Apprentice Engineering Technician

SOUTH MIDLANDS COMMUNICATIONS CO LTD

EASTLEIGH (SO53 4BY)

Closes in 30 days (Friday 1 May 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 27 March 2026

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Summary

The Southampton Engineering Training Association (SETA) is supporting SMC Group recruit an Apprentice Engineering Technician to join their production team and develop within the company.  This is an entry-level role designed to provide structured training, hands-on experience and a recognised qualification in manufacturing production.

Wage

£18,000 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Wages will increase in the second year to £20,000

Training course
Engineering fitter (level 3)
Hours
Monday to Thursday 07:00 - 16:00. Friday 07:30 - 12:00. A total of 38.5-hours per week.

38 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 2026

Duration

3 years 6 months

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 learn how to work safely, follow procedures, produce quality products and maintain high workplace standards. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will be expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to health & safety, quality, housekeeping, and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities and accountabilities will include:

Learning & Development:

  • Completing a recognised apprenticeship qualifying in manufacturing production
  • Actively engaging in learning activities and applying learning in the workplace
  • Working towards achieving required competencies, skills and behaviours within agreed timescales

Manufacturing & Production Support:

  • Supporting production activities under supervision, including assembly, preparation, and basic operation of equipment
  • Following work instructions, Standard Operations Procedures, and technical guidance accurately
  • Assisting in the assembly of products in line with quality and safety standards
  • Supporting colleagues and Team Leaders to meet production schedules

Quality & ISO Awareness:

  • Learning and applying ISO 9001 quality principles, including right first-time production and traceability
  • Carrying out basic quality checks, once trained to do so
  • Completing production and quality records accurately under supervision
  • Reporting defects, errors or non-confirming items

Health & Safety:

  • Working safely at all times and complying fully with all H&S rules, procedures and instructions
  • Following safe systems of work and using machinery, tools and equipment when trained and authorised to do so
  • Participation in risk assessments, toolbox talks and safety briefings
  • Reporting of hazards, near misses, accidents, or unsafe conditions to the Team Leader

Housekeeping & Workplace Standards:

  • Maintaining a clean, tidy, and organised work area at all times.
  • Learning and following housekeeping standards
  • Taking care of tools, equipment, and materials

Where you'll work

SCHOOL CLOSE
CHANDLERS FORD IND EST
EASTLEIGH
SO53 4BY

Training

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

Training provider

SOUTHAMPTON ENGINEERING TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED (THE)

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

Apprentices will undertake a Level 3 Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship Standard programme. This will include a full-time period of practical workshop based ‘off-the-job’ training at SETA’s Apprenticeship Centre in Southampton.

You will also undertake a knowledge qualification (depending on your prior attainments) where you will be required to attend SETA one day a week over two academic years. After your initial training at SETA, you will be with your employer working on developing your skills in relation to your job role.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade C/5)
  • Maths (grade C/5)

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
  • Number skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Patience
  • Physical fitness
  • Work Ethic
  • Practical Aptitude
  • Positive

About this employer

SMC is an innovative, dependable, quality manufacturer of specialist masts, antennas, and RF communication equipment built to perform in any environment.  With manufacturing facilities in Eastleigh, Hampshire, and over 65 years of experience, we deliver mission-critical reliability to some of the world’s biggest organisations. 

http://smcgroupglobal.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Life assurance of 3 x salary
  • 20 days annual leave per year
  • Christmas shutdown (3-days leave to be used to cover this)

After this apprenticeship

After successfully completing the apprenticeship, the apprentice would be offered a permanent role within the production team, subject to performance. This provides a strong foundation to build long-term experience within the business.

With increased experience and demonstrated competence, individuals can develop into a Senior Production Technician role, taking on greater responsibility, supporting complex tasks, and acting as a key point of knowledge within the team.

There may also be opportunities to progress into a Team Leader position should vacancies arise over time. In this role, individuals would take on supervisory responsibilities, including coordinating day-to-day activities, supporting team performance, and contributing to operational improvements.

In addition to formal progression, experienced technicians can further develop by mentoring new apprentices, playing an active role in training and knowledge sharing for future intakes. This provides a valuable leadership pathway and helps build coaching and supervisory skills.

Overall, the apprenticeship provides a strong platform for long-term career development, with opportunities to grow in responsibility, contribute to team success, and take on leadership or mentoring roles over time.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SOUTHAMPTON ENGINEERING TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED (THE)

Southampton Engineering Training Association (SETA)

Recruitment@seta-training.co.uk

023 8077 1908

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000023652.

Apply now

Closes in 30 days (Friday 1 May 2026 at 11:59pm)