Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship – Level 4

Overview:

• Sector: Engineering and manufacturing, including maritime, automotive, energy and general engineering maintenance.
• Role: Multi-disciplinary, managing or leading other technicians, specialising in mechanical, electronic or electrical engineering.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safety and Compliance: define and implement safety control measures for maintenance activities.
• Technical Analysis: collate, interpret and analyse technical information.
• Maintenance Planning: plan and guide maintenance activities, ensuring all necessary instructions and resources are available.
• Leadership: lead or undertake maintenance tasks, providing technical and team leadership.
• Inspection and Documentation: conduct inspections and generate documentation to support future maintenance planning.
• Stakeholder Liaison: communicate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure maintenance operations meet agreed timescales.

Benefits for Employers:

• Skilled Workforce: develops highly skilled technicians capable of handling complex technical issues.
• Efficiency and Quality: ensures maintenance activities are completed to high standards, improving operational efficiency.
• Leadership Development: prepares apprentices for leadership roles, enhancing team performance and productivity.

This apprenticeship is designed to meet the needs of various industries, providing comprehensive training and development for future engineering leaders.

• GCSEs in Maths, English and Science grades 4-9 (C or above) or Level 2 Maths and English Functional Skills.
• Level 3 knowledge qualification in Engineering, such as a BTEC, which must include Maths.

Apprentices will be required to attend all off-the-job training during term time to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the standard and complete their mandatory qualification. Employers will actively be involved in the 12-week review process and support target setting to develop the apprentices. Employers will provide support in preparing the apprentice for their End Point Assessment (EPA).

An apprentice in the Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician role is expected to demonstrate the following behaviours:

• Safety Orientation: prioritise safety in all activities, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and procedures.
• Attention to Detail: maintain high standards of accuracy and thoroughness in all tasks.
• Team Leadership: provide effective leadership and support to team members, fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Problem-Solving: approach technical and process issues methodically, using structured problem-solving techniques.
• Communication: communicate clearly and effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Adaptability: be flexible and responsive to changing work demands and environments.

These behaviours are essential for ensuring the quality, safety and efficiency of maintenance operations. 

Level 4 Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician 

The apprentice will be assessed using a variety of assessment methods. This will include observations, completing job write-ups, question and answers and witness testimonies from the employer. The apprentice will build a portfolio of work-based evidence that they will present for their End Point Assessment (EPA).

The End Point Assessment (EPA) for the Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician Level 4 apprenticeship entails:

Overview

• Purpose: To assess the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) at the end of their apprenticeship.
• Duration: Typically 36 months of training followed by a six-month EPA period.
• Grades: Fail, Pass, Merit, Distinction.

EPA Gateway Requirements

• Achieved English and Mathematics qualifications.
• Submission of a 500-word project brief.
• Submission of a portfolio of evidence.
• Passed any other qualifications listed in the occupational standard (e.g. Level 4 HNC in Engineering and Manufacturing Maintenance).

Assessment Methods

Project with Report:

• Complete a project and write a report (max 5000 words).
• Prepare and present the project to an independent assessor.
• Presentation with questions lasting at least 45 minutes.

Professional Discussion:

• A 60-minute discussion with an independent assessor.
• At least seven questions about the occupation.
• Use of a portfolio of evidence to support answers.

The apprentice will attend College on a day-release basis over two academic years.

Note-taking equipment such as pen, paper and/or laptop.

• Level 6 Electrical or Electronic Technical Engineer qualification
• Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer qualification
• Standalone Engineering Degree

The Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician apprenticeship is suited to the following job roles:

• Installation Technician: specialising in the installation of systems, plant and equipment.
• Process Technician: focusing on maintaining and optimising manufacturing processes.
• Production Support Technician: providing technical support to ensure smooth production operations.
• Senior Maintenance Technician: leading maintenance activities and teams, ensuring high standards of quality and safety.
• Test and Commissioning Technician: conducting tests and commissioning equipment to ensure it meets operational standards.

You may already have someone in your organisation – or someone who has come to you directly asking for an apprenticeship. However, if you don’t, we have a free recruitment service to help you hire the best candidate for your organisation from our talent pool and can provide external advertising through social media and the National Apprenticeship Service’s website.

If you are an employer and you would like to know more, please email businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or call 01332 387421