L3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard
Keeping plant safe, intact and running
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
Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprentices. This is an academic and competency based qualification; good study skills are required along with the ability to work on projects.
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
One standard covering electrical, mechanical, control and instrumentation, process control, electromechanical and plant operations technicians.
-
They will maintain the safety and integrity of plant and equipment
Not only keeping it operating, but keeping it safe and intact, which on integrated production plant are the same problem approached from two directions.
Covers safety, integrity and effective operation of plant and equipment
-
They will work across the engineering disciplines
Electrical, mechanical, control and instrumentation, process control, electromechanical and plant operations, on the plant commonly found across engineering sectors.
Covers electrical, mechanical, control and instrumentation, process control, electromechanical
-
They will be able to move between sectors
Technicians can expect to migrate through sectors during a career. Composition and application differ; the fundamental principles of operation do not.
Covers transferable principles of operation, working across engineering sectors
-
They will support modern integrated production
Supporting the business and operational requirements of modern integrated engineered production plant and services, rather than standalone machines.
Covers integrated production plant and services, business and operational requirements
Nobody springs anything on anyone
Every apprenticeship ends with an independent assessment of the knowledge, skills and behaviours learned on the programme, carried out by an organisation with no connection to us or to the employer. Everything before it exists to get the apprentice ready for it.
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
Most of our apprentices carry on, usually with the same employer and usually into a wider role. Which route is right depends on the job being done, so it is worth a conversation rather than a guess.
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 3
- 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.
- Level 4 HNC Automation and Control Engineering for England At University Campus Doncaster
- Level 4 HNC Electrical & Electronic Engineering for England At University Campus Doncaster
- Level 4 HNC Engineering for England At University Campus Doncaster
See all 12 courses
At University Campus Doncaster
At University Campus North Lincolnshire
- HNC Electrical & Electronic Engineering for England (HTQ)
- HNC Engineering for England (HTQ)
- HNC Mechanical Engineering for England (HTQ)
- HNC Operations Engineering for England (HTQ)
- HND Electrical & Electronic Engineering for England (HTQ)
- HND Engineering for England (HTQ)
- HND Mechanical Engineering for England (HTQ)
Careers it can lead to
- Engineering Technicians £39,700 a year
- Electrical and Electronics Technicians £31,000 a year
- Metal Working Production and Maintenance Fitters £37,800 a year
- Building and Civil Engineering Technicians £30,700 a year
See all 14 careers
- Planning, Process and Production Technicians £39,700 a year
- Science, Engineering and Production Technicians £35,100 a year
- Electricians and Electrical Fitters £41,600 a year
- Tool Makers, Tool Fitters and Markers-out £35,900 a year
With further study or experience
- Electronics Engineers £47,700 a year
- Electrical Engineers £55,000 a year
- Mechanical Engineers £46,400 a year
- Engineering Professionals £41,400 a year
- Civil Engineers £48,200 a year
- Production and Process Engineers £44,100 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.