About
What Is an Automation and Control Engineering Technician?
Automation and Control Engineering Technicians play a vital role in designing, installing, and maintaining the automated systems that power modern industry. From manufacturing and energy to transport and logistics, they ensure machinery and control systems operate efficiently, safely, and reliably.
Working alongside engineers, programmers, and maintenance teams, they bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world application—helping industries stay competitive and innovative.
Typical Job Titles Include:
- Automation Technician
- Control Engineering Technician
- Instrumentation Technician
- PLC Technician
- Systems Integration Technician
What Will You Be Doing?
As an Automation and Control Engineering Technician, your responsibilities may include:
- Supporting the design and commissioning of automated systems and control panels
- Programming and configuring PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and HMIs
- Diagnosing faults and maintaining automation systems to reduce downtime
- Collecting and analysing performance data from industrial equipment
- Working with CAD and control system design tools
- Ensuring systems comply with health, safety, and industry regulations
- Supporting system upgrades and continuous improvement projects
Why Choose This Role?
If you’re fascinated by how machines think and work, enjoy technical challenges, and want to work at the forefront of modern industry, this role offers a future-proof and fulfilling career. You’ll gain the skills to help drive innovation in smart manufacturing, robotics, and process automation—playing a key role in shaping the technology that powers the world around us.
Benefits for the Employer
Build Technical Confidence into Your Team – Invest in an Automation and Control Engineering Apprentice
Looking to enhance your team’s technical expertise and drive smarter, more efficient project delivery? Enrolling your apprentice on the Automation and Control Engineering Technician (ST0071) standard is a strategic step towards developing in-house capability in system design, integration, and maintenance of automated processes.
This apprenticeship is designed to meet the needs of the UK’s advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors, equipping apprentices to contribute from day one across control systems, robotics, instrumentation, and diagnostics.
Develop a highly skilled technician who understands both theoretical engineering principles and real-world operational challenges—strengthening your team now while securing long-term innovation and productivity for your business.
Benefits for the Apprentice
Power the Future of Technology – Start Your Career as an Automation and Control Engineering Technician
Want to be part of the team’s driving innovation in smart manufacturing, robotics, and advanced automation? The Automation and Control Engineering Technician Apprenticeship (ST0071) is your gateway into a high-tech, future-focused career.
You’ll gain hands-on experience while learning how to design, install, maintain, and optimise control systems that keep modern industry moving—all while earning a wage and building skills that are in high demand.
If you’re curious about how automated systems work and want to play a key role in shaping the future of engineering and technology, this apprenticeship is your first step into an exciting and essential industry.
Learning Approach
Here’s a tailored version of your message for the Automation and Control Engineering Technician Apprenticeship:
Study While You Work – The Best of Both Worlds
Our Automation and Control Engineering Technician Apprenticeship blends academic learning with real-world experience, giving you the opportunity to earn, learn, and grow professionally at the same time. Delivered through a day-release model over 3 years, apprentices split their time between structured classroom sessions and hands-on work in industry settings.
What You’ll Study
You’ll work towards the Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Automation and Control Engineering—a nationally recognised qualification designed to equip you with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed in today’s high-tech engineering environments.
Taught one day per week, the course covers key subject areas such as:
- Electrical and electronic principles
• Control systems and instrumentation
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and automation software
• Engineering mathematics and analytical methods
• Health, safety, and compliance in engineering environments
• Industrial robotics and system integration
This integrated approach prepares you for real responsibility in the workplace while steadily building toward a recognised qualification—offering a clear path to career advancement in the fast-growing world of automation and control.
Study Commitment
Part-Time Attendance (one day per week for 3 years)
Qualification Awarded
Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Automation and Control (HTQ)
Next Steps
Contact our Employer Training team EmployerTraining@DNColleges.ac.uk
Location
University Campus Doncaster (UCDon)
Key Information
Course Level
Level 4
Duration
48 months (on programme) + 4 months for gateway
Awarding Body
Pearson
HTQ Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Automation and Control
Delivery will be day release over two and a half years
Unit structure:
Core Mandatory Unit-Engineering Maths
Core Mandatory Unit- Engineering Science
Core Mandatory Unit -Programming for Engineers
Core Mandatory Unit- Professional Engineering Practice Note: This is a Pearson-set unit.
Core Mandatory Unit -Engineering Mechanics and Materials
Specialist Mandatory Unit-Mechatronics
Specialist Mandatory Unit- Automation, Robotics and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
Specialist Mandatory Unit – Analogue and Digital Electronics
More Than Just a Job – A Well-Rounded Apprenticeship Experience
Our Automation and Control Engineering Technician Apprenticeship goes beyond technical training—it offers a comprehensive, supportive learning journey that helps you thrive both in the workplace and your wider career. The programme includes three integrated modules, each designed to support your development from day one:
Study Skills Module
Build the foundation for success with essential academic and professional skills.
This module covers:
• Time management and organisation
• Research and technical report writing
• Communication and presentation skills
• Using digital tools for engineering and learning
Whether you’re returning to education or learning while working for the first time, this module helps you build the confidence and habits needed to succeed.
