages vary depending on the employer, role and industry sector.

Most apprentices work at least 30 hours per week, with many working a full-time week of 37 to 40 hours.

This includes:

  • Workplace learning with the employer.
  • Practical training at TDR.
  • Technical learning.
  • Progress reviews with an assessor.

An apprenticeship is a real job, and apprentices are expected to demonstrate the same commitment and professionalism as any employee.

An apprenticeship allows you to learn practical skills while earning a wage from day one.

Benefits include:

  • Real workplace experience.
  • Industry-recognised qualifications.
  • Practical engineering skills.
  • Learning from experienced engineers.
  • Improved career opportunities.

Apprenticeships are focused on demonstrating competence in the workplace rather than relying only on traditional exams.

Yes. An apprenticeship is the beginning of your engineering career.

Many TDR apprentices progress into higher-level qualifications, specialist roles, supervisory positions and leadership opportunities.

Progression routes may include:

  • Level 4 apprenticeships.
  • HNC qualifications.
  • Specialist engineering roles.
  • Further professional development.

TDR supports lifelong learning and continued career development.

The length of an apprenticeship depends on the level, subject area and apprenticeship standard.

Most apprenticeships take between one and five years to complete.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you are employed by your employer, receive a wage and continue developing your technical skills, knowledge and behaviours through workplace learning and training at TDR.

TDR currently offers the following Level 4 apprenticeships:

  • Lead Maintenance Technician.
  • Manufacturing Technician.
  • Automation and Controls Engineering Technician.
  • Quality Practitioner.

These apprenticeships are generally suited to more experienced candidates and are often a progression route for those who have completed a Level 3 apprenticeship.

Candidates with only a Level 3 qualification from school or college may not always have the workplace experience required for these higher-level programmes.

That is absolutely fine.

If an employer has already identified the individual they want to recruit, they simply need to contact TDR Training.

We will guide both the employer and candidate through the necessary processes, including eligibility checks, assessments and enrolment, allowing the apprentice to begin their training programme.

Alongside apprenticeships, TDR delivers a wide range of commercial engineering and professional training courses for individuals and employers.

Courses include:

  • Electrical engineering.
  • Mechanical engineering.
  • Welding and fabrication.
  • Machining.
  • CAD.
  • Hydraulics and pneumatics.
  • Health and safety.

We also deliver higher-level qualifications, including HNC programmes.

Employers are responsible for employing the apprentice and paying their wage.

The cost of apprenticeship training is supported through government funding. Depending on the size of the organisation and the circumstances of the apprentice, employers may be required to contribute towards training costs.

For full details on funding options and employer responsibilities, please contact TDR Training.

TDR provides a specialist engineering training environment designed around the needs of employers and industry.

Unlike a traditional college, TDR has its own engineering training school where apprentices develop practical skills alongside their workplace learning.

Employers benefit from:

  • Industry-focused training.
  • Flexible apprenticeship start dates.
  • Direct communication with TDR staff.
  • Practical skills development.
  • Support throughout the apprenticeship journey.

Our aim is to develop skilled, professional engineers who are ready to contribute positively to their employer.

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