Lift engineer apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this roleapplying directlytraining with a professional body
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant subjects include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Maintenance Engineering Technology
- Level 3 Diploma in Building Services Engineering
- Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Lift Engineering
You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course. You'll need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma.
Apprenticeship
You can do a Level 2 apprenticeship for stairlift, platform lift, service lift electromechanics, or a lift and escalator mechanic Level 3 apprenticeship. You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a Level 3 apprenticeship.
Work
If you work in the lift and escalator industry you can do a higher national diploma or foundation degree in lift engineering, with the support of your employer.
Direct Application
You can apply directly to employers if you've got relevant qualifications and experience in electrical, electro-mechanical or building services engineering.
Other Routes
You can do training in lift engineering technology through the Lift and Escalator Industry Association.
Lift engineer apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- the ability to repair machines or systems
- knowledge of building and construction
- problem-solving skills
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- knowledge of public safety and security
- persistence and determination
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Lift engineer apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
You could:
- carry out routine checks
- isolate problems and do repairs
- respond to emergency breakdown call-outs
- install and fit out lifts, lifting gear and lift wells
- demonstrate new equipment to clients
- refurbish or replace lift interiors, flooring, panel displays, communication systems, buttons and lighting
- update written and computerised work records
- make sure equipment meets health and safety regulations
- produce risk assessment reports and legal and insurance documents
Working environment
You could work at a client's business.
Your working environment may be cramped, hot, dirty and you'll travel often.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Career path and progression - Lift engineer apprenticeships
You could move into supervisory management, technical sales or wider building services engineering.
You could also use your skills to work in other industries, like manufacturing, engineering construction or safety inspection, either employed by a company or as a freelance contractor.