Engineering maintenance technician

Engineering maintenance technicians keep equipment working in industries such as manufacturing, production and transport. They carry out planned servicing, diagnose faults and repair systems including motors, gearboxes and pumps.

These are approximate UK figures for guidance only, not guaranteed salaries. Pay varies by employer, location and experience. Source: National Careers Service, checked November 2026 (nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/engineering-maintenance-technician).

1. Build maths, science and practical skills
2. Choose college, an apprenticeship or engineering operative work
3. Develop electrical and mechanical maintenance skills
4. Progress into technician work and specialist training

There are routes without a degree. College options include engineering, mechanical or electrical engineering, and T Levels in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing. T Levels usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 including English and maths, or equivalent. The National Careers Service lists the Engineering Maintenance Technician and Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeships, plus a Level 2 Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship, which has no set qualification requirements. You can also start as an engineering operative and progress through workplace training. A foundation degree or HND in engineering is another option.

Routes vary. Always check entry requirements with course providers, employers and the relevant professional body.

Not usually required

Main routes in: GCSE, A levels, T Levels, Apprenticeship, Other routes.

• Maths
• Physics
• Design and technology
• English

• Repairing and maintaining equipment
• Fault finding
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Practical hand skills
• Teamwork
• Working on your own
• Computer skills

• Manufacturing
• Production
• Transport
• Construction

A typical day could involve checking control panels, servicing machinery, finding faults and arranging replacement parts. You also write job reports, update stock records and carry out risk assessments and safety checks. Work can be in factories, manufacturing plants or on construction sites. It can be noisy and partly outdoors, with safety clothing needed. The National Careers Service lists 40 to 42 hours a week, with evening, weekend and bank holiday shifts possible.

You could take the Lead Engineering Maintenance Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship to become a senior technician. Further training can lead to maintenance engineering in mechanical, electrical or building services work, or into team management and technical sales.