Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2) Engineering Operative - Electrical & Electronic
Role overview
Electrical and Electronic Operatives help design, build, and maintain the systems that power modern manufacturing and engineering environments.
In this pathway, apprentices gain the hands-on skills to assemble, test, and maintain electrical and electronic components used in machinery, control panels, and automated systems.
You’ll learn how to:
- Read and interpret electrical drawings and specifications
- Wire, assemble, and test electrical and electronic circuits and components
- Use diagnostic tools to identify and correct faults
- Work safely with electrical systems following isolation and reinstatement procedures
- Carry out quality checks to meet compliance standards
- Communicate effectively within engineering and production teams
Apprentices typically work in manufacturing, engineering, or maintenance settings supporting system builds, testing, and repair work.
Typical roles include Electrical or Electronic Assembly Operative, Panel Wirer, or Maintenance Assistant.
Entry requirements
- Five GCSEs at grade C/4 (or above) including Level 2 or GCSE C/4 or above in English, Maths and Science.
- If an Apprentice has not already achieved Level 2 (GCSE C/4 or above) English and Maths they must study for and achieve Functional Skills Level 2 English and Maths - while not a mandatory requirement, this is encouraged to support the balance of the programme and also progression
- Initial Assessment on enrolment Level 2 Maths and English
Qualifications obtained
Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations Skills
Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations Knowledge
Level 2 Apprenticeship in Engineering Operative
Programme includes
Core knowledge: An engineering operative will understand:
How to obtain the necessary job instructions, engineering drawings and specifications and how to interpret them
Relevant statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures/systems, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to engineering operations
Their individual roles and responsibilities within the organisation and the flexibility required to support the achievement of company targets
Engineering operational practices, processes and procedures
Potential problems that can occur within the engineering operations and how they can be avoided
Core skills: An engineering operative will be able to:
Work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines
Identify and deal appropriately with any risks, hazards, hazardous situations and problems that may occur within the engineering environment within the limits of their responsibility
Demonstrate effective communication skills which include oral, written, electronic
Complete appropriate documentation accurately, efficiently and legibly using the correct terminology where required
Obtain and follow the correct documentation, specifications and work instructions in accordance with time constraints and the roles and responsibilities identified for the engineering activities, extracting the necessary data/information from specification and related documentation
Select and use appropriate tools, equipment and materials to carry out the engineering operation
Deal appropriately with any problems that may occur within the manufacturing environment within the limits of their responsibility
Work efficiently and effectively at all times maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste.
Where can you work?
Electrical and Electronic Operatives are employed across:
- Manufacturing and production facilities
- Engineering and automation companies
- Power generation and renewable energy sectors
- Aerospace, automotive, and transport industries
- Maintenance and electrical installation services
This pathway builds the foundations for a career in electrical and electronic engineering, combining technical precision with practical problem-solving.
Key information
Starts
- The Apprenticeship programme will start in September
Enrolment
- The enrolment process will be completed prior to the start date of the Apprenticeship
Delivery
- The Apprenticeship will be delivered at Stephenson College on a block release structure (term time only)
Awarding organisation
EAL, ETC Awards, NOCN
Progression opportunities
After completing this Apprenticeship, learners can progress onto the Level 3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician or Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technician Apprenticeship.
With experience, they may move into roles such as Electrical Technician, Test Engineer, or Automation Engineer, supporting complex control and manufacturing systems.
Additional information
Current delivery involves:
- Block release at Stephenson's College with a cycle of block then in the workplace
- A progress review every 12 weeks with dedicated trainer assessor and line manager / workplace mentor
- Observations and professional discussions with dedicated trainer assessor in the workplace
