Design Engineer Apprenticeship
LEYLAND TRUCKS LTD
Leyland (PR26 6LZ)
Closes on Sunday 1 March 2026
Posted on 19 January 2026
Contents
Summary
As an apprentice you will gain a significant amount of knowledge through undertaking a structured rotation around various mechanical and electrical design functions, whilst studying towards a degree qualification. Gaining skills in CAD, design areas including chassis, powertrain, cabs and electrical systems.
- Wage
-
£19,200 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
A competitive starting salary from £19,200, increasing to £26,771 in Year 2 and then continuing to increase annually.
- Training course
- Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
- Hours
-
Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 16:15, Friday 08:00 to 15:20
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 7 September 2026
- 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
- You will also gain skills on advanced technologies such as those involved with architecture, concepts, safety systems, electrification and levels of driver assistance leading towards vehicle autonomy
- Working under guidance of specialist teams in engineering design
Where you'll work
Croston Road
Farington Moss
Leyland
PR26 6LZ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Training course
Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges such as compliance, technology, technical or physical challenges.
- Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
- Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects.
- Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
- Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data or developmental or test evidence.
- Manage assigned projects or programmes of work to meet the required specification, taking into account factors such as resource requirements, safety, quality, cost and performance or sustainability criteria. Apply processes for project or programme management including outcomes such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
- Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
- Identify resources, such as digital tools or technologies, human, equipment, materials or data, to complete design and development projects or programmes of work.
- Create and manage a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
- Demonstrate leadership when undertaking product design, development, modification or update engineering activities.
- Identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the design or development process, which may impact the quality and reliability of the product, system or component.
- Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured and checked for safe operation before use.
- Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options.
- Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the product, system or component.
- Complete project documentation checks throughout the activity and report non-conformances.
- Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges such as compliance, technology, technical or physical challenges.
- Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
- Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects.
- Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
- Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data or developmental or test evidence.
- Manage assigned projects or programmes of work to meet the required specification, taking into account factors such as resource requirements, safety, quality, cost and performance or sustainability criteria. Apply processes for project or programme management including outcomes such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
- Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
- Identify resources, such as digital tools or technologies, human, equipment, materials or data, to complete design and development projects or programmes of work.
- Create and manage a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
- Demonstrate leadership when undertaking product design, development, modification or update engineering activities.
- Identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the design or development process, which may impact the quality and reliability of the product, system or component.
- Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured and checked for safe operation before use.
- Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options.
- Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the product, system or component.
- Complete project documentation checks throughout the activity and report non-conformances.
Training schedule
Product Design and Development Engineer (degree) Level 6.
More training information
You will study at University of Lancashire on a blended basis, which consist of online modules, block release and work-based learning.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
- Science (grade 4)
Other in:
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
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
About this employer
Leyland Trucks is the UK’s largest commercial vehicle manufacturing business, producing the full range of multi award-winning DAF trucks – the XG+, XG, XF, XD and XB. The DAF XB is also designed by a team of expert engineers at Leyland Trucks. The impressive range of vehicles ensures DAF has reigned as the UK market leader for over 30 years.
DAF and Leyland Trucks are at the forefront of technology – driving forward electrification, autonomous vehicles and cutting edge technology.Leyland Trucks is owned by American company PACCAR, offering global opportunities in a world-class technology business.
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
- With a keen, demonstrable interest in engineering and design technologies, you will be eager to learn and be able to adapt to a changing environment
- With the ability to use your own initiative, you will take co-responsibility for your development within the business and help shape your future career
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000009407.
Apply now
Closes on Sunday 1 March 2026
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.