The Level 3 Science Industry Maintenance Technician standard is designed for apprentices seeking a maintenance career in the chemical, petrochemical, polymer, primary and secondary pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, engineering and nuclear manufacturing sectors.

Operating under highly regulated conditions, Science Industry Maintenance Technicians are required to work independently and as part of a team, to maintain the fault-free and safe operation of the science industry plant, by the installation, maintenance, testing and repair of instrumentation and mechanical/electrical equipment.

Typically, the training period will last between 36-42 months, where the learning is focused on ensuring the apprentice acquires the knowledge, skills, and behaviours, as set out by the standard.

Apprentices must also achieve a qualification at level 3 or higher, which is recognised by a professional engineering institution, to warrant EngTech status, such as:

  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Operations and Maintenance Engineering
  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering (Specialist: Operations and Maintenance)
  • BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Electrical/ Electronic Engineering.

Apprentices must also achieve level 2 in English and maths, prior to end-point assessment.

Knowing that your apprentice is on track is important and that is why SIAS offers its highly regarded Tracker document and Competence Evaluation Log that gives both the apprentice and employer confidence as the learning progresses.

Guidance materials and individual support for training providers, apprentices and employers are provided throughout the on-programme learning. We also deliver a number of events and webinars to advise and guide across the range of apprenticeships we assess.