Apprenticeship Skills Module
Understand what it takes to be a successful apprentice—and a valued part of a high-performing team.
This module includes:
• Understanding the apprenticeship standard and End-Point Assessment
• Workplace professionalism and behaviours
• Reflective practice and personal development planning
• Embedding British Values, Safeguarding, and Prevent principles
You’ll learn how to manage your learning journey, meet industry expectations, and make the most of your apprenticeship experience.
Project Module
Apply your knowledge through real-world, hands-on projects aligned with your role in automation and control.
This module allows you to:
• Complete practical, system-based engineering tasks
• Demonstrate skills in fault-finding, control programming, and system design
• Build a portfolio of evidence to support your End-Point Assessment
• Work independently and as part of a team on live engineering problems
These projects help you connect theory to practice—ensuring you’re job-ready and confident in your abilities.
A Smarter Way to Learn and Work
This modular approach equips you not just with technical expertise but with the professional, reflective, and collaborative skills needed to succeed and grow in a rapidly evolving industry.
Pearson BTEC Level 4 HNC in Automation and Control Engineering
The HNC is assessed through coursework-based assignments that test your theoretical understanding and practical application of automation and control principles. Assessment methods typically include:
- Written assignments and technical reports
- Practical tasks and scenario-based problem solving
- Design and programming of control systems
- Group work and collaborative projects
- Presentations on engineering challenges
- Circuit design, system modelling, and diagnostics
Each unit is graded as Pass, Merit, or Distinction, and you’ll complete a range of core and specialist units over the course of the programme.
End Point Assessment (EPA)
The EPA is the final stage of your apprenticeship and confirms your competence in the workplace. It is conducted by an independent End Point Assessment Organisation and includes two main components:
Work-Based Project with Report and Presentation
You’ll complete a project that reflects your real-world responsibilities in automation or control systems.
• Submit a detailed technical report outlining your approach, analysis, and results
• Deliver a professional presentation demonstrating your problem-solving skills and the impact of your work
• Show how you apply knowledge and skills to deliver engineering solutions in a live environment
2 Professional Discussion (Supported by Portfolio)
A structured interview with an assessor, using your portfolio of evidence built throughout your apprenticeship.
• Demonstrates how you’ve developed the required Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs)
• Allows you to explain your role in engineering tasks, decision-making, and teamwork
• Covers topics such as compliance, safety, innovation, and system performance
Grading
To complete the apprenticeship, you must pass all components. Final outcomes are graded as:
• Pass
• Distinction
This combination of academic achievement and practical assessment ensures your job-ready, qualified, and confident to thrive in the automation and control engineering industry.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this apprenticeship, you’ll need to be in full-time employment and meet the following criteria:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Have the right to live and work in the UK (to qualify for government funding)
- Meet the course entry requirements
What Qualifications Do I Need?
To give you the best chance of success, applicants will typically have one of the following:
Five GCSEs at grade C or above (that’s grade 4/5 or higher in the new system), including:
Maths
English
Science, Technology, or Engineering-related subject
OR
A Level 3 BTEC in Engineering with 90+ credits
It’s recommended that your maths is at least a grade B (or grade 5/6) to support the level of study involved.
Don’t Have Your Certificates?
No problem—equivalent qualifications may also be accepted. You’ll just need to provide evidence of your achievements or proof that you’ve applied for replacement certificates. You can find full guidance and a list of accepted alternatives on the gov.uk website.
Each Application is Reviewed Individually
We understand everyone’s journey is different. That’s why we assess every application on a case-by-case basis—so if you’re passionate and meet the core criteria, we’d love to hear from you.
Continue your academic studies: Progression route to the Level 5 HND in Electronic and Electrical Systems Engineering for England qualification
The Level 5 units prepare students to move on to specific areas of electronic and electrical engineering at Level 6 or to enter employment with the qualities and abilities necessary for roles that require personal responsibility and decision making.
Financial Support
UK students can take out a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of their course and a maintenance loan to cover living costs.
We also have a range of other financial support available.
Course Fees
UK
Funding an Apprenticeship: Levy & Non-Levy Options
For Levy-Paying Employers
If your annual payroll is over £3 million, you’ll already be paying into the Apprenticeship Levy. You can use these funds to cover 100% of the training and assessment costs for your apprentices, including the Construction Quantity Surveying Technician programme.
- Funds are accessed through your Digital Apprenticeship Service (DAS) account
- Unused funds expire after 24 months, so it’s smart to use them to upskill your workforce
For Small and Medium-Sized Employers (Non-Levy)
If your business doesn’t pay the levy, you can still access apprenticeship training with government support.
- The government covers 95% of the training and assessment costs
- You only pay 5%, which can be spread over the duration of the apprenticeship
- In some cases, 100% funding is available if your apprentice is aged 16–21, or if you’re a business with fewer than 50 employees
Apply or Enquire
Want to make an enquiry?