Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Automation and Controls Engineering Technician Apprenticeship
Is this course for me?
This occupation is found in cross sector (e.g. Automotive, Food and Drink, Oil and Gas, Pharmaceutical, Construction), companies involved in manufacturing (discrete or process), logistics or utilities environments. These employers may be directly involved in these activities or as a provider of services (e.g. systems integration, field service, technical consultancy) to these companies.
The broad purpose of the occupation is twofold.
Where the role is based inside a manufacturing (discrete or process), logistics or utilities environments, a fully competent Automation and Control Engineering Technician will be able to install, maintain, fault find and optimise hardware and software for automation systems.
Where the role is based in a service provider, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or approved solutions provider in large or SME (Small to Medium Enterprise) companies, the Automation and Control Engineering Technician will be the interface between the vendor and it's customer and will be able to competently provide high quality, engineering services such as installation, commissioning, fault finding (the activity of testing an installation prior to handover) and support.
For both iterations of this role, this would involve the above duties across a range of hardware such as on Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), robots and Industrial Networks (e.g. PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, PROFINET, ModBus). Use of physical tools, software tools and instruments (e.g. multi-meter), are fundamental to carrying out tasks associated with building (e.g. control panels), installing (e.g. site cabling) and maintaining of automation systems.
This occupation will give employers the ability to maintain successful operational capability."
For the first two academic years you will study a HNC Automation and Control Engineering for England (HTQ) qualification alongside maintaining a portfolio of evidence. In this apprenticeship you will be learning the knowledge, skills and behaviours to be successful in your chosen role, as indicated within the apprenticeship standard.
The HNC will be assessed through a variety of methods from written assignments, presentations and laboratory exercises. The End Point Assessment comprises of a project, report and presentation with questioning, and an occupational professional discussion.
36 months
A relevant STEM Level 3 Diploma with 96 UCAS points. Mature apprentices with experience, a portfolio of work and employer references will be considered. All apprentices must possess a Grade 4 or above in Maths and English at GCSE or equivalent.
This apprenticeship is recognised for entry to the HND in Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering for England (Non levy funded). This apprenticeship is designed to prepare successful apprentices to meet the requirements for registration as Automation and Controls Engineering Technician with Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) for Engineering Technician (EngTech) Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Engineering Technician (EngTech).This apprenticeship also provides progression to higher and degree level apprenticeships.
If you don't currently have an employer and would like to undertake an apprenticeship, take a look at our vacancies at www.wigan-leigh.ac.uk/Apprenticeship-Vacancies
Students aged 16-18 do not pay exam fees.
