Apprentice Maintenance Technician

Steeper Group is a true leader in the Orthotic, Prosthetic and Assistive Technology products. In the past 100 years we have grown to become one of the UK’s largest suppliers. Steeper’s vision is to create life’s turning points, together. We aim to do this by delivering innovative prosthetic, orthotic and assistive technology products and responsive clinical services.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Trainee Maintenance Technician to join our existing team based in Leeds.
The Role:
We are looking for a practical, enthusiastic individual to develop their skills within our Maintenance function. Working closely with the Maintenance Technician, you will gain hands on experience maintaining production equipment, plant, facilities and other company assets safely and effectively. You will learn about planned preventative maintenance, breakdown response, fault finding, repairs and continuous improvement, while building detailed knowledge of our site and its equipment. As your skills and confidence develop, you will take on maintenance activities with increasing independence and work towards becoming a fully competent Maintenance Technician. Alongside gaining valuable hands on experience, you will undertake a Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician – Dual Discipline apprenticeship, combining structured training with practical workplace learning.
.
Responsibilities
Work closely with the Maintenance Technician to develop a detailed working knowledge of the site's machinery, production equipment, plant, facilities and associated systems.
Actively learn and retain site-specific maintenance knowledge, including equipment history, recurring faults, repair techniques, servicing requirements and preventative maintenance activities.
Support the transfer and documentation of maintenance knowledge to improve resilience and continuity within the Maintenance function.
Assist with planning and undertaking scheduled and preventative maintenance activities.
Support the Maintenance Technician in maintaining and completing the departmental preventative maintenance and maintenance trackers.
Assist in responding to equipment and site breakdowns in a timely and safe manner.
Develop fault-finding and diagnostic skills across mechanical, electrical and general maintenance issues.
Assist with repairs to production equipment, plant, facilities and other company assets.
Carry out routine inspections, checks and readings from equipment across the site, including items such as pressure gauges, temperatures, valves and oil levels where required.
Maintain accurate maintenance records, both electronically and on paper, in accordance with company requirements.
Learn to identify recurring faults and maintenance trends and contribute ideas for preventative actions and improvements.
Support the Maintenance Technician with obtaining components, fixtures, fittings and replacement parts as required.
Develop an understanding of critical spare parts, maintenance stock and equipment required to support the site.
Assist with contractors and specialist service providers where appropriate and under guidance.
Support the maintenance of the building and facilities to ensure professional and operational standards are maintained.
Assist with continuous improvement projects and activities designed to improve equipment reliability, efficiency, safety or operating costs.
Learn to read and interpret equipment manuals, technical information, plans, specifications and schematics where applicable.
Support utilities monitoring and energy-efficiency activities as required.
Ensure tools and equipment are used, stored and maintained correctly.
Work closely with Production and other departments to understand operational requirements and provide effective maintenance support.
Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with relevant Health & Safety requirements, company procedures, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
Report defects, hazards, unsafe conditions or emerging maintenance issues promptly.
Participate in relevant departmental, maintenance, KPI and safety meetings where required.
Actively participate in internal and external training and development activities.
Take responsibility for developing technical competence and progressively undertaking maintenance activities with greater independence as experience and capability increase.
Actively participate in and work towards successful completion of the Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician – Dual Discipline apprenticeship, including attending scheduled training sessions, completing coursework and assessments, and meeting required apprenticeship milestones.
Apply knowledge and skills gained through formal apprenticeship training to practical maintenance activities, demonstrating continuous improvement in technical competence and working towards greater independence.
What we are looking for:
Essential
A genuine interest in engineering and maintenance, with enthusiasm for developing practical and technical skills.
A positive, proactive attitude and a strong willingness to learn from experienced colleagues.
A practical, hands-on approach, good attention to detail and logical problem-solving skills.
Reliability, organisation and the ability to manage time and follow instructions effectively.
Good verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work positively with colleagues across departments.
A commitment to safe working practices, company procedures and taking responsibility for assigned tasks.
A good standard of numeracy and written communication.
Basic computer literacy, including familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
Willingness to undertake technical training, retain site-specific knowledge and develop towards a fully competent Maintenance Technician role.
Beneficial but Not Essential
Some practical experience in maintenance, engineering, manufacturing, production or another technical environment.
A relevant engineering, mechanical or electrical qualification, apprenticeship, NVQ, BTEC, City & Guilds or similar.
Basic mechanical and/or electrical knowledge.
Experience using hand tools or working with machinery.
An understanding of general maintenance principles, fault finding or preventative maintenance.
Basic knowledge of Health & Safety requirements and risk assessments in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
Experience reading equipment manuals, technical information, plans or schematics.
What we offer in return:
Competitive salary
Fully supported Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician – Dual Discipline apprenticeship.
Opportunity to gain a nationally recognised Level 3 apprenticeship qualification.
Structured practical training alongside an experienced Maintenance Technician.
Development of both mechanical and electrical engineering skills.
Career progression towards becoming a fully competent Maintenance Technician.
Incremental holiday allowance (rising with service)
Free parking
Canteen onsite
Employee discount platform
Employee Assistance Programs
Flexible working
Refer a friend incentive
Cycle2work scheme
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed