Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprentice

Summary

A mechanical apprentice will be trained in all production departments of the Company and will learn close tolerance manufacturing techniques using precision measuring equipment and special to type fixtures, as well as producing power and control wiring looms

Wage

£17,500 a year

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Training course

Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)

Hours

Monday - Friday, Shifts to be confirmed. Day release to college on Thursdays.

38 hours a week

Start date

Monday 18 August 2025

Duration

4 years

Positions available

2

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

Selective soldering is used throughout the electronics industry for the joining of large-scale components to printed circuit boards (PCBs). This is a key technology in industries such as aerospace, automotive, telecommunications and medical. Pillarhouse International Ltd is a leading designer and manufacturer of selective soldering machines, with installations in more than fifty countries worldwide.

These machines feature 3-axis precision mechanical movement driven by electronic motors, utilising proximity sensors and pneumatic actuators to determine position and movement respectively.

This is all controlled through in-house designed multi-layer printed circuit boards (PCBs) and PC based machine specific software/firmware – effectively CNC soldering machines. The mechanics of the machines must pair with the electrical control systems to achieve the speed and precision for selective soldering. Beyond the apprenticeship (mechanical), opportunities exist for progression to Process Engineering, Support Services, Design department and Workshop supervision.

Beyond the apprenticeship (electrical), there are opportunities to progress into the test department, PCB and wiring circuit design, or software and firmware development.

The range of work includes assembling precision sub-units, such as solder pumps, solder baths, and Z-lift lead screw assemblies, right through to final machine wiring, assembly and setting, circuit checking, power-up, fault finding and functional testing of machines before dispatch to customers.

An electronics apprentice will be trained in the use of standard test equipment from basic multi-meters, through signal generators to circuit analysers and PC-controlled programable automatic test rigs.

During development and production testing it may be necessary to modify or repair PCB assemblies; apprentices will be taught hand soldering techniques so good hand/eye coordination is essential.

Where you'll work

RODNEY WAY
WIDFORD
CHELMSFORD
ESSEX
CM1 3BY

Training

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

College or training organisation

CHELMSFORD COLLEGE

Your training course

Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Read and extract relevant engineering and manufacturing related data and information (such as workplans or project plans, schedules, drawings, specifications, production data, quality reports, costing data, statistical information) drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions.
Use project management tools, such as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT), stakeholder matrices, risk mapping, radar chart and summary risk profiles.
Use problem solving tools such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Fishbone, Practical Problem Solving (PPS) and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
Analyse and interpret data and information in order to generate manufacturing engineering documentation such as Parts Per Million (PPM) quality adherence, cost analysis and test data.
Communicate using the appropriate method for the audience such as, formal and informal presentations, written reports, verbal, electronic, social media and incorporating relevant and appropriate data or metrics.
Use the approved process and quality compliance procedure to create or amend engineering or manufacturing documentation.
Use lean tools and techniques, such as Six Sigma, 8 Wastes, Workplace organisation such as 5S's (sort, set in order, shine, standardise and sustain), Kaizen and Poka-Yoke (Error proofing).
Apply documentation control processes and procedures such as format, location, access, authorisation.
Use financial planning, recording and review processes and documentation such as departmental budgets, estimating, cost control, cost forecasting, and investment appraisal.
Use computer based software systems or packages such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Data Analytics and Databases.
Read and extract relevant engineering and manufacturing related data and information (such as workplans or project plans, schedules, drawings, specifications, production data, quality reports, costing data, statistical information) drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions.
Use project management tools, such as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT), stakeholder matrices, risk mapping, radar chart and summary risk profiles.
Use problem solving tools such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Fishbone, Practical Problem Solving (PPS) and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
Analyse and interpret data and information in order to generate manufacturing engineering documentation such as Parts Per Million (PPM) quality adherence, cost analysis and test data.
Communicate using the appropriate method for the audience such as, formal and informal presentations, written reports, verbal, electronic, social media and incorporating relevant and appropriate data or metrics.
Use the approved process and quality compliance procedure to create or amend engineering or manufacturing documentation.
Use lean tools and techniques, such as Six Sigma, 8 Wastes, Workplace organisation such as 5S's (sort, set in order, shine, standardise and sustain), Kaizen and Poka-Yoke (Error proofing).
Apply documentation control processes and procedures such as format, location, access, authorisation.
Use financial planning, recording and review processes and documentation such as departmental budgets, estimating, cost control, cost forecasting, and investment appraisal.
Use computer based software systems or packages such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Data Analytics and Databases.

Your training plan

Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprentice Standard

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

Maths (grade 4)
English (grade 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

Problem solving and analysis
Communication

About this company

Pillarhouse International is a leading international manufacturer of selective soldering systems for the electronics manufacturing industry.

After this apprenticeship

To be confirmed

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

PILLARHOUSE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED

Sam McMaster

s.mcmaster@pillarhouse.co.uk

01245 491333

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000321103.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 25 July 2025

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