Land Based Service Engineer (Agricultural & Construction Plant Machinery Engineering)

Service engineers work on a diverse range of tasks and machinery, plant and equipment, whether in the agricultural, construction plant, ground care/horticulture equipment repairs industry.

For example this could include:

• Preparation of new and second-hand machinery for sale or hire
• Pre-delivery inspection of machinery carried out in accordance with manufacturer’s and employer’s procedures
• Performing routine service and maintenance operations in accordance with manufacturer’s schedules and employer’s instructions
• The preparation of equipment for repair for example, cleaning, dismantling and reassembly of machinery and their component parts, this may be carried out under supervision or in accordance with procedures or written briefs
• Conducting routine machine operation and systems testing.
• Handing over machinery plant and equipment to the control and use of others in the workplace. For example a senior technician.

These operations typically take place under the supervision of a senior technician in the workplace or on the customer’s site, in which case work may be undertaken outdoors. The nature of the job role presents challenges ranging from routine maintenance to the repair of elementary mechanical faults. This requires a diverse blend of skills, industry underpinning knowledge and the disciplines required for environmental and safe working practice.

What apprentices will learn

• Environmental, safe working and legal requirements
• Use of specialist tools and equipment
• Thermally and chemically joining metals and components
• Advanced technical and engineering principles of land-based engineering machinery, plant and equipment
• Service, maintenance and repair principles and practices for complex machinery, plant and equipment
• Accessing, interpreting and applying technical data
• Diagnosing faults and verifying machinery
• Select and apply appropriate tools and equipment, demonstrate dexterity, resourcefulness, and a professional approach to service engineering practice
• Maintain and conduct basic repairs and maintenance activities on power units, and power trains, mechanical equipment, plant and machinery and their associated systems and components either under supervision or following procedures and service schedules prepared by the manufacturer or employer
• Thermally and chemically join metals and materials
• Access and interpret technical data relating to service and maintenance operations in accordance with the manufacturer’s documentation
• Handling regulations, the abrasive wheel regulations and the legislation relevant to the role of Service Engineer
• How to record information, maintain accurate customer service records and communicate with customers and colleagues using verbal and handwritten methods whilst observing customer care practices
• Workshop practices, the identification and application of tools and equipment used in service and maintenance operations. This will typically include knowledge of the care and storage of tools and equipment
• Methods of thermally and chemically joining metals and components
• This knowledge will be used in the context of performing service and maintenance operations to machinery and equipment

Apprenticeship Qualifications

• Apprenticeship Certificate
• Level 1 Math and English Functional Skills (if applicable)

Delivery model

A mix of in college learning (three weeks a month during term time only) at Plumpton College's Engineering Centre split between classroom theory and workshop practical sessions. This will be supplemented with one online delivery workshop (forth week in every month) to provide theory based discuss alongside quarterly workplace competency and efficiency observation and assessments. Required Maths and English classes to assist the apprentice to achieve the necessary functional skills level will take place during the in college days. 

Methods of Assessments

The apprentice will be regularly assessed during the college-based training via practical tasks and written assignments which will include constructive feedback from the college instructors. The apprentice will be expected to complete a Log of Progression, detailing their development of knowledge, skills, and behaviours using their digital portfolio. Once the employer and college feels the apprentice has reached the necessary skills and knowledge level and achieved the level of functional skills they will be submitted to their End Point Assessment.  This includes an Online Knowledge Test, Practical Assessments in the workplace, and a Professional Interview.

Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprentices. Typically this will include English and Mathematics GCSE’s at Grade C or Grade 4 or equivalent. It is desirable that the apprentice has a basic understanding of Information and Communication Technology as well as demonstrating the following qualities:

• Problem solving and self-organisation skills
• Good communication skills
• Works well independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to learn

To enrol onto an apprenticeship programme you need to be employed with a contract of employment. If you have an employer lined up or are already employed please contact our Business Services team on 01273 892127 or via email.

You must be in a role that will allow you the opportunity to develop the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours set out in the apprenticeship. Additionally, apprentices must have a working level of maths and English that will allow successful achievement of level 1 functional skill prior to the end point assessment.

If you do not currently have an employer please visit the main Apprenticeships page for guidance on how to find and apply for an apprenticeship opportunity or register for our Talent Bank service.

If you are an employer and would like to recruit or enrol an existing employee onto an apprenticeship please contact our Business Services team on  01273 892127 or via email.