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Higher apprenticeship

Engineering Manufacturing Technician

Skills to support process optimisation, implement quality standards and ensure production runs smoothly and safely

An apprenticeship is a real, paid job. The apprentice works for an employer and trains with us at the same time, and comes out with a nationally recognised qualification and the experience to go with it.

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The short answer

42 months42 months (on programme) + 6 months for gateway
FeesAny fees for a 19+ learner, where the company is a non-Apprenticeship Levy payer will be paid by the company.
HTQ Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Manufacturing Engineering for EnglandAwarded by Pearson
Level 4Nationally recognised
Standard ST0841The official reference for this apprenticeship
Before they start

What an apprentice needs

Who Can Apply?

To join the Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, you must be in full-time employment and meet the following criteria:

  • Be aged 18 or over
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK (to qualify for government apprenticeship funding)
  • Meet the academic entry requirements for the course

What Qualifications Do I Need?

To give you the best chance of success on the programme, applicants will typically have one of the following:

  • Five GCSEs at grade C or above (grade 4/5 or higher under the new system), including:
    Mathematics
  • English
  • A Science, Technology, or Engineering-related subject

OR

  • A Level 3 BTEC in Engineering with 90+ credits

We recommend that your maths is at least a grade B (grade 5/6) to support the technical demands of the programme.

Don’t Have Your Certificates?

You’ll need to provide official evidence of your qualifications or show that you’ve applied for replacement certificates before your application can proceed. A list of acceptable equivalent qualifications is available on the gov.uk website, along with guidance on retrieving lost certificates.

We Assess Every Application Individually

We know that everyone’s journey is different. That’s why each application is considered on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the core requirements and are ready to grow in a high-tech, hands-on career, we’d love to hear from you.

The employer sets the real bar, so treat this as a guide. If somebody is close but not quite there, it is still worth the conversation.

What they’ll learn

They work both on the production floor and in office settings, collaborating with engineers, managers, and operators to optimise operations and maintain product quality.

  1. They will support production planning and process optimisation

    Supporting production planning and process optimisation, and collaborating with teams to support continuous improvement initiatives.

    Covers Production Engineering for Manufacture, Quality and Process Improvement

  2. They will carry out quality checks and ensure compliance with standards

    Conducting quality checks and ensuring compliance with standards, to maintain product quality.

    Covers Quality and Process Improvement

  3. They will troubleshoot technical issues and coordinate maintenance

    Assisting with troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, monitoring equipment performance and coordinating maintenance.

  4. They will analyse production data to improve efficiency

    Collecting and analysing production data to improve efficiency. Data analysis and production planning is one of the core areas of study.

    Covers Data analysis and production planning

  5. They will help implement health and safety protocols

    Helping implement health and safety protocols. Health, safety and risk management in engineering is one of the core areas of study.

    Covers Health, safety, and risk management in engineering

The programme

Level 4

HTQ Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Manufacturing Engineering for England

  1. Level 4

    HTQ Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Manufacturing Engineering for England: 610/1229/4

    • Core mandatory units
    • Engineering DesignUnit 4001
    • Engineering MathsUnit 4002
    • Managing a Professional Engineering ProjectUnit 4004
      Note: This is a Pearson-set unit.
    • Specialist mandatory units
    • Production Engineering for ManufactureUnit 4014
    • Quality and Process ImprovementUnit 4017
    • Computer Aided Design and Manufacture (CAD/CAM)Unit 4023
    • Industry 4.0Unit 4030
    • Industrial RobotsUnit 4068
    • Alternatively:
    • HTQ Pearson BTEC Higher National Certificate in Engineering for England: 610/1224/5
    • Core mandatory units
    • Engineering DesignUnit 4001
    • Engineering MathsUnit 4002
    • Managing a Professional Engineering Project (Pearson-set)Unit 4004
    • Specialist mandatory units
    • MechatronicsUnit 4006
    • Mechanical PrinciplesUnit 4008
    • Production Engineering for ManufactureUnit 4014
    • Quality and Process ImprovementUnit 4017
    • Digital PrinciplesUnit 4020
More about the programme

More Than Just a Job: A Well-Rounded Apprenticeship Experience

Our Construction Quantity Surveying Technician Apprenticeship doesn’t just develop technical skills: it’s built around a well-rounded learning journey to help you thrive in the workplace and beyond. The programme includes three integrated modules, designed to support your professional growth from day one:

Study Skills Module

Build a strong foundation for success with essential academic and professional skills.

