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Key Facts

Engineering Manufacturing Technician (General Engineering) Apprenticeship - Level 4

This Higher Level 4, Engineering Manufacturing Technician (General Engineering) Apprenticeship offers students a broad introduction to the study of both Mechanical and Electrical & Electronics theories and applications via a mandatory core of learning, while allowing for the acquisition of some sector-specific skills and experience through the specialist units. This effectively builds underpinning core skills while preparing the student for more intense subject specialisation at Level 5. Students will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in research, self-study, directed study and workplace activities. For this General engineering pathway, students take the eight mandatory core units.

  • Entry Requirements


    Successful completion of a full BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering, with a minimum of two units with Merit grades, one of which must be a Maths unit, or 48 UCAS points from two appropriate full A Levels one of which must be Maths at a minimum of grade C. As the HNC demands significant analytical skills, all applicants will be required to have a formal interview and complete a diagnostic test to confirm that their Maths base is sufficient to be developed to Level 4. Additionally all students must have Maths and English at GCSE grade C/4 (or Level 2 equivalent).

  • Course Content


    Engineering Manufacturing Technician (General Engineering) Apprenticeship - Level 4 Apprentices are predominantly involved in highly skilled, complex work and during their apprenticeship will develop the following;

    • Problem solving tools and techniques. Such as practical problem solving (PPS), root cause analysis (RCA) and process failure mode effects analysis (PFMEA)
    • Use, benefits and applications of lean methods and tools used in manufacturing and engineering (such as Kaizen, Six Sigma and 8 wastes).
    • Read and extract relevant engineering and manufacturing related data and information (such as workplans or project plans, schedules, drawings, specifications, production data, quality reports, costing data, statistical information) drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions.
    • Analyse and interpret data and information in order to generate manufacturing engineering documentation such as Parts Per Million (PPM) quality adherence, cost analysis and test data Use computer based software systems or packages such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Data Analytics and Databases.
    • Actively promotes the case for the adoption of emerging and advanced engineering and manufacturing technologies to optimise performance.
    • Takes full responsibility for own professional development, seeking opportunities to enhance knowledge, skills and experience. Keeping abreast of developments in engineering processes manufacturing and emerging technologies.

    Apprenticeships are flexible and are designed to offer a structured programme of learning to fit around the needs of the individual and employer.

    Learning takes place mainly during employment through the development of on the job skills, supported by college tuition. Both the on and off job elements of the Apprenticeship lead to nationally recognised qualifications.

  • Progression Next Steps


    Students who successfully complete this qualification may wish to progress to a Higher National Diploma in Engineering, an undergraduate degree or employment in Engineering, Maintenance-related roles.

    On completion of this apprenticeship you will be able to register with the following relevant organisations;

    • Engineering Council for Engineering Technician (EngTech) for Engineering Technician
    • Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for Engineering Technician
    • Royal Aeronautical Society for Engineering Technician
  • Additional Information


    Click on the Apply link on this page to start the application process

    For further guidance and information if you are not currently employed in a suitable role please have a look at Apprenticeship FAQs

    If you are an employer and interested in any of our Apprenticeships for your staff, please email our dedicated Apprenticeship team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

  • Course Structure


    The course is split into a number of phases: On-programme Training and development takes place during this part of the apprenticeship, with apprentices attending college one day a week plus assessment in the workplace. During this time, you will develop a portfolio. During their training, apprentices will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected from a competent Network Engineer.

    End Point Assessment (EPA) is the final stage that an apprentice goes through to complete their apprenticeship. The apprentice must show their learning to an independent end-point assessor and the overall grade available is distinction, pass or fail.

    The apprenticeship duration is a minimum of 42 months plus EPA. One day a week at College, with a minimum four days per week employed in suitable employment.

  • Assessment Details


    The apprentice has to successfully achieve their End Point Assessment (EPA) which includes;

    • Knowledge test - multiple choice exam paper,
    • Practical test and Interview underpinned by a portfolio of evidence.