Engineering and manufacturing support technician (Level 3 Standard)

Engineering and manufacturing support technicians support the work of engineers by the provision of technical support and expertise for areas of the engineering and manufacturing function. This typically could include, engineering drawing, computer aided design (CAD), quality control, computerized numerical control programming (CNC), robotics, additive manufacturing, engineering or manufacturing software development and process engineering.

Engineering and manufacturing support technicians are found in the engineering and manufacturing sector. This includes the advanced manufacturing fields of aerospace, automotive, maritime, defence and nuclear. Engineering and manufacturing support technicians support the work of engineers by the provision of technical support and expertise for areas of the engineering and manufacturing function. This typically could include, engineering drawing, computer aided design (CAD), quality control, computerized numerical control programming (CNC), robotics, additive manufacturing, engineering or manufacturing software development and process engineering. The support provided is often complex in nature. They will be proactive in finding solutions to problems and identifying areas for improving the business. They organise and co-ordinate services for internal and external stakeholders. They contribute to the planning of work and resources to enable work to be carried out. Stakeholders are informed of progress of development work. They have good communication skills. They may contribute to problem solving. They support continuous improvements. Others may be involved in the implementation of such solutions. They will use technical software packages, typically computer aided design (CAD), or other specialist software, to produce design solutions for equipment or services. They inspect and test equipment or services and produce data from test results. They write technical reports and carry out audits for equipment or services.

The broad purpose of the engineering and manufacturing support technician is to provide the required level of technical assistance on areas of engineering or manufacturing. They report on processes and procedures using communications software, test analysis tools, measurement systems, offline programming, and quality control. They support production planning, scheduling, product technical applications and capability supporting continuous improvements.

Typical job titles include:

Aerospace inspection technician, Nuclear inspection technician, Quality compliance officer, Quality control technician, Technical support technician

Applicants must have gained a minimum of 3-5 GCSEs (grades 9-4) or equivalent in English, maths and ideally a science. Relevant work-based experience would also be considered. Individual employers may also set their own selection criteria for this Apprenticeship.

For a comprehensive understanding of this Engineering and manufacturing support technician programme and what it entails, please click here.

This Engineering and manufacturing support technician Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road campus on a day release basis each week, with the delivery model being discussed according to the employer requirements. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, to assess your practical skills and knowledge as well as review your progress with your employer.  You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do your job effectively.

Typically, this Apprenticeship will take 42 months to complete, with the potential to progress on to the Higher Apprenticeship on completion.

To be an Engineering and manufacturing support technician apprentice you will need an employer who can offer you relevant work and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653 460 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.