Operations and Maintenance Apprentice in Maidstone

We have an exciting opportunity for an Operations and Maintenance apprentice to work with us in Maidstone, Kent. Your role will be to help and assist tradesmen in installations, testing and commissioning of industrial systems. The company’s work is very diverse from industrial controls to large generation and backup power installations.

Hours & Duration

Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm (1-hour lunch). 37½ hours per week. Apprenticeship starts 1 September 2026 and lasts 3 years 6 months.

Location

Ashmill Business Park, Ashford Road, Lenham, Maidstone, ME17 2GQ

Responsibilities

• Working within the panel shop environment understanding the concepts of panel manufacture, understanding wiring schematics and layout GA’s.
• Assisting engineers with commissioning of control systems, reading PLC code with hands-on experience of code changes and HMI graphic implementation.
• Commissioning of control applications and 4-20 mA loop validations.
• Assisting with panel and control cable installations.
• Understanding instrumentation installations and electrical switchgear applications.
• Review and use work instructions, drawings, design specifications and plant configurations.
• Use planning, prioritising, organising and time-management techniques to plan tasks.
• Identify and organise resources to complete tasks (e.g., consumables).
• Respond and adapt to work demands and re-prioritise workloads to react to breakdowns and fault scenarios.
• Identify equipment to work on; check plant configuration is as defined.
• Prepare the work area for maintenance tasks.
• Identify environmental and health and safety hazards and risks and apply control measures.
• Apply health, safety and environmental procedures in compliance with regulations, standards and guidance (e.g., signage and barriers, working at height, confined spaces, COSHH).
• Follow security procedures (e.g., site access, document classification, securing assets).
• Follow emergency incident and response procedures.
• Apply sustainability principles by minimising waste. Segregate items for reuse, recycling and waste.
• Use mathematical principles and formulae to support engineering maintenance.
• Apply engineering maintenance standards and procedures.
• Apply foreign material exclusion procedures.
• Follow maintenance tools and equipment control procedures (e.g., handling and storage).
• Re-instal the work area.
• Apply team-working principles.
• Communicate with others to give and receive information (colleagues, customers, stakeholders).
• Escalate issues outside limits of responsibility.
• Record information. Produce or update documents (hand-over notes and reports).
• Identify and highlight issues (red pen) with technical drawings.
• Use digital and information technology (databases, data sharing platforms, email, management information systems, word processing) following cyber-security and GDPR requirements.
• Apply continuous improvement techniques to identify improvement suggestions.
• Carry out and record planned and unplanned learning and development activities.
• Confirm safe electrical isolation lock-out tag-out method has been applied and test for dead.
• Select, check and use electrical maintenance tools, measurement and test equipment.
• Use electrical diagnostic equipment and apply fault-finding and rectification techniques.
• Inspect and test electrical aspects of plant (visual checks, insulation and continuity checks, thermographic surveys, voltage levels).
• Remove and replace electrical parts; prepare and terminate electrical cables; set up, align and adjust electrical aspects of plant; clean parts; conduct functional testing.
• Conduct and confirm safe isolation of connected services for control and instrumentation as well as for mechanical systems.
• Check calibration and make adjustments; check loop function; set up and adjust control and instrumentation systems; clean parts; remove and replace instruments and sensors; reconnect instrumentation power supply, cables, pipework and services; conduct functional testing.
• Check condition and operation of mechanical plant and equipment (e.g., pumps); remove and replace mechanical parts; examine parts for defects; set up, align and adjust mechanical aspects; lubricate mechanical assemblies; conduct functional testing; apply bench-fitting techniques.

Training

Apprenticeships include specialist training away from work. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills, attending IPS Rochester workshop four days a week and studying the Technical Certificate one day a week.

Qualifications

GCSE in English, Maths and Science (grade 4/C and above). Other relevant qualifications and industry experience will be considered.

Skills

Logical thinking, Initiative.

Benefits

Training to Level 3 Maintenance and Operations Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard with on-the-job learning and specialist support.