Apprentice Design Engineer
UNITECH ENGINEERING SERVICES LTD
BERKS (RG20 0NY)
Closes in 17 days (Monday 2 March 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 9 February 2026
Contents
Summary
This is a fantastic opportunity to join Unitech Engineering as an Apprentice Design Engineer. You will begin by working alongside their friendly and experienced team learning Computer Aided Design (CAD) work. Eventually you will run your own projects from customer enquiry through design, build, test and inspection and completion.
- Wage
-
£26,400 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Salary given is based on £13 an hour for a 35 hour week. The employer is open to paying £13-£15 per hour based on the successful candidate's skills and experience. Salary can be discussed/agreed at interview.
- Training course
- Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
- Hours
-
Monday to Thursday, 8.30am - 5.00pm.
Friday, 8.30am - 3.00pm.
Hours will vary for your one day a week in the UCN during term time.
35 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 9 March 2026
- Duration
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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
We are looking for a dynamic, engaged member to join and learn from our existing team. We tackle a multitude of projects from our clients and need team members who can join us on that journey. Asking questions, seeking answers and approaching things with a curious mind is key to success. Being self driven is very important in a small company and the ability to work with workshop and office staff, as well as liasing with customers and suppliers.
You will begin this role by supporting with Computer Aided Design (CAD) work with our existing team. You will eventually be fully responsible for your own projects overseeing them from customer enquiry through to completion once you have built up your skills and knowledge.
Your role will be to oversee all aspects of a project:
- Customer enquiry - Liaise with customers and colleagues
- Complete design and build for project
- Carry out test and inspections
- Complete final completion
Where you'll work
THE OLD DAIRY
BALL HILL
NEWBURY
BERKS
RG20 0NY
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
NEWBURY COLLEGE
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
The Apprentice Design Engineer will have three skilled project managers in the office to work alongside. Between them, they have over 35 years experience to share with our apprentice.
More training information
You will study your Degree Apprenticeship with University Centre Newbury (UCN) which is based at Newbury College. You will be required to attend the UCN one day a week during term time for four academic years. Your UCN day will change as you progress through the apprenticeship.
First year: Monday, Second year: Tuesday, Third year: Thursday, Forth year: Friday.
As well as the support of your work colleagues and lecturers, you will also have a Development Coach who will oversee your progress and will support you throughout the apprenticeship. They will also hold regular reviews with you and will occasionally observe you in the workplace.
You will be required to take an End Point Assessment (EPA) at the end of your apprenticeship and part of your Degree work is included in the EPA. Your Development Coach will support you with preparing for your assessment.
At the end of your apprenticeship you will have completed the Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer (Degree) Apprenticeship Standard.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4/C or higher)
- Maths (grade 4/C or higher)
A Level in:
- Maths (grade Pass)
- Maths or STEM (grade Pass)
- STEM (grade Pass)
BTEC in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Aptitude for technology
- Interested in how things work
- Intrigue to find solutions
- Able to communicate well
Other requirements
Along with your application through the website, can you please also send a copy of your CV and a cover letter to Hannah from Unitech on:
hannah@unitech-engineering.co.uk
About this employer
Unitech Engineering Services Ltd are a dynamic and fast moving small business based in Newbury, specialising in Gas Analysis and control panels (currently with a hydrogen focus).
Unitech Engineering specialises in the design and build of high-quality sample analysers and electrical control panels for industrial application.
After this apprenticeship
A role as a Design Engineer with a wealth of valuable experience. Permanent position potentially available on successful completion of the Degree Apprenticeship.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
NEWBURY COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000012251.
Apply now
Closes in 17 days (Monday 2 March 2026 at 11:59pm)