Apprenticeship Β· earn while you train Β· live UK standard from the careers engine
Apprenticeship

Automation and controls engineering technician

Level
4
Higher
Length
4 yrs
typical
Sector
Engineering and manufacturing
Pay
Paid
you earn while training

In a nutshell

Installing and maintaining hardware and software for automation systems.

What you'd do

Programme and modify PLC logic to meet production requirements
Configure SCADA and HMI screens for operator use
Diagnose and repair faults on automated production systems
Calibrate and maintain process instrumentation on plant
Carry out planned preventive maintenance on control equipment
Interpret electrical schematics and P&IDs to trace faults
Commission new automated systems and carry out acceptance testing

What you'd learn

Programmable logic controller (PLC) programming and fault diagnosis
SCADA and HMI system configuration and operation
Process instrumentation including sensors, transmitters, and actuators
Electrical installation standards and safe isolation procedures
Pneumatic and hydraulic systems used in automated environments
Control system commissioning, testing, and calibration
Engineering drawings including P&IDs and electrical schematics
Ready to look for a place?
See live Automation and controls engineering technician apprenticeship vacancies on the official government service.
Find vacancies
A Careermash concept Β· apprenticeship standard from our careers engine Β· vacancies via gov.uk.

Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

Β© 2026 Careermash. A concept for secondary schools.