Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprentice

Summary

Hill Helicopters are transforming private aviation through the design and manufacture of luxury personal helicopters. Based in Stafford, Staffordshire, they offer a rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience in high-performance aerospace engineering within a fast-growing, innovative team.

Wage

£15,704 to £25,396.80, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

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Training course

Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)

Hours

Monday - Thursday, 7.00am - 4.00pm and Friday, 7.00am - 1.00pm with time-off to attend The JCB Academy.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

3 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

A Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician apprenticeship is a structured programme that combines practical experience with classroom-based learning, designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills required to support and improve complex manufacturing processes. This advanced apprenticeship typically takes around three years to complete and leads to nationally recognised qualifications.

The programme covers a range of specialist areas, including:

Manufacturing methods and process control
Technical documentation and data analysis
Root cause analysis and continuous improvement techniques
Production planning and workflow optimisation
Quality assurance and regulatory compliance
Health, safety and environmental practices in engineering

Apprentices will develop the ability to analyse manufacturing performance, solve problems, and support teams in delivering efficient, high-quality production. The programme includes the completion of a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your competence, knowledge and behaviours, which contributes towards the End Point Assessment (EPA).

Upon successful completion, you may progress into higher-level roles within Hill Helicopters, with opportunities in manufacturing engineering, production management, quality systems or further academic study.

Where you'll work

Unit 3
Shackleton Way
Stafford
ST16 1GY

Training

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

College or training organisation

THE JCB ACADEMY

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

This Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship is a structured programme designed to develop the technical knowledge and applied skills required to support and enhance complex manufacturing operations. Learners will play a vital role in improving production processes, maintaining quality standards, and driving efficiency across the aerospace manufacturing environment at Hill Helicopters.

Programme Structure:

The programme combines periods of technical study delivered by The JCB Academy with practical, hands-on experience at Hill Helicopters’ advanced production facility in Stafford. Apprentices will be trained and mentored by experienced professionals, gaining real-world exposure to high-specification aerospace manufacturing

Training will cover a range of specialist areas, including:

Health and safety practices in engineering environments
Technical mathematics and engineering principles
Manufacturing methods and process optimisation
Root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques
Production planning, workflow, and documentation
Quality assurance systems and continuous improvement
Both practical and theoretical learning methods are used to ensure apprentices develop a comprehensive skillset suitable for advanced roles in aerospace manufacturing.

Qualifications Achieved

EAL Level 4 Diploma in Engineering Manufacturing (Development Competence)
Edexcel BTEC Level 4 HNC in Engineering (Development Technical Knowledge)
Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths (if not previously achieved)

More training information

As an official training partner, The JCB Academy delivers the classroom-based element of the apprenticeship programme. Specialising in engineering and business education, the academy provides a high-quality technical curriculum tailored to meet the needs of innovative employers such as Hill Helicopters. Learners will benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, expert instruction, and a curriculum designed to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to succeed in the aerospace and engineering sectors.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 9-5 (A*-B/C) or equivalent)
Maths (grade 9-5 (A*-B/C) or equivalent)
Science (grade 9-5 (A*-B/C) or 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
Problem solving skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative

About this company

Hill Helicopters is based in Stafford and plays a leading role in the design, development, and manufacture of luxury personal helicopters for the general aviation market. With a strong focus on innovation, craftsmanship and performance, Hill Helicopters delivers complete in-house engineering solutions—integrating airframe, engine, avionics and interiors to create a revolutionary aircraft that redefines private aviation.

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

After this apprenticeship

What We Offer

Competitive salary throughout the apprenticeship
Access to high-quality personal development and technical training
Opportunity to contribute to real-world aerospace engineering projects alongside experienced professionals
Pension scheme with company contributions upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and entry into employment
Excellent prospects for progression within Hill Helicopters, a pioneering force in private aviation

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