Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3 – Single Discipline)
Overview
The Engineering Maintenance Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship is designed to develop skilled engineers who can maintain, fault find, and optimise engineering plant, equipment, and systems across a wide range of industries.
At Elevated Knowledge, we focus on building confident, capable maintenance technicians who can work safely, efficiently, and independently while contributing to the overall performance and reliability of your operations.
This is a core and options-based apprenticeship, allowing learners to specialise in one of the following areas:
- Electrical Engineering Maintenance
- Control & Instrumentation Engineering Maintenance
- Mechanical Engineering Maintenance
- Apprenticeship Level: Level 3 (equivalent to A Level)
- Typical Duration: 42 months (+ 4 month End-Point Assessment period)
- Minimum Off-the-Job Training: 744 hours
- Apprenticeship Category: Engineering and Manufacturing
- Maximum Government Funding: £27,000
- Delivery: Two delivery options available:
- Local – Can be delivered on block release to our training centre. Includes practical training and F2F technical certificate option (42 months plus 4 months EPA)
- Nationally – Can be delivered via in-company training tasks (subject to there being a suitably qualified mentor in company) plus online knowledge delivery on a day release basis (48 months plus 4 months EPA)
Occupational Summary
Engineering Maintenance Technicians play a vital role in keeping industry moving. They are responsible for maintaining the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of plant, equipment, and systems across sectors such as manufacturing, energy, utilities, processing, and more.
Depending on their chosen pathway, apprentices will develop specialist skills in:
- Electrical: working with motors, power supplies, and electrical distribution systems
- Control & Instrumentation: working with PLCs, sensors, flow systems, and safety controls
- Mechanical: working with pumps, valves, gearboxes, pipework, and mechanical assemblies
In their day-to-day role, maintenance technicians carry out planned preventative maintenance to avoid failures, as well as reactive maintenance when breakdowns occur. They prepare and complete jobs safely, record their work accurately, and ensure all tasks meet required quality and compliance standards.
They work closely with engineers, operators, managers, and other stakeholders, often as part of a team but sometimes independently. Safety is always the priority, alongside meeting business needs such as uptime, cost efficiency, and service delivery.
Typical job roles include:
- Maintenance Technician
- Engineering Maintenance Technician
- Electrical Maintenance Technician
- Mechanical Maintenance Technician
- Control & Instrumentation Technician
- Maintenance Engineering Technician
- Engineering Technician
Outcome of the Course
On completion of the apprenticeship, learners will be able to:
- Carry out planned, preventative, and reactive maintenance on engineering systems
- Diagnose faults and carry out effective repairs across their chosen discipline
- Maintain plant and equipment to ensure maximum efficiency and uptime
- Work safely in line with health, safety, and environmental regulations
- Interpret technical drawings, documentation, and maintenance schedules
- Record work accurately and contribute to maintenance and quality systems
- Support continuous improvement activities within the business
- Work both independently and as part of a wider engineering team
Apprentices will complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) which includes:
- Practical observation with questioning
- Professional interview supported by a portfolio of evidence
- Multiple-choice knowledge test
On successful completion, apprentices will achieve a Level 3 Apprenticeship Certificate, graded Pass, Merit, or Distinction, and will be fully competent maintenance technicians ready to add real value in the workplace.
Learner Entry Requirements
This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals looking to build a career in engineering maintenance.
Typically, learners should:
- Be employed in an engineering or maintenance role
- Have a good standard of English and Maths (or be willing to achieve Functional Skills)
- Demonstrate an interest in engineering systems, fault finding, and problem-solving
- Be able to work safely in an industrial environment
- Show a positive attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to developing practical skills
Previous engineering experience is beneficial but not essential — we’ll support learners every step of the way.
Employer-Focused Summary
The Engineering Maintenance Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship is a proven way to build a reliable, skilled maintenance team that keeps your operations running efficiently.
At Elevated Knowledge, we work closely with employers to develop technicians who can reduce downtime, improve productivity, and support long-term business performance.
Your apprentices will:
- Carry out effective maintenance to reduce breakdowns and downtime
- Support preventative maintenance strategies to improve reliability
- Contribute to continuous improvement and efficiency gains
- Work safely and compliantly within your environment
- Develop specialist skills aligned to your business needs
The standard also aligns with professional recognition towards Engineering Technician (EngTech) status with institutions such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology, supporting long-term career development and retention.
With up to £27,000 government funding available, this apprenticeship provides a cost-effective way to upskill existing staff or develop new talent. For more information about Elevated Knowledge apprenticeships, employers obligations, funding for levy non-levy paying companies, and apprenticeship minimum wage please download the Employers guide brochure in the employer zone.
For full apprenticeship information including KSBs and EPA information from Skills England click below:
