Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship – Level 3

The Mechatronics Maintenance Technician apprenticeship is designed to develop skilled technicians capable of maintaining and optimising complex automated equipment. This programme is ideal for employers in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, logistics and advanced manufacturing. Apprentices will gain expertise in:

• Multi-disciplinary Maintenance: covering electrical, electronic, mechanical, fluid power and control systems.
• Safety and Compliance: ensuring adherence to health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Problem-Solving and Efficiency: conducting preventative maintenance and identifying improvement opportunities.
• Documentation and Communication: maintaining accurate records and effectively communicating with stakeholders.

This apprenticeship ensures a pipeline of highly skilled technicians who can enhance operational efficiency and equipment reliability.

GCSEs in Maths and English grades 4-9 (C or above) or Level 2 Maths and English Functional Skills.

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 will support target setting to develop the apprentices. Employers will provide support in preparing the apprentice for their End Point Assessment (EPA).

Apprentices in the Mechatronics Maintenance Technician apprenticeship will be required to demonstrate the following behaviours:

• Safety Orientation: prioritising health, safety and environmental regulations in all activities.
• Responsibility and Accountability: taking ownership of tasks and ensuring the quality and accuracy of their work.
• Effective Communication: interacting and communicating clearly with stakeholders, including colleagues, managers and external parties.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: working effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: adapting to different working environments and handling high-pressure situations.
• Continuous Improvement: identifying opportunities for improvements and efficiencies in maintenance activities.

These behaviours ensure that apprentices can perform their roles effectively and contribute positively to their workplace.

Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship qualification.

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 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Level 3 apprenticeship includes the following key points:

Purpose: The EPA assesses the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) against the occupational standard. It is the final assessment to demonstrate competency in the occupation.

EPA Gateway: Before starting the EPA, the apprentice must meet certain requirements, including achieving English and Mathematics qualifications and submitting a portfolio of evidence.

Assessment Methods:

• Observation with Questions: An independent assessor observes the apprentice completing their work for at least three hours and asks at least four questions.
• Interview Underpinned by a Portfolio of Evidence: The apprentice has a 60-minute interview with an independent assessor, who asks at least eight questions based on the apprentice’s portfolio of evidence.

Grading: The overall grades available are fail, pass and distinction. Successful completion results in the award of an apprenticeship certificate.

Professional Recognition: This apprenticeship aligns with professional bodies like the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Engineering Technician status.

The apprentice will attend College on a day-release basis over three academic years depending on their prior skills and learning.

The apprentice will be required to come equipped with the following personal protective equipment (PPE): safety boots, safety glasses and company workwear/overalls.

They could advance to the following apprenticeship programmes:

• Level 4 Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician
• Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician
• Level 6 Manufacturing Engineer
• Level 6 Electrical or Electronic Technical Support Engineer

• Field Service Maintenance Technician
• Maintenance Team Member
• Maintenance Technician
• Mechatronics Maintenance Technician
• Mechatronics Technician
• Multi-skilled Site Maintenance Technician

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