Land-Based Service Engineering

Here in the UK (and beyond, too!) the farming industry is big business.

With an ever-growing demand for skilled agriculture professionals, there are huge amounts of opportunities for people to get involved in agriculture.

That's why at East Durham College we offer a new and exciting apprenticeship pathway in Land-Based Services Engineering.

You've all heard of engineers, right? Well, engineers work absolutely everywhere, including in the agriculture, plant and horticulture industries!

The basic definition of land-based service engineer is that you will work as an engineer who will be responsible for the design, upkeep or maintenance of a wide variety of agricultural equipment.

We're talking being the first point of contact if a tractor goes wrong; we're talking about potentially being the engineer behind the latest innovation in horticultural equipment. It's all about putting your practical, mathematical and scientific skills to use to make the day-to-day work of those working in these industries professionals easier!

Becoming a land-based service engineering apprentice is the perfect way to get your start in these exciting industries.

Why Train as an Apprentice?

There are so many reasons why training as a land-based service engineer apprentice is a great idea!

Apprenticeships give you so many fantastic opportunities, and are packed with benefits such as:

• Earning While You're Learning! - apprentices are entitled to an apprenticeship wage, so you'll get some money in your pocket.
• Learn from Highly Experienced People - you're coming into the role new and ready to learn, and your employer knows that. They'll be responsible for ensuring professional, experienced staff give you the best experience possible.
• They Often Lead Straight Into a Full-Time Job - stick in, learn and do the job well and there's every chance that once your apprenticeship ends, your employer might take you on afterwards!
• Get a Qualification - apprenticeships also lead to you getting a full qualification, ideal for your future career prospects.

Land-Based Service Engineering Apprenticeships Available at both Level 2 and Level 3

At East Durham College, we are now offering land-based service engineering apprenticeships at level 2 and level 3.

We work with local employers to match candidates with the right roles; once you've registered your interest with us, our apprenticeship team will work hard to match you with the right role.

Level 2 

If you're brand new to the industry, coming in at Level 2 is the perfect starting point!

You'll be learning lots of exciting stuff during this apprenticeship, including:

• Preparation of new and second-hand machinery for sale or hire
• Pre-delivery inspection of machinery carried out in accordance with manufacturers 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.

Entry Requirements

Individual employers will set their own selection criteria. Apprentices should have Level 1 Maths and English equivalent to GCSE Grade 3 (old GCSE Grade D) or above, plus suitable, and relevant employment. Apprentices will be expected to work towards Level 2 Maths and English where this has not been achieved.

Duration

The duration of the apprenticeship is based on a skills analysis and development opportunities within the business. The typical duration for this apprenticeship is 18-24 months, however this would be reduced where an apprentice holds previous experience.

Level 3 Land-Based Service Technician Apprenticeships

Depending on your current skillset, it may be possible for you to start or move on to a Level 3 apprenticeship instead!

At this level, you'll be known as a Land-Based Service Technician.

LBSE Technicians typically work on site utilising their own initiative in a customer facing role.

They are often called upon to mentor and supervise junior colleagues and dispense advice to customers on machinery selection. Typically, they are involved in all aspects of:

• Preparation, installation and handover of complex technologically advanced machinery, plant and equipment and the verification of its performance to the manufacturer’s specification and customers satisfaction
• Diagnosis and repair of complex faults in machinery, plant and equipment
• Conducting complex repairs of machinery, equipment, and their components which may include supervising a junior colleague to assist in aspects of the repair.
• Conducting inspections of machines and the compilation of machinery condition reports
• Compilation of repair proposals, estimates and quotations and the implementation of timely and cost-effective repairs

This requires a blend of skills, knowledge and behaviours, safe working and environmental practice capabilities covering, power units, power trains, fabrication, mechanical, electrical, electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic system applications. These will be used in the context of the machinery and equipment in the chosen industry sector. The technician will typically have an understanding of the interface between machine, biological systems and the working environment for example climate, soil, plant and animals. The nature of the industry will present technical challenges ranging from simple mechanics to the diagnosis and repair of complex mechanical, electronic and telemetry systems. These operations may take place in the employer’s workplace or on the customer’s site requiring flexible working hours as dictated by seasonal requirements. Technicians may be called upon to advise customers and support work colleagues.

Entry Requirements 

Individual employers will set their own selection criteria. Apprentices should have Level 2 Maths and English equivalent to GCSE Grade 4 (old GCSE Grade C) or above, plus suitable, and relevant employment. Apprentices will be expected to work towards Level 2 Maths and English where this has not been achieved.

Duration 

The duration of the apprenticeship is based on a skills analysis and development opportunities within the business. The typical duration for this apprenticeship is 18-24 months, however this would be reduced where an apprentice holds previous experience.

Register your interest in an Apprenticeship

If you can’t find a current Apprenticeship vacancy below that you are interested in, please use the short form further down the page to register your interest with the EDC Apprenticeship Team and they will contact you as a vacancy becomes available in the area(s) you are interested in.