New Apprenticeships Automation and Controls Engineering Technician
About the role
This occupation is found in cross-sector (e.g. Automotive, Food & Drink, Oil & Gas, Pharmaceutical, Construction), companies involved in manufacturing (discrete or process), logistics or utilities environments. These employers may be directly involved in these activities or as a provider of services (e.g. systems integration, field service, technical consultancy) to these companies.
The broad purpose of the occupation is two-fold:
- Where the role is based inside a manufacturing (discrete or process), logistics or utilities environments, a fully competent Automation and Controls Engineering Technician will be able to install, maintain, fault-find and optimise hardware and software for automation systems
- Where the role is based in a service provider, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or approved solutions provider in large or SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) companies, the Automation and Controls Engineering Technician will be the interface between the vendor and its customer and will be able to competently provide high-quality, engineering services such as installation, commissioning, fault-finding (the activity of testing an installation prior to handover) and support.
For both iterations of this role, this would involve the above duties across a range of hardware such as on Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), robots and Industrial Networks (e.g. PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, PROFINET, ModBus). Use of physical tools, software tools and instruments (e.g. multi-meter), are fundamental to carrying out tasks associated with building (e.g. control panels), installing (e.g. site-cabling) and maintaining of automation systems.
This occupation will give employers the ability to maintain successful operational capability.
On this page
Standard
On-programme
We provide a clear learning programme to take apprentices from entry through to the gateway for end-point assessment.
You can use our on-programme offer regardless of whether you are using Pearson as your end-point assessment organisation or not.
Qualifications
There is a mandatory qualification for this standard - a Level 4 Technical Engineering qualifications covering at least one of the following areas:
- Electrical/Electronic Engineering
- General Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Operations Engineering
Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering
OR
Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Manufacturing Operations
In order to meet the apprenticeship standards, apprentices must achieve:
- Minimum of Level 1 English
- Minimum of Level 1 maths
As both a vocational and academic awarding organisation, we can offer a wide range of English and maths qualifications in line with your standards’ requirements from Functional Skills through to GCSEs.
Learning resources
English and maths resources
We have a wide range of resources and useful tools to complement your programme, including assessment tools, podcasts and training events.
