Process Automation Engineer (Degree)

The process automation engineer (degree) was approved for delivery on 16/10/2017. This Higher apprenticeship standard awards you with a level 7, non-integrated degree qualification when completed. The usual duration of this apprenticeship is 60 months, but this does not include the End-Point Assessment Period.

Modern industrial production requires complex processes and automated machinery. This is true for a wide range of sectors, including food and drink, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, heavy chemicals, bio-chemicals, speciality and fine chemicals, minerals processing, cement, pulp and paper, power, oil and gas, and nuclear processing. As such, the apprentice could work and specialise in a variety of sectors, and under numerous different employers.

Given the massive range of potential industries that the equipment must function for, the apprentice needs to have an exceptional grasp of a significant number of disciplines. This not only includes chemical and electrical engineering but maths, software development, computing, and even an understanding of business and management.

On a day to day basis, the Process Automation Engineer will be heavily involved in the design, scoping and development stage of installation. Additionally, they will be responsible for ensuring the continued utilisation of the equipment, meaning involvement in the operation, maintenance and support of the machines and its operators. Besides these, the apprentice will learn how to plan all of those mentioned above safely and cost-effectively. As such, the apprentice must excel at working independently to high-pressure deadlines, as well as working and communicating well within a large team.

• Process Automation Engineer
• Chartered Engineer

If you would like to find out more about the process automation engineer (degree) apprenticeship standard, skills, learnt, assessment methods and duties of the role, visit the Institute for Apprenticeships.