Product Design & Development Engineer Apprentice

Summary

As a Product Design & Development Engineer Apprentice, you'll be work with our professionals to transform ideas into tangible products. You'll be hands-on from day one, building and experimenting with prototypes in our labs and contributing to products that integrate IoT and digital services. Plus a fully funded BEng (Hons) degree with Herts Uni.

Wage

£22,000 a year

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Training course

Manufacturing engineer (degree) (level 6)

Hours

Monday - Thursday 8.30 am to 5 pm and Friday 8.30 am - 3 pm (daily unpaid 30 minute lunch break).

38 hours a week

Start date

Monday 22 September 2025

Duration

3 years 11 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

Prototype, Test & Validate: Get hands-on in our labs by building and experimenting with prototypes, utilizing sensors, motors, creating smoke and learning about automation to design your own tests
Innovate and Create: Engage in brainstorming sessions, sketching and developing CAD models to bring fresh ideas to life
Full Lifecycle Design: Experience the complete journey of product development, from initial concept and prototyping to production and market launch
Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with mechanical, electronic, software and test engineers, and gain exposure to departments like manufacturing, supply chain and product management. Learn how a real company works
Embrace Innovation: Contribute to projects that incorporate physics and material sciences, inventive technology, IoT and digital services, aligning with our commitment to innovation

Where you'll work

Edison House 163 Dixons Hill Road
Welham Green
Hertfordshire
AL9 7JE

Training

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

College or training organisation

UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE

Your training course

Manufacturing engineer (degree) (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Foundation Stage: Complying with statutory regulations and stringent organisational safety requirements
Foundation Stage: Producing components using hand fitting, fabrication and joining techniques
Foundation Stage: Producing Computer Aided Design (CAD) models (drawings) using a CAD system
Foundation Stage: Preparing and using lathes, milling and other general or specialist machines and high tech equipment
Foundation Stage: Preparing and proving Computer Numeric Control programmes
Foundation Stage: Using computer software packages to assist with and evaluate engineering activities
Foundation Stage: Producing and managing engineering project plans
Foundation Stage: Producing assemblies using a wide range of materials and techniques
Development Team: Project management and scheduling engineering activities
Development Team: Securing appropriate resources and managing budgets and resources
Development Team: Implementing, monitoring and evaluating engineering processes

Your training plan

You'll spend 80% of your time hands-on working at our premises at Edison House, 163 Dixons Hill Rd, Welham Green, Hatfield AL9 7JE and 20% with the University of Hertfordshire.

Day release delivery, with two block release weeks every semester.
Teaching across Semesters A and B, with online touchpoints during Semester C.

More training information

The school has a reputation for innovation in teaching and learning with most modules delivered through a combination of traditional face to face teaching and distance learning through the university's StudyNet web based facility. StudyNet allows students to access electronic learning resources, electronic discussion with staff and other students, and, for some modules, submit coursework 24/7 from anywhere in the world. With a heavy emphasis on Computer Aided Engineering, the school has a policy of using industrial standard software wherever possible. The school also operate an open access laboratory policy of when possible students doing experiments in their own time.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

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

A Level in:

Maths (grade B or Above)
Non Specific (grade B)
Physics or Technology or Engineering-based subject (grade B or Above)

BTEC in:

Extended Diploma in Engineering (grade DDM (Equivalent))

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
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Problem solving skills
Presentation skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Patience
Passion for engineering
Hands-on attitude

Other requirements

Who are we looking for? You'll have a passion for engineering with a drive to to understand, create and innovate across mechanics, electronics and programming. You'll be eager to get involved in hands-on building and testing, excel at creative problem-solving and embrace teamwork with excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset.

About this company

At Detectortesters, we're pioneers in designing the latest test equipment for fire detection systems used worldwide. Our products ensure safety across the globe and we're proud to lead the market with our innovative solutions. For decades, we've been known for our high-quality hardware solutions, but today, we're evolving to meet the demands of an increasingly connected world. This evolution is positioning us at the forefront of the IoT revolution, where our products seamlessly blend hardware excellence with software intelligence. You’ll be deeply involved in bringing our next-generation, integrated hardware-software solutions to market rapidly and efficiently.

https://detectortesters.com/careers (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

We take care of our employees in more ways than one. Our competitive benefits package includes a discretionary bonus scheme, contributory pension scheme, generous holiday allowance, and private medical insurance for employees and their dependents.

After this apprenticeship

Professional chartered mechanical engineers and mechanical engineering graduates are highly sought after around the world. Our graduates have an excellent employment record illustrating that this degree gives you the flexibility to work in virtually any manufacturing setting, both in the UK and abroad.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

Detector Testers

Morgan Fink

morgan.fink@detectortesters.com

07543301817

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000320436.

Apply now

Closes in 30 days (Friday 13 June 2025 at 11:59pm)

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