Engineering maintenance technician

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in engineering before applying for a job as a trainee technician.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

College

You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed for this job.

Relevant courses include:

• Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
• Level 2 Certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology
• Level 3 Diploma in Equipment Maintenance Engineering
• Level 3 Diploma in Engineering
• T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
• T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You could begin your career in engineering by doing an advanced apprenticeship, such as:

• Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Level 3
• Engineering Technician Level 3

You could also do an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship in a specific industry, like:

• aviation
• compressed air and vacuum manufacturing
• lifting equipment
• rail

Entry requirements:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an engineering craftworker and train on the job to become an engineering maintenance technician.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work well with your hands
• problem-solving skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work on your own
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to repair machines or systems
• knowledge of building and construction
• thinking and reasoning skills
• practical skills for repairing and maintaining equipment
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to make decisions about tools and equipment
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Engineering maintenance technicians service and repair equipment in industries like manufacturing, production and transport.

As an engineering maintenance technician, you could:

• organise routine servicing schedules and assign tasks
• check and maintain instruments and machinery
• fix breakdown faults and arrange for replacement equipment
• complete reports and inform production managers of progress
• do risk assessments and keep stock control records

Location : You could work in a factory, on a construction site or at a manufacturing plant.
Environment : Your working environment may be noisy and outdoors some of the time.
Uniform : You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 42 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• take a Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship to become a senior maintenance technician
• do further training to qualify as an engineer in a specific field like mechanical, electrical or building services
• move into technical sales, maintenance team management or contract management
• become a further education teacher