Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3) Engineering Technician
Role overview
Product Design and Development Technicians help turn innovative ideas into real-world products. Working across the full development process, from concept and prototype through to testing and launch apprentices gain advanced technical, design, and manufacturing skills used across engineering and high-tech industries.
You’ll learn how to:
- Use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to model and develop products and components
• Produce and test prototypes using workshop machinery, 3D printing and additive manufacturing techniques
- Apply mechanical, electrical, and electronic principles in design and assembly
Measure, inspect, and analyse performance to meet design and quality standards
- Identify and resolve design or production issues during testing and validation Work safely, efficiently, and collaboratively in engineering environments
- Apprentices work alongside engineers and technicians in design studios, laboratories, and production areas contributing to projects across automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and advanced engineering sectors.
Typical roles include Product Design Technician, Development Engineer, Prototype Technician, or Mechanical Design Technician.
Programme includes
Core Knowledge & Skills
Engineering Technicians are able to demonstrate:
Knowledge:
understanding the importance of complying with statutory, quality, organisational and health and safety regulations
understanding of general engineering/manufacturing mathematical and scientific principles, methods, techniques, graphical expressions, symbols formulae and calculations used by engineering technicians
understanding the structure, properties and characteristics of common materials used in the sector
understanding the typical problems that may arise within their normal work activities/environment
understanding approved diagnostic methods and techniques used to help solve engineering/manufacturing problems
understanding the importance of only using current approved processes, procedures, documentation and the potential implications for the organisation if this is not adhered to
understanding and interpreting relevant engineering/manufacturing data and documentation in order to complete their job role
understanding the different roles and functions in the organisation and how they interact.
understanding why it is important for an organisation to continually review their processes and procedures
Skills:
obtaining, checking and using the appropriate documentation (such as job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation)
working safely at all times, complying with health, safety and environmental legislation, regulations and organisational requirements
planning and where applicable obtaining all the resources required to undertake the work activity
undertaking the work activity using the correct processes, procedures and equipment
carrying out the required checks (such as quality, compliance or testing) using the correct procedures, processes and/or equipment
dealing promptly and effectively with engineering/manufacturing problems within the limits of their responsibility using approved diagnostic methods and techniques and report those which cannot be resolved to the appropriate personnel
completing any required documentation using the defined recording systems at the appropriate stages of the work activity
restoring the work area on completion of the activity and where applicable return any resources and consumables to the appropriate location
Behaviours
The required behaviours are:
1. Personal responsibility, resilience and ethics. Comply with health and safety guidance and procedures, be disciplined and have a responsible approach to risk, work diligently at all times, accept responsibility for managing time and workload and stay motivated and committed when facing challenges. Comply with any organisational policies/codes of conduct in relation to ethical compliance
2. Work effectively in teams. Integrate with the team, support other people, consider implications of their actions on other people and the business
3. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. open and honest communicator, communicating clearly using appropriate methods, listening to others and have a positive and respectful attitude
4. Focus on quality and problem solving. Follow instructions and guidance, demonstrates attention to detail, follow a logical approach to problem solving and seek opportunities to improve quality, speed and efficiency
5. Continuous personal development. Reflect on skills, knowledge and behaviours and seeks opportunities to develop, adapt to different situations, environments or technologies and have a positive attitude to feedback and advice
Where can you work?
Product Design and Development Technicians are employed in:
- Engineering and manufacturing companies
- Automotive, aerospace, and defence organisations
- Product design consultancies and R&D departments
• Technology and advanced manufacturing sectors
This pathway develops creative, analytical engineers who combine design thinking with hands-on technical expertise to bring products from concept to reality.
Progression opportunities
After completing this apprenticeship, learners can progress to higher-level study such as the Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician or HNC/HND in Engineering.
With experience, career routes include Design Engineer, Development Engineer, or Project Engineer, leading on product innovation and process improvement.
