Automation and controls engineering technician
Depending on the type of company, an automation and controls engineering technician may be either based within a manufacturing organisation and provide the service directly for them; or in a service provider, approved solutions provider or original equipment manufacturer where you provide a service to your company’s customers.
Both roles involve working across range of hardware specific to industry such as programmable logic controllers, human-machine interfaces, robots, and industrial networks. The use of physical tools, software tools and instruments are fundamental to carrying out tasks associated with building, installing, and maintaining automation systems.
What will I study on this apprenticeship standard?
Units could include:
- Engineering design
- Engineering maths
- Engineering science
- Managing a professional engineering project
- Electrical and electronic principles
- Automation, robotics and programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
- Electrical systems and fault finding
- Instrumentation and control systems.
Higher apprenticeship entry requirements:
You must be able to demonstrate an aptitude for electrical/automation, which may be achieved through a variety of methods including;
- Work experience
- Hobbies
- Academic qualifications.
In addition, you will need one of the following:
- A minimum of two A-Levels at grade C or above, including a mathematical-based subject and a science, technology, engineering or an additional mathematics-related subject
- An Engineering BTEC Level 3 with at least 120 credits at MM (Merit Merit) level
- An EAL Diploma in an Engineering-based subject at M (Merit) or above
- Equivalent qualifications such as Technical Levels at MM (Merit Merit) or above.
Applicants are also required to successfully complete a series of assessments at the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre, as well as an employer recruitment and selection process to secure a place on an apprenticeship programme. This programme will focus on your understanding of electrical principles.
How do I apply?
"By taking the apprenticeship route, I gained practical experience and academic knowledge at the same time. This means that I have almost seven years’ experience as well as the qualifications earned at the AMRC Training Centre, which puts me in a better position to other graduates who go through the traditional route of going to university."
Daniel Ferrow - Stanley Black & Decker Inc