Engineering & Manufacturing

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.

A Heavy Vehicle (HV) technician services, inspects, and repairs HVs, classified by the Department of Transport as category N2 or N3, along with associated trailers and ancillaries. They work in dealerships focusing on specific manufacturers or in independent garages, franchises, or large fleet operators dealing with various vehicle makes.

Technicians handle all vehicle systems, performing tasks from simple part replacements to diagnosing complex faults using advanced diagnostic methods. The role requires strong technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and a solid understanding of vehicle systems. They must work independently and as effective team members, understand commercial operations, and demonstrate good customer handling skills while seeking ways to work more efficiently.

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.

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.

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.

Motor vehicle service and maintenance technicians repair and service light vehicles like cars and vans in dealerships or independent garages. Employing over half a million people, the automotive retail industry is vital to the UK economy. Technicians work independently and as part of a team, with roles varying from simple repairs to complex diagnostics. In larger dealerships, they collaborate with other departments, while in smaller garages, they may handle multiple functions. They must also ensure environmentally responsible waste disposal and consider sustainability in their work.