Automation and Controls engineering technicians work as part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating with various stakeholders such as design and production teams, and coordinating with both internal and external customers. They monitor automation systems either on-site or remotely, ensuring functionality by managing equipment and software. In large companies, they typically report to an engineering manager, while in smaller businesses they may have more autonomy. Their responsibilities include health, safety, and environmental protection. The related course provides essential engineering skills, focusing on problem-solving and mathematical concepts, and prepares students for further study or industry roles such as Automation and Controls Engineer

This course provides you with a theoretical grounding in engineering and will give you a broad understanding of the huge possibilities within the engineering industry. It allows you to move on to higher education or to an advanced apprenticeship where you can further specialise.

This occupation is part of the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (AME) sector, which includes Aerospace, Automotive, Maritime Defence, Nuclear, and Construction industries. Machining Technicians produce complex, precision-machined products for machinery, such as aeroplanes and vehicles, as well as bespoke components for domestic appliances and medical equipment. They operate various machines, including centre lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, and CNC machine tools.

The main purpose of this role is to machine components from metals or specialist materials using both conventional and CNC tools. Technicians plan their activities, set up and adjust machine settings, and create and validate CNC programs. They also inspect components, report issues, and support continuous improvement, typically in a manufacturing environment.

Engineering Manufacturing Technicians work in various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, chemical processing, and marine, providing specialist technical support to engineers to develop, produce, or test products, processes, and procedures efficiently. They gather and analyse data, solve problems, and update technical documentation related to quality, reliability, production, and costing. These technicians collaborate with managers, production teams, and external stakeholders like customers and regulatory bodies, ensuring products meet quality, safety, and delivery standards. They split their time between office and manufacturing environments, have autonomy in decision-making, and contribute to continuous improvements in business processes and methods.

This role is found across industries such as aerospace, automotive, defence, logistics, pharmaceuticals, energy, and advanced manufacturing, where automated systems blend mechanical, electrical, electronic, and fluid power technologies.

The primary goal is to maintain equipment and ensure optimal performance to meet safety, quality, and cost targets. Multi-skilled mechatronics maintenance technicians handle tasks such as installation, testing, fault diagnosis, and planned maintenance of complex automated machinery. They operate across multiple disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, and control systems, while following safety standards. Technicians also document and communicate their work and may work shifts, at height, in confined spaces, or with hazardous equipment.

This course is a practical based Engineering coursed designed to support learners from full time education to progress into an apprenticeship (what we call a pre-apprenticeship). It can also be used to help learners progress from Level 2 to Level 3. We cover a broad range of Engineering (machining, mechanical, electrical) to help learners find what they enjoy doing and then look to help them progress into their future doing what they enjoy!

Throughout the course there will be large amounts of practical work included in the relevant topics e.g. programming CNC machines, working with hand tools, manual machining on lathes and mills, mechanical maintenance, electrical maintenance and testing, electronic circuit building. Various Engineering and Manufacturing companies will be visited in the local area and further trips to Engineering Conferences.

Lead maintenance engineering technicians typically perform a multi-disciplinary role, managing or leading other technicians. They may specialise in areas such as mechanical, electronic, or electrical engineering. Employers range from small to large businesses that provide or require maintenance support, including major asset owners, operators, supply chain entities, contractors, and sub-contractors. Typical workplaces encompass both private and public sector manufacturing factories. The course covers the fundamental engineering concepts and skills required of a higher technician while also providing a solid foundation for further study at degree level. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving skills, and students should expect the delivery to reflect this, along with associated mathematical concepts.