Automation Engineering Apprentice

Summary

We are offering a 48-month degree level apprenticeship in Automation & Controls. Day to day you will: Work in a hands-on manner to actively monitor, fault find and repair systems. Participate in or own continuous improvement projects. Support the installation and commission of new equipment. Study for your apprenticeship qualification.

Annual wage: Competitive
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Control systems engineer (degree) (level 6)
Hours: In year 1 you will work Monday–Friday from 8am to 5pm. In years 2-4 you will likely be working a Monday to Friday day shift pattern. However, there may be the requirement to work some night and weekend shifts. Shifts TBC.
40 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 1 September
Duration: 4 years
Positions available: 1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

You will build your skills over a 48-month period - starting in September 2024 including:

Classroom training and workshops hosted off site
Fault-finding and repair automation systems
Optimise automation systems
Programme automation systems using PLC's

Where you’ll work

LTN4, Prologis Park, Dunstable, Central Bedfordshire

LU5 4FE

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

SIEMENS PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY

Your training course

Control systems engineer (degree) (level 6)

Equal to degree

Course contents

Translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems.
Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and fishbone diagrams.
Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation.
Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and or developmental or test evidence.
Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria. Apply techniques and processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating any risks identified within the control systems environment.
Identify resources required to complete control system projects, project tasks or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity.
Create a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
Demonstrate leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities such as system design, integration, operational simulation, installation, testing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintenance of control systems.
Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use.
Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities such as improving safety, quality, technology solutions, operational processes, training and development, equipment performance or cost key performance indicators (KPIs).
Perform checks on control systems documentation to ensure it meets organisational compliance and traceability requirements. Report any non-conformances using the appropriate processes and procedures.
Interpret key performance indicators and utilise improvement techniques or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as lean or six sigma.
Translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems.
Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and fishbone diagrams.
Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation.
Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and or developmental or test evidence.
Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria. Apply techniques and processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating any risks identified within the control systems environment.
Identify resources required to complete control system projects, project tasks or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity.
Create a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
Demonstrate leadership when undertaking control system engineering activities such as system design, integration, operational simulation, installation, testing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintenance of control systems.
Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use.
Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities such as improving safety, quality, technology solutions, operational processes, training and development, equipment performance or cost key performance indicators (KPIs).
Perform checks on control systems documentation to ensure it meets organisational compliance and traceability requirements. Report any non-conformances using the appropriate processes and procedures.
Interpret key performance indicators and utilise improvement techniques or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as lean or six sigma.

Your training plan

Control technical support engineer

Year 1 is full-time residential (classroom) training at one of our training provider facilities. As a result, you may be required to work away from home Monday to Friday each week during term time (costs will be supported by Amazon), combined with short periods working at one of our operations warehouses. This will give you a thorough and detailed insight into the work of the RME team, as well as the basic skills necessary before working autonomously on our site equipment.

Years 2 and 3 will comprise block release training at one of our training provider facilities where you will study for a Foundation Degree in controls engineering, and on-the-job training in a Fulfilment Centre amongst our team of technicians and engineers.

In year 4, you will complete a substantial work-based project and attend university on block release to achieve your full degree qualification (which will be awarded along with the apprenticeship certificate on completion of the End Point Assessment for the apprenticeship).

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English Language (grade 4-9)
Mathematics (grade 4-9)
Mathematics (grade A-C)

Desirable qualifications

A Level or equivalent in:

Any subject (grade A-C)
STEM subject (other than Maths) (grade A-C)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Problem solving skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working

Other requirements

Applicants must be able to commit to spending the first academic year at a training centre in Birmingham full time during the working week. Amazon will pay for the accommodation and reasonable additional living expenses during this time.

About this company

Amazon offers a range of opportunities to suit candidates with different backgrounds, qualifications and career aspirations. That is why we believe it is the perfect place to learn new skills. We believe that building a culture that is welcoming and inclusive is integral to people doing their best work and is essential to what we can achieve as a company. We take steps to ensure our colleagues have a sense of belonging, value, and opportunity.

http://www.amazonapprenticeships.co.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Not only will you receive invaluable learning, development and professional experience, but you will also gain a number of externally recognised qualifications and your bachelor’s degree.

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will be eligible to apply for Automation Engineering roles within the RME team.

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