Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician
This role is all about using your engineering skills to make things work and work better. You’ll help design, upgrade, test, and maintain important systems, machinery, or equipment that keep industries moving. One day you might be planning a big overhaul or solving a tricky technical problem, and the next you could be out in the field making sure everything runs safely and smoothly.
You’ll be part of projects that are complex, hands-on, and sometimes totally unique, where you’ll plan, lead, and deliver work that really matters. You’ll analyse data, schedule maintenance, and make sure everything meets high quality and safety standards. You’ll also work closely with teams, customers, and specialists to find smart solutions when challenges pop up.
Whether you’re in the office designing maintenance plans, in the workshop testing new systems, or on-site getting things up and running again, no two days are the same.
Apprenticeship information
Entry requirements
- Applicants must already be employed in a suitable engineering role.
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.
Where will I study?
Training 2000 Blackburn
Duration
- Up to 4 years
- Year 1/2 – 1 day per week to complete the HNC in Mechatronics
- Year 3/4 – assessment in the workplace
English and Maths
You will only need to complete English and Maths Functional Skills if you are unable to provide evidence of your GCSE qualifications or if your existing grades are just below the required entry requirements.
Apprentices who began their apprenticeship training when aged 19+ will no longer be subject to the mandatory requirement to study towards and achieve English and maths. However, for apprentices aged 19+, the apprentice or their employer can still choose for the apprentice to study towards an English and maths qualification.
The Functional Skills programme runs as an addition to the time you are already required to spend doing your off-the-job training. Following a thorough assessment process, we will select a learning plan suitable for you, which will be either 2-weeks full-time or 12-weeks (one day per-week) each for English and/or maths.
If a subject needs re-sitting, this will be additional time in the classroom on top of your learning plan.
Apprenticeship information
Safety and Risk Management
Establish and implement appropriate safety control measures for each maintenance activity, ensuring that all relevant personnel are informed. Maintain a strong focus on completing every task safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with safety requirements.
Technical Analysis and Interpretation
Gather, interpret, and analyse technical information such as design briefs, maintenance manuals, operating specifications, calibration records, and asset performance data. Use this information to make informed engineering and maintenance decisions.
Maintenance Planning and Preparation
Plan maintenance activities to guide the maintenance team effectively. Ensure that work instructions, permits, safety briefings, and contact details are available in advance, alongside the necessary materials, tools, and resources.
Execution of Maintenance Activities
Lead or undertake maintenance, modifications, repairs, upgrades, and alterations to systems, plant, and equipment. Provide technical and team leadership where appropriate to ensure high-quality and timely completion of all activities.
Inspection and Performance Monitoring
Carry out inspection activities on systems and equipment, including checks on pressures, flows, temperatures, installation quality, and material condition. Conduct feasibility assessments to identify potential improvements or issues.
Communication and Technical Leadership
Communicate significant technical or maintenance issues promptly to relevant teams. Provide clear leadership, advice, and guidance to support effective problem-solving and continuous progress.
Stakeholder Coordination
Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders — such as asset managers, operators, suppliers, auditors, and customers — to ensure maintenance and engineering operations are completed within agreed timescales and standards.
Problem Solving and Issue Resolution
Address unexpected technical, process, or team-related issues using a structured and controlled approach. Escalate matters appropriately to maintain efficiency and safety.
Documentation and Reporting
Generate accurate and complete documentation upon the completion of maintenance work. Provide reports, test forms, defect logs, and handover records to support future maintenance planning and asset management.
Continuous Improvement
Review maintenance and engineering procedures regularly to identify opportunities for improvement in processes, materials, resource use, costs, efficiency, and quality. Contribute to the ongoing development of best practices.
At the end of your Apprenticeship you’ll go through an end-point assessment (EPA) and be graded a fail, pass or distinction based on a:
- Project report and presentation with questions
- Professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence
This Apprenticeship teaches you a wide range of skills so that you can work as a:
- Installation technician
- Process technician
- Production support technician
- Senior maintenance technician
- Test and commissioning technician
Next steps
On completion of this course you may want to consider the following options to further your career.
Where can you progress to?
Frequently asked questions
Most of our Apprenticeships are 4 years but can be shorter dependant on the type of engineering you are learning.
We offer engineering Apprenticeships in a range of areas, such as CAD (Computer Aided Design), Welding, Fire & Security systems, Electronics, Mechatronics and CNC.
Not for this Apprenticeship. The entry requirements are that you are already employed as an engineer. Please see the entry requirements for more details.
As we are part of the University of Lancashire, you can easily progress onto a Degree Apprenticeship.
Interested?
Apply for this apprenticeship