Our Engineering Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship offers a dynamic pathway into the world of advanced manufacturing and engineering. Designed for individuals who want to play a key role in supporting engineering teams and driving innovation, this programme equips apprentices with the technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and decision-making skills needed to succeed in a fast-paced, high-precision industry.
As an Engineering Manufacturing Technician, you'll provide specialist technical support to help organisations develop, produce, or test new and existing products, processes, and systems. Your work will involve collecting and analysing data, solving problems, and producing technical documentation such as reports, specifications, or production plans. These outputs are critical to ensuring products are delivered efficiently, cost-effectively, and to the required quality standards. Your role may involve work in design, quality assurance, production planning, or testing and development.
You'll operate across both office and manufacturing environments, collaborating with a range of teams including production, quality, and engineering. You may also work directly with customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies, ensuring compliance and supporting audits. With autonomy to apply your technical knowledge in varied contexts, you’ll be responsible for delivering high-quality outcomes and identifying opportunities for improvement in processes and practices. This apprenticeship prepares you for a central role in ensuring that manufacturing operations run smoothly, safely, and in line with customer expectations.
You will need exposure to relevant workplace experience in order to gather evidence that meets the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours outlined in the Professional Standard. You will need one of the following qualifications to be eligible:
As an Engineering Manufacturing Technician apprentice, you will gain a broad range of essential skills for the industry. These include problem-solving and critical thinking, using digital tools to tackle complex challenges and communicate creative ideas.
You’ll develop strong independent working skills like self-management, adaptability, and the ability to plan and reflect effectively. Key interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and negotiation will also be built, along with commercial awareness of client needs, budgets, and the engineering sector.
Additionally, you'll gain business knowledge of company structures, legal responsibilities, and management practices. Apprentices will also benefit from deeper learning opportunities, allowing for exploration of specialist interests.
As part of this qualification you will study a HNC engineering qualification, there are two optional pathways:
Electrical and Electronic Engineering pathway:
Manufacturing Engineering pathway:
You will be assessed throughout the duration of your apprenticeship to evaluate both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Assessment methods include practical observations, knowledge assessments, assignments and projects.
To conclude your apprenticeship, you will complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA). This may include a combination of:
The purpose of the EPA is to verify that the apprentice has met all the required standards for the apprenticeship program and is ready to work independently in their field.
The assessment organisation for this qualification is NOCN.
You will attend the University Centre Leeds on a day release basis for two years to complete the HNC qualification.
The remaining two years will be spent in the workplace building a portfolio of evidence for the End-Point Assessment.
Upon successful completion of this apprenticeship, progression may include completing a Higher National Diploma (HND) or moving into relevant employment.
Job opportunities include:
