Apprenticeships in England
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Field technician
Also known as -
Maintenance technician, engineering maintenance technician
A field technician handles on-site servicing, diagnostics and repairs for a company’s electrical products or equipment. This can range from computers, heating and cooling systems, security systems, heavy machinery, and more. Field technicians may work on-site at factories, manufacturing plants or on construction sites.
Average salary*
£17000
-£40000
Typical hours per week
40-42
How to become a field technician
There are several routes to becoming a field technician. You could do an apprenticeship, a university degree, a college course, or on-the-job training. If you already have relevant skills or experience you may be able to apply directly to an employer.
You should explore these routes to find out which is the right one for you. Although some of these options have certain qualification requirements, many employers are more interested in people who are enthusiastic, willing to learn and can follow instructions.
You may need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card to work on a construction site.
University
You could complete a foundation degree in engineering before applying for a job as a trainee field technician.
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
College
You could take a college course to teach you some of the skills needed for a job as a field technician.
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship with a construction company is a good way into the industry. You could complete an engineering technician advanced apprenticeship to become a field technician.
For an advanced apprenticeship you’ll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.
Apprenticeships are open to anyone over the age of 16. As an apprentice, you will be fully employed by your company and expected to work a minimum of 30 hours a week. Your time will be split between on-the-job experience and a college or training provider.
Find out what the entry requirements are where you live.
Work
If you have some basic experience, you could apply directly to a construction company to gain on-site experience as a field technician. You might start out as an assistant to a more experienced field technician and progress as your abilities improve. Many companies offer on-the-job training, or specific courses to help you get qualified.
Work experience
Work experience is essential to gaining employment within the construction industry. You could gain this at school, or by working weekends and holidays with a company or relative who works as a field technician. Potential employers will always be pleased to see work experience listed on your CV.
Skills
Additional skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a field technician include:
- Ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- Attention to detail
- Good communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Ability to work well with others.
Qualifications
To become a field technician, you could complete a:
- Level 2 NVQ in Mechanical Engineering
- Level 2 NVQ in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology
- Level 3 NVQ in Equipment Maintenance Engineering
- Level 3 NVQ in Engineering
- Level 3 Advanced Engineering Technician Apprenticeship
- Foundation degree in Mechanical Engineering
To become a field technician, you could complete a:
- SCQF Level 7 Mechanical Engineering
- Foundation degree in Mechanical Engineering
To become a field technician, you could complete a:
- Level 4 NVQ in Mechanical Engineering
- HNC/HND in Mechanical Engineering
What does a field technician do?
As a field technician, you will be responsible for troubleshooting and repairing issues with technical equipment. This can involve working on things such as heavy machinery, in factories or at manufacturing plants.
The role of a field technician involves the following duties:
- Troubleshooting, testing, repairing and servicing technical equipment
- Providing service and customer support during field visits
- Managing on-site installation, repair, maintenance and testing
- Diagnosing errors or technical problems and determining proper solutions
- Producing detailed service reports
- Documenting processes
- Operating vehicles and machinery in a safe manner
- Following company procedures and protocols
- Cooperating with technical teams and sharing information across the organisation
- Making appropriate recommendations and briefing on repairs, diagnostics and equipment specifications
- Building positive relationships with customers
- Working with products that cannot be easily transported because of their size or link to other systems.
How much could you earn as a field technician?
The expected salary for a field technician varies as you become more experienced.
- Newly trained field technicians can earn £17,000 - £25,000
- Trained field technicians with some experience can earn £25,000 - £40,000
- Senior field technicians can earn £40,000 or more.*
Hours and salary depend on location, employer and any overtime you may do.
* Salaries have been collected from multiple industry sources
Find an apprenticeship/job
Apprenticeships
Advice and schemes
Vacancies
Check out the latest field technician vacancies:
As these are external websites, the number of vacancies related to your preferred role may vary. New opportunities will be posted as they come up.
Career path and progression
As a field technician, you could undertake further study to qualify as a mechanical or electrical engineer.
You could also progress into a maintenance team management role.
Alternatively you could transfer your skills to a technical sales or contract management role.