Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprentice

YORKSHIRE WATER SERVICES LIMITED

Beverley, Doncaster, Harrogate, Huddersfield, Hull, Sheffield, Tadcaster, York

Closes in 17 days (Sunday 3 May 2026)

Posted on 16 April 2026

---

Summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice on a degree pathway to join our Asset Delivery & Engineering team at Yorkshire Water and be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers. Could this be you? 

• Wage:

  £24,309 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  The role comes with a progression plan which is linked to pay increases in line and above the Real Living Wage.

• Training course: Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
• Hours: Monday to Friday 37-hours per week, the hours of work will be agreed with the line manager in line with the apprenticeship requirements and business needs.

  37 hours a week

• Start date:

  Monday 17 August 2026

• Duration:

  4 years

• Positions available:

  1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

During your University Day release, you will be learning about computer aided analysis, thermodynamics, dynamics and vibration which will aid you in carrying out the following duties on our sites: 

• Site visits to sites all over Yorkshire which includes working with a variety of operational teams and developing an understanding of the different processes and technologies used
• Working on a variety of projects including maintenance design and assurance to projects that are investigating complex problems
• Carrying out site and equipment inspections
• Working alongside contractors to effectively plan, design and deliver maintenance activities across sites
• Working towards regulations and alongside regulators to maintain compliance

Where you'll work

You can select which locations you want to apply for in your application on Find an apprenticeship.

This apprenticeship is available in these locations:

• Waste Water Treatment Works, Barmston Close, Beverley, HU17 0LW
• Wheatley Hall Road, Doncaster, DN2 4NU
• Thornton Steward Water Treatment Works, Moor Lane, Harrogate, HG4 4BQ
• Fixby Water Treatment Works, New Hey Road, Huddersfield, HD2 2EA
• Cottingham Water Treatment Works, Millhouse Woods Lane, Cottingham, Hull, HU16 4HD
• Smithy Wood, Smithy Wood Drive, Sheffield, S35 1QN
• Yorkshire Water Pumping Station, Colton, Tadcaster, LS24 8EP
• Elvington Water Treatment Works, Kexby Lane, Elvington, York, YO41 4BA

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

Training course

Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges such as compliance, technology, technical or physical challenges.
• Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
• Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects.
• Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
• Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data or developmental or test evidence.
• Manage assigned projects or programmes of work to meet the required specification, taking into account factors such as resource requirements, safety, quality, cost and performance or sustainability criteria. Apply processes for project or programme management including outcomes such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
• Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
• Identify resources, such as digital tools or technologies, human, equipment, materials or data, to complete design and development projects or programmes of work.
• Create and manage a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
• Demonstrate leadership when undertaking product design, development, modification or update engineering activities.
• Identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the design or development process, which may impact the quality and reliability of the product, system or component.
• Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured and checked for safe operation before use.
• Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options.
• Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the product, system or component.
• Complete project documentation checks throughout the activity and report non-conformances.
• Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges such as compliance, technology, technical or physical challenges.
• Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
• Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects.
• Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
• Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data or developmental or test evidence.
• Manage assigned projects or programmes of work to meet the required specification, taking into account factors such as resource requirements, safety, quality, cost and performance or sustainability criteria. Apply processes for project or programme management including outcomes such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
• Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
• Identify resources, such as digital tools or technologies, human, equipment, materials or data, to complete design and development projects or programmes of work.
• Create and manage a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
• Demonstrate leadership when undertaking product design, development, modification or update engineering activities.
• Identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the design or development process, which may impact the quality and reliability of the product, system or component.
• Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured and checked for safe operation before use.
• Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options.
• Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the product, system or component.
• Complete project documentation checks throughout the activity and report non-conformances.

Training schedule

Product Design and Development Engineer (degree) Level 6.

This is a 4-year programme that has been carefully designed and selected to support the next Mechanical Engineering Apprentice within our Asset Delivery & Engineering team to develop the right Knowledge, Skills & Behaviours for the business and the role. The training is delivered through a blended learning approach of on campus lectures and self-directed study. 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• Any 2 other subjects (grade C/4/Pass)
• Any Science Subject (grade C/4/Pass)
• English (Literature or Language) (grade C/4/Pass)
• Mathematics (grade C/4/Pass)

A Level in:

• Any 2 other subjects (grade C)
• Mathematics (grade C)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Team working

Other requirements

• A DBS check will be carried out upon appointment 
• Full UK driving licence is required 
• A willingness to work at height and in confined spaces once trained
• A willingness to travel across Yorkshire

About this employer

Our Funded Learning team work closely with teams across the business to offer as many quality opportunities as possible to support the building of knowledge, skills and behaviours for our learners to use in the workplace. Each apprentice will benefit from a support network including former apprentices who have been on similar journeys and a central support team who will make sure your training provider delivers a quality programme. Complemented by employability workshops, experiential team building sessions and social activities, our apprentice remain strong as a cohort throughout their career at Yorkshire Water.

https://www.yorkshirewater.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

• 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays + Wellness Day 
• Online GP Service
• Pension Scheme + much more!

After this apprenticeship

Upon completion, the apprentice can expect to be moved onto the progression plan within their Substantive Mechanical Engineering role which links to further development and pay increases. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000009886.

Apply now

Closes in 17 days (Sunday 3 May 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.