Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician (Level 4 Standard)

This occupation is found in the engineering and manufacturing sector, typically performing a multi-disciplinary role, whilst managing or leading other technicians. They may specialise in areas such as mechanical, electronic, or electrical engineering, with employers ranging from small to large businesses delivering or requiring maintenance support.

Roles and responsibilities may include:  

Supervise Maintenance Activities: Oversee and coordinate routine maintenance tasks to ensure optimal functioning of equipment and machinery.

Troubleshooting and Repair: Diagnose mechanical and electrical issues and perform necessary repairs or replacements, to minimize downtime.

Preventive Maintenance: Implement and follow a preventive maintenance schedule to prevent unexpected breakdowns and extend equipment life.

Training and Development: Participate in ongoing training programs to enhance technical skills and knowledge and assist in training new apprentices.

Safety Management: Enforce safety procedures and practices to create a safe working environment, and address any safety concerns promptly.

Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, such as production and engineering, to ensure seamless operations and address any maintenance-related concerns.

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; and/or a Level 2/3 Apprenticeship. A relevant job role is required to undertake this Apprenticeship standard.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work on-site in manufacturing, food production, energy, or transport organisations while attending college one day per week. They oversee maintenance teams, coordinate complex repairs, and ensure equipment reliability.  This allows them to gain practical experience in diagnostics, planning, and compliance.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers engineering systems, asset management, fault analysis, maintenance planning, technical documentation, and health and safety. Apprentices also learn to lead teams, manage resources, and deliver maintenance solutions that meet performance, safety, and quality standards.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may specialise in areas such as mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, or multi-skilled maintenance. Employers may also support additional training in condition monitoring, risk management, or through-life engineering services depending on sector needs.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 36 months), apprentices earn a Level 4 qualification and are ready for roles like lead maintenance technician, engineering supervisor, or asset manager, with progression into degree-level engineering, risk and safety management, or maintenance leadership 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 Mechanical Engineering. 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 three 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