Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician (Level 3 Standard)

Engineering and manufacturing support technicians support the work of engineers by the provision of technical support and expertise for areas of the engineering and manufacturing function. This typically could include, engineering drawing, computer aided design (CAD), quality control, computerized numerical control programming (CNC), robotics, additive manufacturing, engineering or manufacturing software development and process engineering.

Engineering and manufacturing support technicians are found in the engineering and manufacturing sector. This includes the advanced manufacturing fields of aerospace, automotive, maritime, defence and nuclear. Engineering and manufacturing support technicians support the work of engineers by the provision of technical support and expertise for areas of the engineering and manufacturing function. This typically could include, engineering drawing, computer aided design (CAD), quality control, computerized numerical control programming (CNC), robotics, additive manufacturing, engineering or manufacturing software development and process engineering. The support provided is often complex in nature. They will be proactive in finding solutions to problems and identifying areas for improving the business. They organise and co-ordinate services for internal and external stakeholders. They contribute to the planning of work and resources to enable work to be carried out. Stakeholders are informed of progress of development work. They have good communication skills. They may contribute to problem solving. They support continuous improvements. Others may be involved in the implementation of such solutions. They will use technical software packages, typically computer aided design (CAD), or other specialist software, to produce design solutions for equipment or services. They inspect and test equipment or services and produce data from test results. They write technical reports and carry out audits for equipment or services.

The broad purpose of the engineering and manufacturing support technician is to provide the required level of technical assistance on areas of engineering or manufacturing. They report on processes and procedures using communications software, test analysis tools, measurement systems, offline programming, and quality control. They support production planning, scheduling, product technical applications and capability supporting continuous improvements.

Typical job titles include:

Aerospace inspection technician, Nuclear inspection technician, Quality compliance officer, Quality control technician, Technical support technician

For Level 3 apprenticeships, learners are generally required to have a minimum of 3-5 GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grade 4 (C) or above prior to enrolment. However, for applicants aged 19 or older, this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the employer and training provider, depending on the role and individual circumstances.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work on-site in manufacturing, engineering, or supply chain environments while attending college weekly on a day release basis. They support engineering teams by collecting data, improving processes, and ensuring quality; gaining practical experience in both technical and administrative functions.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers engineering principles, project management, quality assurance, data analysis, technical documentation, and compliance. Apprentices also learn to use digital tools, support continuous improvement, and communicate effectively across departments.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may specialise in quality control, production planning, supply chain coordination, or technical support. Employers may offer additional training in lean manufacturing, CAD systems, or statistical process control depending on the business focus.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 42 months), apprentices earn a Level 3 qualification and are ready for roles such as engineering support technician, quality technician, or production planner, with progression into Level 4 manufacturing roles, team leadership, or degree-level engineering apprenticeships.

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

This Engineering and manufacturing support technician Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road campus on a day release basis each week, with the delivery model being discussed according to the employer requirements. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, to assess your practical skills and knowledge as well as review your progress with your employer.  You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do your job effectively.

Typically, this Apprenticeship will take 42 months to complete, with the potential to progress on to the Higher Apprenticeship on completion.

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