What Is an Automation and Control Engineering Technician?
Automation and Control Engineering Technicians play a vital role in designing, installing, and maintaining the automated systems that power modern industry. From manufacturing and energy to transport and logistics, they ensure machinery and control systems operate efficiently, safely, and reliably.
Working alongside engineers, programmers, and maintenance teams, they bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world application—helping industries stay competitive and innovative.
Typical Job Titles Include:
What Will You Be Doing?
As an Automation and Control Engineering Technician, your responsibilities may include:
Why Choose This Role?
If you’re fascinated by how machines think and work, enjoy technical challenges, and want to work at the forefront of modern industry, this role offers a future-proof and fulfilling career. You’ll gain the skills to help drive innovation in smart manufacturing, robotics, and process automation—playing a key role in shaping the technology that powers the world around us.
Build Technical Confidence into Your Team – Invest in an Automation and Control Engineering Apprentice
Looking to enhance your team’s technical expertise and drive smarter, more efficient project delivery? Enrolling your apprentice on the Automation and Control Engineering Technician (ST0071) standard is a strategic step towards developing in-house capability in system design, integration, and maintenance of automated processes.
This apprenticeship is designed to meet the needs of the UK’s advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors, equipping apprentices to contribute from day one across control systems, robotics, instrumentation, and diagnostics.
Develop a highly skilled technician who understands both theoretical engineering principles and real-world operational challenges—strengthening your team now while securing long-term innovation and productivity for your business.
Power the Future of Technology – Start Your Career as an Automation and Control Engineering Technician
Want to be part of the team’s driving innovation in smart manufacturing, robotics, and advanced automation? The Automation and Control Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (ST0071) is your gateway into a high-tech, future-focused career.
You’ll gain hands-on experience while learning how to design, install, maintain, and optimise control systems that keep modern industry moving—all while earning a wage and building skills that are in high demand.
If you’re curious about how automated systems work and want to play a key role in shaping the future of engineering and technology, this apprenticeship is your first step into an exciting and essential industry.
Here’s a tailored version of your message for the Automation and Control Engineering Technician Apprenticeship:
Study While You Work – The Best of Both Worlds
Our Automation and Control Engineering Technician Apprenticeship blends academic learning with real-world experience, giving you the opportunity to earn, learn, and grow professionally at the same time. Delivered through a day-release model over 3 years, apprentices split their time between structured classroom sessions and hands-on work in industry settings.
What You’ll Study
You’ll work towards the Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Automation and Control Engineering—a nationally recognised qualification designed to equip you with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed in today’s high-tech engineering environments.
Taught one day per week, the course covers key subject areas such as:
This integrated approach prepares you for real responsibility in the workplace while steadily building toward a recognised qualification—offering a clear path to career advancement in the fast-growing world of automation and control.
Part-Time Attendance (one day per week for 3 years)
Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Automation and Control (HTQ)
Contact our Employer Training team EmployerTraining@DNColleges.ac.uk
University Campus Doncaster (UCDon)
HTQ Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Automation and Control
Delivery will be day release over two and a half years
Unit structure:
Core Mandatory Unit-Engineering Maths
Core Mandatory Unit- Engineering Science
Core Mandatory Unit -Programming for Engineers
Core Mandatory Unit- Professional Engineering Practice Note: This is a Pearson-set unit.
Core Mandatory Unit -Engineering Mechanics and Materials
Specialist Mandatory Unit-Mechatronics
Specialist Mandatory Unit- Automation, Robotics and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
Specialist Mandatory Unit – Analogue and Digital Electronics
More Than Just a Job – A Well-Rounded Apprenticeship Experience
Our Automation and Control Engineering Technician Apprenticeship goes beyond technical training—it offers a comprehensive, supportive learning journey that helps you thrive both in the workplace and your wider career. The programme includes three integrated modules, each designed to support your development from day one:
Study Skills Module
Build the foundation for success with essential academic and professional skills.
This module covers:
• Time management and organisation
• Research and technical report writing
• Communication and presentation skills
• Using digital tools for engineering and learning
Whether you’re returning to education or learning while working for the first time, this module helps you build the confidence and habits needed to succeed.
Apprenticeship Skills Module
Understand what it takes to be a successful apprentice—and a valued part of a high-performing team.
This module includes:
• Understanding the apprenticeship standard and End-Point Assessment
• Workplace professionalism and behaviours
• Reflective practice and personal development planning
• Embedding British Values, Safeguarding, and Prevent principles
You’ll learn how to manage your learning journey, meet industry expectations, and make the most of your apprenticeship experience.
Project Module
Apply your knowledge through real-world, hands-on projects aligned with your role in automation and control.
This module allows you to:
• Complete practical, system-based engineering tasks
• Demonstrate skills in fault-finding, control programming, and system design
• Build a portfolio of evidence to support your End-Point Assessment
• Work independently and as part of a team on live engineering problems
These projects help you connect theory to practice—ensuring you’re job-ready and confident in your abilities.
A Smarter Way to Learn and Work
This modular approach equips you not just with technical expertise but with the professional, reflective, and collaborative skills needed to succeed and grow in a rapidly evolving industry.
Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Automation and Control Engineering
The HNC is assessed through coursework-based assignments that test your theoretical understanding and practical application of automation and control principles. Assessment methods typically include:
Each unit is graded as Pass, Merit, or Distinction, and you’ll complete a range of core and specialist units over the course of the programme.
End Point Assessment (EPA)
The EPA is the final stage of your apprenticeship and confirms your competence in the workplace. It is conducted by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation and includes two main components:
Work-Based Project with Report and Presentation
You’ll complete a project that reflects your real-world responsibilities in automation or control systems.
• Submit a detailed technical report outlining your approach, analysis, and results
• Deliver a professional presentation demonstrating your problem-solving skills and the impact of your work
• Show how you apply knowledge and skills to deliver engineering solutions in a live environment
2 Professional Discussion (Supported by Portfolio)
A structured interview with an assessor, using your portfolio of evidence built throughout your apprenticeship.
• Demonstrates how you’ve developed the required Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs)
• Allows you to explain your role in engineering tasks, decision-making, and teamwork
• Covers topics such as compliance, safety, innovation, and system performance
Grading
To complete the apprenticeship, you must pass all components. Final outcomes are graded as:
• Pass
• Distinction
This combination of academic achievement and practical assessment ensures your job-ready, qualified, and confident to thrive in the automation and control engineering industry.
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Student Voice
I’ve developed plenty of practical skills on this course that have helped me at work, especially through hands-on assignments. It’s been a good experience so far, and I’m looking forward to progressing to Level 3 and continuing to succeed in my workplace.
Continue your academic studies: Progression route to the Level 5 HND in Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering for England qualification
The Level 5 units prepare students to move on to specific areas of electronic and electrical engineering at Level 6 or to enter employment with the qualities and abilities necessary for roles that require personal responsibility and decision making.
Any fees for a 19+ learner, where the company is a non-Apprenticeship Levy payer will be paid by the company.
Level
Level 4
Duration
48 months (on programme) + 4 months for gateway
Study Mode
Wb
Awarding Body
Pearson
Applications are open. Apply online in minutes.
Questions? Call 0800 358 7575
