Course Overview
This focus of this role is maintaining the safety, integrity and effective operation of plant and equipment in industries that are part of the national infrastructure engineering sector. In the second you, there are four pathway options depending on the role: mechanical, electrical, electromechanical or control and instrumentation.
What will I learn?
Year 1 – Foundation Training
There are three Level 2 Foundation workshops that the employer chooses from depending on the apprentice’s role in the business: Machining, Electrical/Electronic or Maintenance Workshops. Each workshop will consist of three topics and each group will be delivered for one day per week over one year during term time. These workshops are can be taught at either our Chippenham or Salisbury campuses.
Years 2 & 3 – Technical Training
Year 2 will see the start of Level 3 Technical Training over two and a half years/30 months. All apprentices complete the NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Engineering and either the Level 3 BTEC AME (Advanced Manufacturing Engineering) Diploma OR Level 3 City & Guilds Diploma in Engineering (Maintenance Bias) depending on the apprentice’s role.
NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Engineering
During Year 2 of the apprenticeship programme, the apprentice will also commence the NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Engineering Maintenance. It is a work-based qualification assessing competence/skills in the workplace with units of study tailored to the specific role. This qualification is carried out at the workplace under the guidance and assessment of a college assessor supported by the Apprentice’s Line Manager/Mentor.
Mechanical pathway
- Position, assemble, install and dismantle mechanical plant and equipment which may include pumps, valves, gearboxes, pipework, to agreed specifications
- Carry out planned, unplanned and preventative maintenance procedures on mechanical plant and equipment
- Replace, repair or remove components in mechanical plant and equipment and ensure its return to operational condition
- Diagnose and determine the cause of faults in mechanical plant and equipment
Electrical pathway
- Position, assemble, install and dismantle electrical plant and equipment, which may include motors, switchgear, cables and conductors, to agreed specifications
- Carry out planned, unplanned and preventative maintenance procedures on electrical plant and equipment
- Replace, repair or remove components in electrical plant and equipment and ensure its return to operational condition
- Diagnose and determine the cause of faults in electrical plant and equipment
Electromechanical pathway
- Position, assemble, install and dismantle integrated electromechanical power and control systems
- Carry out planned, unplanned and preventative maintenance procedures on integrated plant and equipment
- Replace, repair or remove components within integrated plant and equipment and ensure its return to operational condition
- Diagnose and determine the cause of faults within integrated electromechanical power and control systems
Control and instrumentation pathway
- Position, assemble, install and dismantle plant and equipment which may include instrumentation and control of temperature, pressure and flow systems to agree specifications
- Carry out planned, unplanned and preventative maintenance procedures on plant and equipment
- Replace, repair or remove components in plant and equipment and ensure its return to operational condition
- Diagnose and determine the cause of faults in plant and equipment
- Calibrate and configure instrument and control systems
Level 3 BTEC AME (Advanced Manufacturing Engineering) Diploma
This Diploma focuses on several areas in “general” engineering in it’s first year of the qualification. It does carry a higher level of mathematics and can therefore be used should candidates wish to progress to HNC/D. The first year is of a ‘general engineering’ theme and the second year splits between carrying on the general theme or focusing on electrical/electronic. This Diploma is purely classroom-based.
Level 3 City & Guilds Diploma in Engineering(Maintenance Bias)
This qualification focuses mainly on areas of maintenance engineering. While the majority is classroom-based, there are some practical elements to the course.
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
The Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship programme is delivered one day a week at our Chippenham or Salisbury campus, depending on which workshop/pathway is chosen, during term time only.
Apprentices will be allocated an experienced college assessor as a point of contact who will complete tri-party reviews in the workplace providing feedback on the apprentice’s progression. As the programme moves into its second year, this will progress to on-site assessment for the NVQ.
As part of the apprenticeship programme, you’ll need to record a minimum of 6 hours per week ‘off-the-job’ training time. This can include work shadowing, training, workshops, online learning, tutor sessions, revision, webinars, industry visits – anything that supports your
learning on the apprenticeship and supported by your dedicated assessor.
This programme is assessed by a knowledge assessment, final observation of practical work and a technical interview all based upon an evidence portfolio. The portfolio will include all evidence of practical observations, progress reviews and work activities gathered throughout the programme and contributes to your EPA.
On successful completion of the General Farm Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship you will have achieved the Apprenticeship Standard plus the NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Engineering and either Level 3 BTEC AME (Advanced Manufacturing Engineering) Diploma OR Level 3 City & Guilds Diploma in Engineering (Maintenance Bias) qualifications.
Entry Requirements
Typically, 5 GCSEs at grade C or higher, and ideally, grade 5 (B) in mathematics, English and science, or equivalent and/or relevant experience. Those who do not hold maths & English L2 or GSCE grades 4 (C) or above will need to complete these prior to completion of the apprenticeship programme (Gateway).
You must have secured a position with an employer and be ready to start working with them before you can begin your apprenticeship course.
If you already have an employer and they have agreed to put you through an apprenticeship, contact the Apprenticeship team and we'll get you started. Email apprenticeships@wiltshire.ac.uk or call 0845 345 2235.
Additional Costs and Information
This apprenticeship lasts 42 plus 3 months for the End Point Assessment (EPA) and begins in September or February.
On successful completion of this Standard, the apprentice will meet the professional standards of the Engineering Council for registration as Engineering Technician (Eng Tech) by an appropriate Professional Engineering Institution.
