Fitting, Assembly and Test Apprentice - Michell Bearings

MICHELL BEARINGS LIMITED

South Shields (NE34 9PZ)

Closes in 8 days (Sunday 18 January 2026)

Posted on 9 January 2026

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Summary

As a Fitting, Assembly and Test Apprentice, you’ll develop hands-on skills and experience to produce complex, high value, components or assemblies using a variety of machines, equipment and systems.

Wage

£18,278 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Pay reviewed each January

Training course
Engineering fitter (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Friday. Pattern not confirmed.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 14 September 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

  • Interpret and follow drawings/diagrams and/or specifications for the required component or assembly.
  • Plan work activity, including resources, equipment and tooling.
  • Produce individual components, for example, keys, pipework, threading, wiring looms, interfacing parts, motors, wiring cables.
  • Quality check and adjust components or assembly against required specifications; for example, testing and calibrating.
  • Identify and resolve problems with components or assembly; fault diagnosis.
  • Handing over completed components or assembly, this may include storage and commissioning.
  • Re-instate work area and equipment.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement in component production or assembly.

Where you'll work

1 Waldridge Way
South Shields
NE34 9PZ

Training

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

Training provider

TYNE COAST COLLEGE

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.

Training schedule

You will complete a 4 year apprenticeship specialising in Assembly and Test and will study with South Tyneside Marine School, completing a portfolio of evidence to prove their competence to achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering.

At the start of your apprenticeship, you’ll spend the first 15 weeks at South Tyneside Marine School. You’ll then join the team at Michell Bearings in South Shields, where you’ll spend four days per week in the factory, while attending college one day per week.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 9-4)
  • Mathematics (grade 9-4)

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative

About this employer

Michell Bearings, part of the British Engines Group, designs and manufactures hydrodynamic white metal and PTFE lined bearings for the industrial, commercial marine and naval markets. Operating from a facility in the North East, as well as overseas facilities, the company has a prime focus on the defence, nuclear, power and offshore sectors.

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

Company benefits

  • Hands-on experience.
  • Get paid to learn.
  • Industry-recognised qualifications.
  • Wellbeing app.
  • Mentorship.
  • Training & development.

After this apprenticeship

  • Test Engineer.
  • Assembly, Test and Service Technician.
  • Operational Manager/Supervisor.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

TYNE COAST COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000007684.

Apply now

Closes in 8 days (Sunday 18 January 2026)

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