Engineering and manufacturing support technicians support the work of engineers by the provision of technical support and expertise for areas of the engineering and manufacturing function. This typically could include, engineering drawing, computer aided design (CAD), quality control, computerized numerical control programming (CNC), robotics, additive manufacturing, engineering or manufacturing software development and process engineering.
Engineering and manufacturing support technicians are found in the engineering and manufacturing sector. This includes the advanced manufacturing fields of aerospace, automotive, maritime, defence and nuclear. Engineering and manufacturing support technicians support the work of engineers by the provision of technical support and expertise for areas of the engineering and manufacturing function. This typically could include, engineering drawing, computer aided design (CAD), quality control, computerized numerical control programming (CNC), robotics, additive manufacturing, engineering or manufacturing software development and process engineering. The support provided is often complex in nature. They will be proactive in finding solutions to problems and identifying areas for improving the business. They organise and co-ordinate services for internal and external stakeholders. They contribute to the planning of work and resources to enable work to be carried out. Stakeholders are informed of progress of development work. They have good communication skills. They may contribute to problem solving. They support continuous improvements. Others may be involved in the implementation of such solutions. They will use technical software packages, typically computer aided design (CAD), or other specialist software, to produce design solutions for equipment or services. They inspect and test equipment or services and produce data from test results. They write technical reports and carry out audits for equipment or services.
The broad purpose of the engineering and manufacturing support technician is to provide the required level of technical assistance on areas of engineering or manufacturing. They report on processes and procedures using communications software, test analysis tools, measurement systems, offline programming, and quality control. They support production planning, scheduling, product technical applications and capability supporting continuous improvements. They support technical marketing sales and purchasing, product development and innovation. They investigate and review services, producing technical reports and documentation. They carry out inspections or tests to analyse products or services. Engineering and manufacturing support technicians typically work in engineering or manufacturing environments. They may also be required to work outdoors inspecting and testing products and processes.
In their daily work, an engineering and manufacturing support technician interacts with other engineers and technicians. They also interact with various stakeholders. They typically report to an engineering or manufacturing team leader. They may also interact with customers, suppliers, colleagues, quality auditors and regulators. They will be able to work with minimum supervision.
Engineering and manufacturing support technicians will be responsible for the quality, accuracy and timely completion of the work they undertake. They also must work efficiently. They must work both individually and as part of a larger team. They must work within the relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations and guidance. This includes the appropriate use of protective clothing and equipment. All work must be completed in a safe and efficient manner as directed by supervisory staff.
This is a summary of the key things that you – the apprentice and your employer need to know about your end-point assessment (EPA). You and your employer should read the EPA plan for the full details. It has information on assessment method requirements, roles and responsibilities, and re-sits and re-takes.
An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA.
The length of the training for this apprenticeship is typically 42 months. The EPA period is typically 6 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are:
When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.
The EPA gateway is when the EPAO checks and confirms that you have met any requirements required before you start the EPA. You will only enter the gateway when your employer says you are ready.
The gateway requirements for your EPA are:
For the engineering and manufacturing support technician, the qualification required is:
EAL Level 3 Diploma in Engineering and manufacturing support technologies (QAN 610/4353/9)
Work-based report with presentation and questioning
You will complete a work-based report. You will be asked to complete a presentation and questioning about the work-based report. The report, title and scope must be agreed with the EPAO at the gateway. The report should be a maximum of 3000 words (with a 10% tolerance).
You will have 20 weeks to complete the work-based report and submit to the EPAO.
You need to prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor. Your presentation slides and any supporting materials should be submitted at the same time as the work-based report. The presentation with questions will last at least 50 minutes. The independent assessor will ask at least 6 questions about the work-based report with presentation.
Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
You will have an interview with an independent assessor. It will last at least 70 minutes. They will ask you at least 6 questions. The questions will be about certain aspects of your occupation. You need to compile a portfolio of evidence before the EPA gateway. You can use it to help answer the questions.
You should speak to your employer if you have a query that relates to your job.
You should speak to your training provider if you have any questions about your training or EPA before it starts.
You should receive detailed information and support from the EPAO before the EPA starts. You should speak to them if you have any questions about your EPA once it has started.Reasonable adjustments
If you have a disability, a physical or mental health condition or other special considerations, you may be able to have a reasonable adjustment that takes this into account. You should speak to your employer, training provider and EPAO and ask them what support you can get. The EPAO will decide if an adjustment is appropriate.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for Engineering Technician (EngTech) for EngTech
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Engineering Technician (EngTech) for EngTech
Please contact the professional body for more details.
This apprenticeship aligns with Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) for Engineering Technician (EngTech) for EngTech
Please contact the professional body for more details.
Version | Change detail | Earliest start date | Latest start date |
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1.0 | Approved for delivery | 21/08/2024 | Not set |
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