Course Overview
This apprenticeship is aimed at those looking to work in roles such as: - Electrical Technicians - Mechanical Technicians - Control & Instrumentation Technicians - Wind Turbine Technicians - Plant Operations TechniciansYou will work on various types of plant and equipment commonly found throughout the Engineering industry sectors and the technicians can be expected to migrate through these sectors during their careers.
What will I learn?
You will learn how to maintain the safety, integrity and effective operation of plant and equipment in one or more of the following areas: the electricity generating environment, (which may use a range of different fuels including coal, gas, nuclear, wind and other renewable sources), oil and gas refining, nuclear waste reprocessing, processing and production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, human and animal food, cosmetics, petrochemicals, sewerage and the exploration and exploitation of oil and gas.
Dependent upon the sector you are employed in, there may be subtle differences in terms of the composition and application of the plant and equipment, however the fundamental principles of operation will be the same regardless of the engineering sector.
Learners will also undertake installation, testing, servicing, removal, replacement, maintenance and repair of a range of equipment and undertake decommissioning activities when plant is being removed from service. They may also undertake decommissioning activities when plant is being removed from service.
Apprentice plant operation technicians will undertake the safe and efficient operation of complex integrated energy conversion and production plant and systems. These activities could include plant commissioning, isolation and testing, plant preparation, plant start-up and shut down, monitoring and controlling plant and dealing with critical operational problems.
They will be responsible for the quality of their own work and possibly others and will ensure the work is completed safely, meets stakeholder quality, time and budget requirements, whilst maintaining the efficient running of plant and equipment.
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
In order to complete a Maintenance & Operations Engineering Technicians Standard, the apprentice only needs to pass the end point assessment. However, working closely with engineering employers, the College has been asked that the apprenticeship standard also includes qualifications like that of the old SASE Advanced apprenticeship. Therefore, any apprentice technician will also attain the following qualifications:
- Level 2 Performing Engineering Operations unit accreditation
- BTEC or C&G Level 3 Engineering Qualification
- Extended NVQ3 Engineering Maintenance Qualification
Although not a qualification, the apprentice technician must also collect evidence to prove they have demonstrated throughout their four years the correct and appropriate behaviours.
Throughout the course, a Wiltshire College Engineering Assessor works in partnership with the employer, in supporting, advising and guiding the apprentice technician.
Entry Requirements
Typically, 5 GCSEs at grade C or higher, and ideally, grade B in mathematics, English and science, or equivalent and/or relevant experience.
Additional Costs and Information
On completing The Maintenace & Operations Engineering Technicians Standard, the apprentice technician meets the professional standards of the Engineering Council for registration as Engineering Technician (Eng Tech) with the IMechE.
