Overview

Technical Support Technicians, work as part of a team to provide technical support and expertise for all areas of the Engineering and Manufacturing function including communications software, test, analysis tools, measurement, off line programming, process control, performance and continuous improvement solutions, capacity planning, production scheduling/planning, product technical applications and capability, technical sales and marketing support, product development and innovation, engineering drawing, purchasing and/or supply of goods or services for engineering activities, quality control, inspection and e-commerce technologies as required.

Am I ready to start?

GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above (or equivalent)

How does an Apprenticeship Work?

An apprenticeship programme is delivered via a mixture of on and off the job training, whereby you can apply your skills in real work contexts.

The apprenticeship programme usually consists of the following elements:

Knowledge element
This is the technical certificate and covers the theory side of your work which is delivered when you attend College, so that you can put these newly acquired skills into practice at work.

Competence element
This is the practical side of the programme and is assessed directly within the workplace by a Harlow College Assessor to ensure that you are developing your skills within the workplace and putting all that you learn at College into practice
Functional skills: This area covers English and Mathematics.

The duration of the course is typically 42 months. You will attend College for 1 day a week and be in the workplace for the remaining 4 days.

What does the course involve?

Apprentices will be expected to be able to work with minimum supervision, taking responsibility for the quality, accuracy and timely delivery of the work they undertake. They will be proactive in finding solutions to problems and identifying areas for improving the business. You will be studying in the new (£11m) state-of-the-art Harlow Advanced Manufacturing Centre (HAMEC) equipped with over £2m worth of industry standard machinery and equipment. We work closely with industry to ensure our courses meet the requirements of employers. The course is delivered through a mixture of classroom activity, guided assignment work and examinations. 

You will be studying in the new (£11m) state-of-the-art Harlow Advanced Manufacturing Centre (HAMEC) equipped with over £2m worth of industry standard machinery and equipment.

Industry experts teaching specialist subjects.

Progression onto Higher Education (HNC) if desired.

Assessment Methods: On programme and EPA

EPA:
Portfolio based Occupation Competence Validation Interview

On programme:
Practical assessment, written assessment, presentation, discussions, exam based assessments

How and when will I study?

You will be studying in the new (£11m) state-of-the-art Harlow Advanced Manufacturing Centre (HAMEC) equipped with over £2m worth of industry standard machinery and equipment and the new IOT building

• Industry experts teaching specialist subjects
• 100% success rate on HNC Engineering in last 3 years
• 75% Merit to Distinction grades on HNC in 2022/23

Assessment method 1 – project: report and presentation with questions:

Assessment method 2 – professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence:

On programme: Written assessment, presentation, discussions, practical assessments, action research

Down to business, what can I do and what can I earn?

Possible careers:

• Engineering Technician
• Process Technician
• Production Support Technician
• Senior Support Technician

Demand for skilled Engineers is high. Successful completion of this apprenticeship could lead to a range of careers including; Operations Management, Electronics, Design, Aeronautical/Aerospace, Mechanical, Manufacturing, Maintenance, CNC Programming, Marine. The average salary for a qualified engineer is £35,879 and typically ranges from £28,000 to £50,000 but can go beyond that for experienced and senior engineers.  

You could even progress into further training as a Higher Apprentice, where the HNC is studied or progress into more senior or management engineering roles.