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 the pathway?
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.
General requirements:
UK Nationals
- UK passport, showing you are a British citizen or a citizen of the UK, having the right of abode in the UK
- Birth certificate - please also bear in mind, if your name is different to the name you are using, you must also have your deed poll documentation.
EEA Nationals & Switzerland
- For EEA Nationals & Switzerland, an official current immigration status document proving that you have resided in the EEA or Switzerland or the UK, for at least 3 years before the start of the apprenticeship and that you have the right of abode in the UK.
Non-UK Nationals
- For Non-UK national passport holders, your passport alongside a current Immigration Status Document issued by the UK Home Office, or your Biometric Residence Permit (front and back).
How do I apply?
Once you have decided on which apprenticeship is for you and you have checked that you meet the entry requirements, the next step is to apply. You can do this on our website here.
"My apprenticeship has given me stability - and you cannot put a price on that."
Noukhaiz Khan - Trelleborg