Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Standard ST0841 V1.1
On the production floor and in the office
An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.
The short answer
What an apprentice needs
Applicants must be in full-time employment and:
- Be 18 or older
- Have the right of abode and right to work in the UK to qualify for funding
- Meet course entry requirements
In order to optimise success candidates will typically have 5 GCSE’s at Grade C ( Grade 4/5 in the new numerical GCSE grading system) or above, including Mathematics, English and a Science, Technology or Engineering related subject, or 90+ credits in an Engineering BTEC at level 3.
*(As further guidance, the level of Mathematics has an advisory GCSE level of grade B (Grade 5/6 in the new numerical GCSE grading system).
A list of acceptable equivalent qualifications is available from the gov.uk website, as well as guidance on obtaining replacement certificates. It will not be possible for applicants to proceed with their application unless they are able to provide evidence of achievement or proof that they have applied for replacement certificates.
All applications are individually assessed.
The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.
What they’ll learn
Keeping manufacturing processes running smoothly, efficiently and to quality and safety standards.
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They will support production planning and optimise the process
Working with engineers, managers and operators to optimise operations rather than only keep them running.
Covers production planning, process optimisation, collaboration with engineers and operators
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They will run the quality checks and keep compliance
Conducting quality checks and ensuring compliance with standards, which on a production line is what stops a small fault becoming a recall.
Covers quality checks, compliance with standards, product quality
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They will troubleshoot and keep equipment running
Assisting with troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, monitoring equipment performance and coordinating maintenance.
Covers troubleshooting, resolving technical issues, equipment monitoring, coordinating maintenance
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They will use production data to make things better
Collecting and analysing production data to improve efficiency, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives with the team.
Covers collecting and analysing production data, efficiency improvement, continuous improvement
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They will help implement health and safety
Helping put health and safety protocols into practice on the floor, where they either work or they do not.
Covers health and safety protocols
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They will come out with an HNC and professional recognition
HNC Manufacturing Engineering alongside the work-based learning, with units chosen to align with the end-point assessment, and alignment to Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration.
Covers HNC Manufacturing Engineering, end-point assessment alignment, EngTech registration
Nobody springs anything on anyone
EPA: There are 2 elements to the assessment and will take place over a typical period of 3 months once the apprentice as gone through gateway. The 2 elements are: Assessment 1: observation with questioning Assessment 2: professional discussion underpinned by portfolio of evidence
Coursework and portfolio
Work launched in class and completed in the job, building the evidence the assessor will look at.
A review with you
The employer, the apprentice and the tutor. Half an hour. Progress, targets, and anything getting in the way.
A full mock
Marked by a tutor who is not theirs, so the feedback is honest and the real thing holds no surprises.
What it takes, on both sides
If you're the employer
- A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
- Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
- Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
- Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.
If you want to be the apprentice
- A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
- Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
- An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
- No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
This is a step, not a destination
Successful completion of the apprentice can lead to progression onto Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering (Manufacturing Engineering), alternatively L6 degree apprenticeship.
Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.
Where this course can take you
- Before you start
- This course Level 4
- Further study
Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.
Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
Careers it can lead to
- Engineering Technicians £39,700 a year
- Planning, Process and Production Technicians £39,700 a year
- Building and Civil Engineering Technicians £30,700 a year
- Electrical and Electronics Technicians £31,000 a year
See all 12 careers
- Science, Engineering and Production Technicians £35,100 a year
- Quality Assurance Technicians £38,600 a year
With further study or experience
- Engineering Professionals £41,400 a year
- Production and Process Engineers £44,100 a year
- Electronics Engineers £47,700 a year
- Mechanical Engineers £46,400 a year
- Electrical Engineers £55,000 a year
- Quality Control and Planning Engineers £40,000 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
How to start this apprenticeship
It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.
Put someone on this programme
Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.
Speak to us today 0800 358 7979
Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.
You'll need an employer first
An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.