Apprentice Systems Engineer

Summary

A budding engineer with an interest in science, electronics and mechanics is needed for this unique role with a small firm in Northwich which manufactures world-class spectrometers, shipped all over the world, for use in gas analysis and measurement.

Wage

£11,778 to £19,047.60, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

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Training course

Engineering fitter (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 4.00pm.

30 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 2 September 2025

Duration

3 years 6 months

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

ESS is a very customer focussed organisation, and the support that we give to our customers is second to none.

As part of a growing team, this role is both rewarding and varied, and there are excellent prospects for career progression, in line with the growth of the company.

The role involves the build and repair of Mass Spectrometer Systems (both “standard” and bespoke products), and includes;

Wiring
Electronics set up
Identification of faults
Testing to specification

The job also involves goods in and goods out and general housekeeping.

Where you'll work

DENTON DRIVE
NORTHWICH
CW9 7LU

Training

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

College or training organisation

CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST

Your training course

Engineering fitter (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Reading, interpreting and understanding the component or assembly specification, diagrams, drawings and work instructions.
Planning component or assembly task – materials, tools and equipment.
Preparing work area for component or assembly task; sourcing required resources, tools and equipment.
Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity and know how to source required resources and interpret detailed drawings, specifications and job instructions.
Checking tools during and after task completion; identifying and reporting defects.
Measuring and testing, checking or inspecting component or assembly for example; use of micrometers, verniers, multimeters, voltmeter.
Problem solving; analysing the issue and fixing the issue where appropriate.
Applying improvement techniques; recommending or implementing solutions where appropriate.
Communicating with colleagues or customers (internal or external).
Completing component or assembly documentation for example job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation.
Reporting work outcomes or issues.
Restoring the work area on completion of the activity; returning any resources and consumables to the appropriate location and house-keeping.
Disposing of waste in accordance with waste streams; re-cycling, re-using where appropriate.
Operating within limits of responsibility.
Operating in line with quality, health and safety and environmental policy and procedures; identifying risks and hazards and identifying control measures where applicable.
Reading, interpreting and understanding the component or assembly specification, diagrams, drawings and work instructions.
Planning component or assembly task – materials, tools and equipment.
Preparing work area for component or assembly task; sourcing required resources, tools and equipment.
Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity and know how to source required resources and interpret detailed drawings, specifications and job instructions.
Checking tools during and after task completion; identifying and reporting defects.
Measuring and testing, checking or inspecting component or assembly for example; use of micrometers, verniers, multimeters, voltmeter.
Problem solving; analysing the issue and fixing the issue where appropriate.
Applying improvement techniques; recommending or implementing solutions where appropriate.
Communicating with colleagues or customers (internal or external).
Completing component or assembly documentation for example job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation.
Reporting work outcomes or issues.
Restoring the work area on completion of the activity; returning any resources and consumables to the appropriate location and house-keeping.
Disposing of waste in accordance with waste streams; re-cycling, re-using where appropriate.
Operating within limits of responsibility.
Operating in line with quality, health and safety and environmental policy and procedures; identifying risks and hazards and identifying control measures where applicable.

Your training plan

The apprenticeship role is to successfully complete the Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship Standard Level 3, the training for which will be delivered by Cheshire College South & West. If you do not already hold GCSEs at grade A-C / 8-4in English and Maths you will complete Functional Skills in the related subjects to attain Level 2 Functional Skills.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade C/4)
Maths (grade C/4)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Problem solving skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working

About this company

European Spectrometry Services (ESS) are a small team of highly experienced and precision manufacturers of mass spectrometers, used in gas analysis and measurement. The company works in partnership with its valued customers to design and develop often bespoke, world-class instrumentation which are exported internationally. They also offer training so their customers can get the most out of their specific model of spectrometer. The Company was founded in 1994 by two Ex VG Quadrupoles engineers following the closure of that business. The business was acquired by the current managing director in 2007 having previously worked for ESS for around 5 years. The finance manager worked for from the company at that point and became a director in 2010. ESS has a wide customer base including Universities, Blue Chip Companies and Local Authorities. They trade within the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, North America and Benelux countries.

After this apprenticeship

A full-time role, potentially tailored to the interests of the apprentice, will be on offer after successful completion of the apprenticeship. After satisfactory completion of training the successful applicant will be involved in travel to customers sites to repair and service equipment and install and commission new equipment, this involves some international travel.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST

Sophie Cain

sophie.cain@ccsw.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000319957.

Apply now

Closes in 16 days (Monday 9 June 2025 at 11:59pm)

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