Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4) Propulsion Technician
Role overview
The Propulsion Technician is responsible for the testing or building function to support the development of propulsion systems such as internal combustion engines, hybrid and electric propulsion technology and advanced control systems. To enable consistency and accuracy in build/test, measurement, methodology and technology, the propulsion technician is responsible for enabling the execution of development plans which fulfil the internal customer’s and facility’s requirements for quality, cost and time, whilst adhering to safe systems of work and risk management. The propulsion technician carries out a range of specialist tasks in a controlled environment in order to develop, improve or create new propulsion technologies. The Propulsion Technician plays a proactive role in development build or test delivery, taking responsibility for creating, editing, first line data analysis and quality validation, providing an essential link between the propulsion development function and engineers.
The Propulsion Technicians is the source of technical leadership within their specific functional area and will support and engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders such as engineers, suppliers, external agencies and organisations to provide consistent build, development and quality assurance of the propulsion system.
Entry requirements
- Five GCSE’s at Grade C/4 (or above) including Level 2 or GCSE C/4 or above in English, Maths and Science.
- Level 3 qualification in Engineering or A Levels in Maths and Physics
Qualifications obtained
Level 4 Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) in Engineering
Level 4 Propulsion Technician Apprenticeship Standard
Programme includes
Core Knowledge
A Propulsion Technician must know:
- Health and safety policies, procedures, and regulations in a propulsion environment
- Risk assessment processes and documentation in their area
- Effective communication, listening, questioning, supporting, and mentoring
- Internal and external quality standards and procedures for propulsion systems
- Principles and purpose of quality auditing
- Core engineering principles: mathematics, science, mechanical, and electrical/electronic applications
- Importance of developing and maintaining SOPs to meet legal and code of practice requirements
- How to prioritise workload to meet targets and use resources effectively
- Various data collection systems and their formats
- Measurement Systems Analysis methods and techniques
- Analysing and interpreting data to validate quality, draw conclusions, provide recommendations, and communicate effectively
- Continuous improvement techniques for engineering (e.g., Kaizen, Six Sigma).
- Managing and monitoring supplier performance to achieve cost, service, quality, and sustainability objectives
- Producing accurate plans, presentations, and analysis of graphs/charts, processes, and lessons learned documents
- Internal and external audit compliance requirements (e.g., TS16949, ISO 14001).
Core Skills
A Propulsion Technician must be able to:
- Manage risk and apply Health and Safety measures
- Communicate effectively, listen, question, support, mentor others, and promote attention to detail
- Manage system checks, solve problems, and demonstrate critical reasoning and task coordination
- Lead equipment setup and perform required modifications
- Ensure high-quality data capture and monitor data quality
- Perform checks, measurement, and calibration activities
- Comply with internal processes to ensure equipment is fit for purpose, maintained, and calibrated
- Implement test or build plan modifications based on data analysis
- Prioritise output to maximise equipment use
- Manage customer needs throughout test or build execution
- Develop procedures to meet standards and requirements
- Guide and develop team members
- Create internal test or build instructions and process documents
- Support proposals for new or alternative technologies.
Behaviours
A Propulsion Technician must demonstrate:
- Personal Responsibility & Compliance: Comply with health & safety regulations, take responsibility for workload, and show motivation and resilience
- Working Effectively in Teams: Maintain positive, professional relationships with team members and stakeholders, upholding integrity and ethics
- Effective Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Maintain effective partnerships with clear, honest communication, and a positive, respectful attitude
- Quality & Problem Solving: Aim to identify and address root causes of problems, seek continuous improvement, and demonstrate technical leadership
- Continuous Personal Development: Reflect on skills and knowledge, seek development opportunities, adapt to new situations, and accept feedback positively.
Where can you work?
Typical examples of occupational roles include:
Battery Build and Test Technician; Emissions Test and Analysis Technician; Engine Test Technician; Powertrain Technician; Product Analysis and Verification Technician; Engine Build and Process Technician
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 delivered at Loughborough College for one day per week (Term time only)
Awarding organisation
EAL
Progression opportunities
Level 5 and level 6 Apprenticeship Standards
Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Engineering
Full-time employment
Additional information
Current Delivery Involves:
- One day per week (Term time only) at Loughborough College
- 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