This module covers:

  • Time management and organisation
  • Research and report writing
  • Communication and presentation techniques
  • Using digital tools for construction and learning

Whether you're returning to study or learning on the job for the first time, this module helps you develop the confidence and habits needed to succeed.

Apprenticeship Skills Module

Understand what it means to be a successful apprentice, and a valued employee.

This module includes:

  • Understanding the apprenticeship standard and End-Point Assessment
  • Professional behaviours and workplace expectations
  • Reflective practice and personal development planning
  • Embedding British Values, Safeguarding, and Prevent principles

You’ll learn how to manage your responsibilities, track your progress, and make the most of your apprenticeship experience.

Project Module

Put your learning into action with real-world projects aligned to your job role.

This module gives you the opportunity to:

  • Tackle practical construction-based tasks
  • Demonstrate cost management, planning, and communication skills
  • Build a professional portfolio that supports your End-Point Assessment
  • Work collaboratively while showing initiative and independent thinking

These projects help bridge the gap between learning and doing, making sure you're fully prepared for the demands of the industry.

A Smarter Way to Learn and Work

This modular approach ensures that every apprentice is equipped not only with technical know-how but also with the professional skills needed to grow, adapt, and stand out in a competitive industry.

Then: where it leads

Occasional changes to modules and course content may take place. Students will be notified when applicable.

About this apprenticeship

About

What Is an Engineering Manufacturing Technician?

Engineering Manufacturing Technicians play a vital role in ensuring manufacturing processes run smoothly, efficiently, and meet quality and safety standards. They work both on the production floor and in office settings, collaborating with engineers, managers, and operators to optimise operations and maintain product quality.

Read more about this apprenticeship

Typical Job Titles Include:

• Manufacturing Technician

• Production Support Technician

• Quality Control Technician

• Process Improvement Technician

• Maintenance Technician

What Will You Be Doing?

As an Engineering Manufacturing Technician, your day-to-day responsibilities might include:

• Supporting production planning and process optimisation

• Conducting quality checks and ensuring compliance with standards

• Assisting with troubleshooting and resolving technical issues

• Monitoring equipment performance and coordinating maintenance

• Collecting and analysing production data to improve efficiency

• Helping implement health and safety protocols

• Collaborating with teams to support continuous improvement initiatives

Why Choose This Role?

If you enjoy hands-on problem solving, working with technology, and being part of a team that delivers high-quality products, this role offers a rewarding career path with plenty of opportunities to grow. You’ll gain the skills to become an essential contributor to modern manufacturing and industrial innovation.

Benefits for the Employer

Drive Performance on the Production Line: Invest in an Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprentice

Looking to enhance quality, efficiency, and innovation in your manufacturing processes? Enrolling your apprentice on the Engineering Manufacturing Technician (ST0841) standard is a smart move toward building in-house technical leadership and operational excellence.

This programme is designed to meet the needs of the UK’s advanced manufacturing sector. It equips apprentices with the skills to support process optimisation, implement quality standards, and ensure production runs smoothly, safely, and cost-effectively.

Develop a skilled technician who understands the full scope of manufacturing: from lean principles and data analysis to equipment maintenance and continuous improvement. By investing in this apprenticeship, you're not only shaping a more capable team today: you're securing the long-term success and competitiveness of your business.

Benefits for the Apprentice

Shape the Future of Manufacturing: Start Your Career as an Engineering Manufacturing Technician

Want to be at the heart of manufacturing operations, ensuring products are made efficiently, to the highest quality, and on schedule? The Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship (ST0841) is your pathway into a high-demand career where precision and problem-solving matter every day.

You'll learn how to support production processes, optimise workflows, and maintain quality standards, earning while you learn, and gaining hands-on experience that sets you apart.

Whether your detail-focused, enjoy working with technology, or are passionate about how things are made, this apprenticeship gives you the skills to build a rewarding future in advanced manufacturing.

Study Commitment

Part-Time Attendance (one day per week for 3 years).

Learning Approach

Study While You Work: The Best of Both Worlds

Our Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship offers a powerful combination of academic learning and hands-on industry experience. Delivered through a day-release model over approximately 3 years, this programme allows apprentices to apply what they learn in the classroom directly to real-world manufacturing environments.

What You’ll Study

You’ll work towards the Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Manufacturing Engineering for England: a nationally recognised qualification that equips you with essential technical knowledge and problem-solving skills tailored to the manufacturing sector.

