Apprentice Maintenance Technician

John King Chains Limited
Lancaster Close, Sherburn-in-Elmet, LS25 6NS
, United Kingdom

Apprenticeship Standard: Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician – Single Discipline

Full-Time, Apprenticeship (Typically 42-24 Months)

Stationary work

Reporting to:
Maintenance Manager

Date Updated:
January 2026

As an Apprentice Maintenance Technician, you will work within our engineering and maintenance team to support the upkeep, reliability and effective operation of manufacturing plant, production equipment and systems across the business. Under supervision, you will learn to carry out planned, preventative and reactive maintenance tasks and progressively develop the technical skills, knowledge and behaviours required to achieve your Level 3 apprenticeship.

Technical & Practical Duties

• Support the maintenance of production plant, machinery, manufacturing systems and workshop equipment to minimise unplanned downtime.
• Assist in conducting planned preventative maintenance (PPM) activities using established procedures and safety standards.
• Assist in fault-finding and repair work under guidance across mechanical, electrical or instrumentation disciplines (dependent on chosen specialism).
• Help diagnose and resolve breakdowns promptly to maintain production continuity.
• Carry out routine calibration, adjustment and replacement of components where required.
• Maintain accurate records of maintenance and repair activities.

Health & Safety

• Work in compliance with all relevant Health & Safety, Environmental and company quality standards.
• Adhere to risk assessments, method statements, safe working practices and permit-to-work systems.
• Support ongoing housekeeping and safety improvement initiatives.
• Contribute ideas to improve reliability, reduce waste and enhance equipment performance.
• Learn and apply continuous improvement techniques as part of daily duties.

Training & Development

• Participate fully in off-the-job training delivered by the apprenticeship training provider.
• Prepare for and undertake assessments and gateway requirements as part of the apprenticeship.

Apprentices will develop through structured training towards the following competencies from the ST1426 standard.

Knowledge

• Fundamentals of maintaining plant, machinery and systems.
• Basic engineering principles relevant to manufacturing and maintenance tasks.
• Relevant health and safety including control of hazardous energy.

Skills

• Practical ability to use engineering tools, test equipment, and maintenance documentation.
• Fault diagnosis and repair under supervision.
• Record keeping and communication of technical information.

Behaviours

• Strong team-working and communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and take ownership of tasks.
• Reliability, attention to detail and a safety-conscious mindset.

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at Grade 4 (C) or above or Functional Skills Level 2 (or working towards).
• Demonstrable technical curiosity or practical experience is desirable but not essential.
• A commitment to complete a structured apprenticeship and related assessments.

• Structured apprenticeship programme at a long-established UK manufacturer.
• Mentored on-the-job training with exposure to modern manufacturing technology and maintenance practice.
• Opportunity to develop transferable engineering skills and career progression.
• Supportive team environment with a focus on safety and employee development.

This job description is not exhaustive and may be subject to reasonable changes in line with business needs. It does not form part of your contract of employment.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence in accordance with GDPR and UK employment law.