Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

INVEST TRAINING LIMITED

NEWTON AYCLIFFE (DL5 6ZE)

Closes in 15 days (Friday 6 March 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 17 February 2026


Summary

This role with Invest Training / 3M provides hands-on technical training in Mechanical and Electrical maintenance within a high-performance manufacturing environment. Apprentices will develop core engineering competencies while supporting site reliability, safety, and operational efficiency.

Wage

Competitive

Competitive wage offered

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Competitive Wage with structured pay increases every September

Training course
Maintenance and operations engineering technician (level 3)
Hours
Year 1: Monday - Thursday, 9.00am - 4.00pm at NC Group, Friday, 9.00am - 2.00pm at 3M / NC Group. Years 2 - 4: Monday - Thursday, 7.00am - 3.00pm, Friday, 7.00am - 2.00pm. Potential for shift work in year 4.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

3 years

Positions available

2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

  • Assist maintenance technicians with planned preventive maintenance on production machinery
  • Support fault‑finding and basic troubleshooting on mechanical and electrical equipment
  • Learn to safely use tools, test equipment, and maintenance systems under supervision
  • Help with equipment installation, setup, and calibration
  • Perform routine inspections and reporting equipment issues
  • Support continuous‑improvement and reliability activities as directed by engineering staff
  • Complete 3M training and development modules related to site safety, maintenance practices, and technical skills
  • Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, and productivity
  • Follow all 3M safety procedures, regulatory requirements, and site standards

Where you'll work

UNIT 8-9
WELBURY WAY
AYCLIFFE BUSINESS PARK
NEWTON AYCLIFFE
DL5 6ZE

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

NC GROUP LTD

Training course

Maintenance and operations engineering technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

The majority of your apprenticeship will be spent in the workplace, where you will gain valuable hands-on experience and develop practical skills through on-the-job learning

More training information

  • Based at Aycliffe Business Park, NC Group is an "Ofsted Outstanding" training provider specialising in the engineering, manufacturing, and leadership sectors
  • They are known for an industry-led approach, using expert tutors with real-world experience to deliver practical, bespoke training at their modern Newton Aycliffe Academy
  • By partnering closely with regional employers, NC Group ensures your learning is directly relevant to the workplace, helping you build the technical proficiency and confidence needed for a successful career

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 5)
  • Maths (grade 5)
  • Science (grade 5)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Team working

About this employer

In an exciting development for local industry, Invest Training has teamed up with 3M Newton Aycliffe to recruit and train a Level 3 Maintenance Operations and Engineering Technician. This partnership bridges the gap between high-level vocational education and practical industrial application, offering a unique opportunity for an apprentice to gain hands-on experience at one of the world's most innovative manufacturing firms. The role focuses on ensuring the safety and efficiency of complex plant machinery, integrating core engineering disciplines with the rigorous health and safety standards that both Invest Training and 3M prioritise.

After this apprenticeship

  • Maintenance Technician, Mechanical Fitter, Electrical Maintenance Technician, Multi-Skilled Maintenance Engineer
  • Further progression may include moving into supervisory roles, higher-level technical positions, or specialising in areas such as automation, manufacturing systems, or condition monitoring
  • This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a long-term, rewarding career within the engineering and manufacturing industries

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

NC GROUP LTD

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000016320.

Apply now

Closes in 15 days (Friday 6 March 2026 at 11:59pm)