Taught one day per week, your studies will cover core areas such as:

  • Engineering design and manufacturing principles
  • Quality assurance and continuous improvement
  • Engineering materials, processes, and systems
  • Data analysis and production planning
  • Health, safety, and risk management in engineering

This academic foundation, combined with real workplace experience, prepares you for a successful and progressive career in modern manufacturing.

Qualification Awarded

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering for England (HTQ)

Next Steps

Contact our Employer Training team EmployerTraining@DNColleges.ac.uk

Location

Option to study at 1 of 2 campuses: University Campus Doncaster (UCDon) or University Campus North Lincolnshire (UCNL)

Our partners

Assessment

Nobody springs anything on anyone

1
End-point assessment

Work-Based Project with Report and Presentation

2
End-point assessment

Professional Discussion (Supported by Portfolio)

More about the assessment

Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Engineering for England (HTQ)

The HNC is assessed through a series of coursework-based assignments. These are designed to test your understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects of quantity surveying. Assessment methods typically include:

  • Written assignments and reports
  • Practical tasks and scenario-based problem solving
  • Project work
  • Presentations and group work
  • Technical drawings and cost plans
  • Each unit is graded as Pass, Merit, or Distinction, and you’ll complete a set number of core and specialist units over the 2.5-year programme.

End Point Assessment (EPA)

The EPA is the final stage of your apprenticeship and confirms that you’re fully competent in your role. It’s conducted by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation and includes three key components:

  • Work-Based Project with Report and Presentation

You’ll complete a real-world project related to your day-to-day responsibilities.

  • Submit a detailed written report
  • Deliver a professional presentation to showcase your findings, approach, and outcomes
  • Demonstrates your ability to apply knowledge and solve real problems in a construction setting

2 Professional Discussion (Supported by Portfolio)

A structured interview with an assessor, based on your portfolio of evidence built during the apprenticeship.

  • Reflects your development of Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs)
  • Allows you to discuss your contributions to projects, your decision-making, and how you’ve met the standard’s expectations

Grading

You must pass all three components to successfully complete the apprenticeship. Final grading is awarded as:

  • Pass
  • Distinction
Getting started

What it takes, on both sides

If you're the employer

  • A real role that covers the standard. Your Employer Relationship Officer will check it before anyone enrols.
  • Time released for teaching, on a timetable you'll have from day one.
  • Half an hour every 8 to 10 weeks for a three-way review.
  • Your say-so when the apprentice is ready for their final assessment.

If you want to be the apprentice

  • A job. An apprenticeship is employment, so you need an employer before you can start.
  • Already working in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.
  • An initial skills scan with us, so we know where you're starting from.
  • No employer yet? That's the usual starting point, and finding one is the part we help with.
Where it leads

This is a step, not a destination

Successful completion of the apprentice can lead to progression onto Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering. Or alternatively progression to a Degree Apprenticeship

Not sure what comes after this one? Tell us the role and we'll tell you honestly which of our apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships or university-level courses fits next.

Progression

Where this course can take you

  1. Before you start
  2. This course Level 4
  3. Further study

Check you have what you need in the entry requirements.

Not sure? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.

Further study

Careers it can lead to

  • Engineering Technicians £39,700 a year
  • Building and Civil Engineering Technicians £30,700 a year
  • Planning, Process and Production Technicians £39,700 a year
  • Electrical and Electronics Technicians £31,000 a year
See all 12 careers
  • Quality Assurance Technicians £38,600 a year
  • Science, Engineering and Production Technicians £35,100 a year

With further study or experience

  • Engineering Professionals £41,400 a year
  • Production and Process Engineers £44,100 a year
  • Electrical Engineers £55,000 a year
  • Electronics Engineers £47,700 a year
  • Quality Control and Planning Engineers £40,000 a year
  • Civil Engineers £48,200 a year

Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).

How to start this apprenticeship

It takes two, an employer and an apprentice. Pick your side.

I'm an employer

Put someone on this programme

Recruiting, or formalising the training of someone already in post? Start with a conversation. We'll check the role, sort the funding, and get them enrolled.

Speak to us today 01724 281111 option 2

Or advertise a vacancy through us and we'll handle the recruitment.

I want to be an apprentice

You'll need an employer first

An apprenticeship is a job, so an employer has to take you on before you can start. Already employed in this kind of role? Your manager can put you forward directly.

No vacancy that suits? Register your interest and we'll tell you when one comes up.