Apprentice Technician

COMPUTER & DESIGN SERVICES LTD

BROADSTONE (BH18 8AX)

Closes on Tuesday 30 June 2026

Posted on 24 March 2026


Summary

We are offering an exciting apprenticeship opportunity at our Broadstone office, for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join CADS as a Trainee Technician. 

Training course
Civil engineering senior technician (level 4)
Hours
09:00 - 17:30, Monday to Friday. Day release (one day per week) for university course attendance. Expected to work in the office when not attending university, for example during the summer holidays etc.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

2 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

Technical Support Responsibilities:

  • Assist the technical support team in responding to customer queries related to CADS detailing and engineering software.
  • Help prepare and produce tutorial videos for CADS software, including recording and editing.
  • Attend site visits and meetings when required.
  • Work towards becoming fully proficient in the CADS family of software programs. 

IT Responsibilities:

Support the IT team with the smooth running and maintenance of company computer systems and equipment.

Where you'll work

ARROWSMITH COURT
10 STATION APPROACH
BROADSTONE
BH18 8AX

Training

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

Training provider

SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY

Training course

Civil engineering senior technician (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Apply engineering principles, using relevant scientific, theoretical and technical know-how to solve well-defined civil engineering problems
  • Apply civil engineering techniques, procedures and methods, and review the results, when measuring and testing, designing, installing, commissioning, maintaining or operating civil engineering systems
  • Employ a range of advanced mathematical, statistical and data interpretation tools, using analytical and computational methods to interpret and solve civil engineering problems
  • Interpret and compare performance information to choose compliant materials, components or parts
  • Select and use technical literature and other sources of information and data to address well-defined civil engineering problems
  • Produce and interpret civil engineering technical drawings, designs, and models, using analytical and computer-based software packages, recognising the limitations of the software used
  • Produce civil engineering technical solutions in accordance with relevant industry standards, procedures, codes of practice, regulations, and legislation
  • Comply with, and encourage others to demonstrate, statutory health, safety and welfare policies, procedures and regulation
  • Complete risk assessments to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks
  • Apply principles of sustainable development, and assess the impact of these in their work
  • Employ project management techniques, measuring and recording progress against civil engineering project plans
  • Assess and report on quality using appropriate management and assurance systems and continuous improvement processes
  • Identify and use resources, equipment and technology to meet project requirements, including specifications, budget and timescales
  • Monitor and manage individual performance, and supervise others, recognising the need to comply with appropriate codes of practice and equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI) requirements
  • Communicate using appropriate methods for the audience, using appropriate engineering terminology and conventions
  • Apply ethical principles to civil engineering projects, including the secure use of data and information
  • Plan, undertake and review their own professional competence, updating and reviewing their CPD to improve performance
  • Apply engineering principles, using relevant scientific, theoretical and technical know-how to solve well-defined civil engineering problems
  • Apply civil engineering techniques, procedures and methods, and review the results, when measuring and testing, designing, installing, commissioning, maintaining or operating civil engineering systems
  • Employ a range of advanced mathematical, statistical and data interpretation tools, using analytical and computational methods to interpret and solve civil engineering problems
  • Interpret and compare performance information to choose compliant materials, components or parts
  • Select and use technical literature and other sources of information and data to address well-defined civil engineering problems
  • Produce and interpret civil engineering technical drawings, designs, and models, using analytical and computer-based software packages, recognising the limitations of the software used
  • Produce civil engineering technical solutions in accordance with relevant industry standards, procedures, codes of practice, regulations, and legislation
  • Comply with, and encourage others to demonstrate, statutory health, safety and welfare policies, procedures and regulation
  • Complete risk assessments to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks
  • Apply principles of sustainable development, and assess the impact of these in their work
  • Employ project management techniques, measuring and recording progress against civil engineering project plans
  • Assess and report on quality using appropriate management and assurance systems and continuous improvement processes
  • Identify and use resources, equipment and technology to meet project requirements, including specifications, budget and timescales
  • Monitor and manage individual performance, and supervise others, recognising the need to comply with appropriate codes of practice and equality, diversity & inclusion (EDI) requirements
  • Communicate using appropriate methods for the audience, using appropriate engineering terminology and conventions
  • Apply ethical principles to civil engineering projects, including the secure use of data and information
  • Plan, undertake and review their own professional competence, updating and reviewing their CPD to improve performance

Training schedule

Apprenticeship & Qualification:

As part of this apprenticeship, you will be required to enrol on the following university course, with course fees fully paid by CADS (subject to terms):

Qualification:

HNC in Civil Engineering – Solent University

Duration: 2 years
Study mode: Part-time (1 day per week)
Travel: Self-travel required
Fees: Paid by CADS (subject to terms)

This course provides essential understanding and insight into multiple aspects of construction and the built environment. Combined with your practical experience at CADS, you will gain valuable industry skills while working alongside highly experienced engineers across a wide variety of projects.

Requirements

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team work

About this employer

Computer and Design Services Ltd (CADS) is a leading international software company specialising in civil and structural engineering design and detailing software.

As well as creating world class software CADS also provides RC detailing, Design and BIM modelling services.

https://cads.co.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

Once qualified and experienced, you would usually progress into a more independent role such as Technician / Technical Support Engineer.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SOUTHAMPTON SOLENT UNIVERSITY

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000016279.

Apply now

Closes on Tuesday 30 June 2026