Plant maintenance apprenticeship course

Course content

• Bench fitting/engineering skills/technical drawing
• Materials and measurements
• Servicing techniques and procedures
• Basic electrics
• Braking systems
• Lifting equipment and procedures
• Fuels/lubricants/consumables
• Welding/brazing/soldering
• CI and SI power units and associated systems
• IT/communication skills
• Multi-cyclinder power units
• Transmissions
• Hydraulics
• Steering and suspension systems
• Tracks/wheels/tyres
• Auxiliary plant
• Compressors, air tools and pneumatics
• Electro-hydraulics
• Basic electronics
• Engine management/computerised control
• Testing and diagnostic procedures
• Functional and operating procedures
• 23 AC electrical systems
• Electrical safety testing (PAT)

You’ll also gain competence in:

• Mathematics
• English
• Communication
• Employment responsibilities and rights
• Health and safety
• Drug and alcohol awareness
• Appointed person lifting operations.

Teaching and assessment

Year 1:

• 16 weeks training (in 4 blocks) 
• You’ll spend the periods between college training with your employer, developing work-based skills and knowledge.

Year 2:

• 9 weeks training (in 3 blocks)
• You’ll spend the periods between college training with your employer, developing work-based skills and knowledge.

Qualifications you gain

• Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Plant Maintenance
• Level 1 functional skills
• Employment responsibilities and rights
• Personal learning and thinking skills

Entry requirements

Academic

The recommended qualifications are four GCSEs (grade D or higher).

 To help us assess your suitability for the course, you'll need to:

• complete a skills learning exercise and possibly attend the college for further tests.
• complete a questionnaire and take part in an informal discussion.

Personal

• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Good communication skills
• Computer literate
• Physical fitness
• A head for heights
• Technical competence