People who are following or would like to follow a career in an engineering discipline with a plant or plant hire company. This would involve working outside in all weathers as well as in a workshop. Plant maintenance can be challenging and involve working at heights and in awkward places.
The Plant Maintenance course has been designed in close consultation with the plant industry and is offered as part of the Apprenticeship programme.
It aims to give apprentices a wide range of engineering knowledge and understanding beyond that required to achieve an NVQ qualification. It covers subjects from bench fitting and basic engineering skills to the latest technological advancements in electro-hydraulics and computerised control systems.
Course content
All the Apprentice Plant Maintenance courses follow a proven format, covering basic engineering subjects common to all plant maintenance disciplines.
Further specific training and equipment is utilised relevant to the role the apprentice will follow within the company.
Subjects common to all course disciplines:
Key Skills
- Application of numbers
- Communications
Induction Programme
- Mandatory subjects
- First aid
- Manual handling
- COSHH
Practical training
- 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
Subjects specific to General Plant Mechanic
- Multi-cylinder power units
- Transmissions
- Hydraulics
- Air brake systems
- 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
Subjects specific to Powered Access Mechanic
- Platform hydraulics
- Electro-hydraulics
- Testing and diagnostic procedures
- Platform electrical systems
- Traction motors and control systems
- Basic electronics
- Computerised control systems
- Transmissions
- Power units
- Major overhaul procedures
- Functional and operating procedures
Subjects specific to Crane Mechanic
- Multi-cylinder power units
- Transmissions/crane drives
- Hydraulics
- Power braking systems
- Steering and suspension systems
- Tracks/wheels/tyres
- Electro-hydraulics
- Basic electronics
- Engine management/computerised control
- Jibs/ropes and rigging procedures
- Functional and operating procedures
- Safe load indicators
- Testing and diagnostic procedures
Subjects specific to Lift Truck Mechanic
- Truck electrical systems/battery technology
- Truck hydraulic systems
- LPG/SI power units
- Multi-cylinder CI power units
- Traction motors and control systems
- Electro-hydraulics
- Transmissions
- Masts/chains/forks
- Engine management
- Basic electronics
- Functional and operating procedures
- Testing and diagnostic procedures
- Power braking systems
Subjects specific to Small Plant and Tool Fitter
- Single and multi-cylinder CI power units
- Two- and four-stroke SI power units
- Air tools and compressors
- AC electrical systems
- Power tool maintenance and repair
- Electrical safety testing (PAT)
- Auxiliary plant (pumps/generators)
- Horticultural equipment
- Testing and diagnostics
Entry requirements
The recommended entry qualifications are four GCSEs at level D or higher. However, all candidates will be required to complete a Skills Learning exercise, and some will need to attend the college for further tests to determine their suitability and achievement potential.
Training methods
- Practical/hands on
- Classroom/tutorials
Methods of assessment
- College and on-site assessment
Qualification/Certification
- Apprenticeship – Plant Mechanics
- Key Skills – Level 1
- Intermediate NVQ Level 2 – Plant Maintenance (Specified Discipline)
- First Aid Appointed Persons
- Health and Safety test
- Manual Handling
- Abrasive Wheels
- Portable Appliance Testing
For those eligible to progress:
- Advanced Appreticeship - Plant Mechanic
- Key Skills – Level 2
- Advanced Certificate
- NVQ Level 3 Plant Maintenance (Specified Discipline)
This apprenticeship is available through the following campus:
NNC East (Bircham Newton)
Year 1: 18 weeks in 4 blocks (NCC East)
Year 2: 10 weeks in 3 blocks (NCC East)
Year 3: 9 weeks (NCC East) for those eligible to progress to level 3.
The remaining part of the programme is spent on-site with the apprentice’s employer to gain work experience.
For details of our apprenticeship programmes call 0844 8440409
For apprenticeship recruitment enquiries call 0844 8440043
To find out more about this apprenticeship download the training programme (328kb PDF file).
