Automation and Controls Engineering Technician (Level 4 Standard)

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 organisations.

Roles and responsibilities may include:  

• In daily work, an employee in this occupation will be part of a multi-disciplinary team for example as a member or leader of a project team, maintenance team, service team that will work alongside other stakeholders for example design, production or coordination that interfaces with internal and external customers alike.  Monitoring of the operation of these systems can be carried out either within in-situ control rooms or offices, or remotely via web based or GPRS based mobile communications.
• An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the ordering, coordination of services, working to established operating procedures for resources such as equipment and software to ensure functionality of automation systems are maintained.  

Individual employers will determine their own entry requirements, but the typical entry requirements for this apprenticeship will be five GCSEs or equivalent, including maths, English and a science; or a Level 2/3 apprenticeship.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work on-site in industries such as automotive, food and drink, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, and logistics while attending college weekly on a day release basis. They install, support, and maintain hardware and software for automation systems in order to gain practical experience with PLCs, HMIs, robotics, and industrial networks.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers automation principles, control systems, electrical and electronic engineering, software configuration, fault diagnosis, and system optimisation. Apprentices also learn to interpret technical documentation, follow safety protocols, and work collaboratively with design, production, and service teams.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may specialise in systems integration, field service, technical consultancy, or in-house automation support depending on interest and employer needs. Employers may support additional training in SCADA systems, cybersecurity, remote monitoring, or data analytics.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 4 years), apprentices earn a Level 4 qualification and are ready for roles like automation technician, controls engineer, or systems support specialist, with progression into degree-level engineering, project leadership, or specialist automation roles.

For a comprehensive understanding of this programme and what it entails, please click here.

This Apprenticeship is taught at our Higher Education centre at the London Road campus on a day release basis once a week where you will be taught the HNC in Electronic and Electrical Systems. In addition, your skills and behaviours will be assessed in the workplace against the apprenticeship standard. At the end of the programme, you will be required to sit an End Point Assessment to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to carry out your role effectively.

Typically, this Apprenticeship will take 4 years to complete, plus the End Point Assessment period and is inclusive of the HNC.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk