Manufacturing Engineer Apprentice

HARDIDE COATINGS LTD

BICESTER (OX26 5AH)

Closes on Monday 22 June 2026

Posted on 13 April 2026

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Contents

Summary

The Manufacturing Engineer Apprentice will join the manufacturing team to develop state-of-the-art surface coating solutions.

This role focusses on Hardide® low-temperature CVD tungsten carbide coatings, and provides an opportunity to work with innovative coating technologies that support critical global industries.

Wage

£23,000 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 08:00-16:30.

40 hours a week

Start date

Wednesday 1 July 2026

Duration

3 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

  • Assist with new project launches and product checks
  • Design/modify tooling
  • Help create/update work instructions
  • Review customer drawings
  • Support tool/equipment selection
  • Join process improvement work
  • Support equipment upgrades
  • Assist with testing/inspection of coated parts
  • Learn about our production flow and suggest efficiencies
  • Support investigations to understand issues with parts or materials to help contribute practical solutions

Where you'll work

UNIT 9
LONGLANDS ROAD
BICESTER
OX26 5AH

Training

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

Training provider

ENGINEERING TRUST TRAINING LIMITED

Training course

Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Read and extract relevant engineering and manufacturing related data and information (such as workplans or project plans, schedules,  drawings, specifications, production data, quality reports, costing data, statistical information) drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions.
  • Use project management tools, such as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT), stakeholder matrices, risk mapping, radar chart and summary risk profiles.
  • Use problem solving tools such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Fishbone, Practical Problem Solving (PPS) and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
  • Analyse and interpret data and information in order to generate manufacturing engineering documentation such as Parts Per Million (PPM) quality adherence, cost analysis and test data.
  • Communicate using the appropriate method for the audience such as, formal and informal presentations, written reports, verbal, electronic, social media and incorporating relevant and appropriate data or metrics.
  • Use the approved process and quality compliance procedure to create or amend engineering or manufacturing documentation.
  • Use lean tools and techniques, such as Six Sigma, 8 Wastes, Workplace organisation such as 5S's (sort, set in order, shine, standardise and sustain), Kaizen and Poka-Yoke (Error proofing).
  • Apply documentation control processes and procedures such as format, location, access, authorisation.
  • Use financial planning, recording and review processes and documentation such as departmental budgets, estimating, cost control, cost forecasting, and investment appraisal.
  • Use computer based software systems or packages such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Data Analytics and Databases.
  • Read and extract relevant engineering and manufacturing related data and information (such as workplans or project plans, schedules,  drawings, specifications, production data, quality reports, costing data, statistical information) drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions.
  • Use project management tools, such as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT), stakeholder matrices, risk mapping, radar chart and summary risk profiles.
  • Use problem solving tools such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Fishbone, Practical Problem Solving (PPS) and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
  • Analyse and interpret data and information in order to generate manufacturing engineering documentation such as Parts Per Million (PPM) quality adherence, cost analysis and test data.
  • Communicate using the appropriate method for the audience such as, formal and informal presentations, written reports, verbal, electronic, social media and incorporating relevant and appropriate data or metrics.
  • Use the approved process and quality compliance procedure to create or amend engineering or manufacturing documentation.
  • Use lean tools and techniques, such as Six Sigma, 8 Wastes, Workplace organisation such as 5S's (sort, set in order, shine, standardise and sustain), Kaizen and Poka-Yoke (Error proofing).
  • Apply documentation control processes and procedures such as format, location, access, authorisation.
  • Use financial planning, recording and review processes and documentation such as departmental budgets, estimating, cost control, cost forecasting, and investment appraisal.
  • Use computer based software systems or packages such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Data Analytics and Databases.

Training schedule

Qualifications included:

  • Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Standard
  • Company Training Plan & Assessment
  • BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Engineering (1 day per week for 2 years at college)
    Level 4 Diploma in Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (Development Competence)
  • Level 2 Functional Skills - Maths (If required)
  • Level 2 Functional Skills - English (If required)
  • End Point Assessment at the end of the apprenticeship (Months 36 to 39)

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

A Min of 5 GCSE's inc Science, English & Maths (grade 4-9 (C-A*))

A Level in:

or A Levels in Mathematics and Physics (grade A* - E)

Other in:

Must have an Existing Engineering qualification (grade Pass, Distinction, Merit)

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
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Time Management
  • Interest in Engineering
  • Motivated
  • Pride in work

About this employer

  • Hardide Coatings is a global leader in advanced tungsten carbide and tungsten metal matrix composite coatings. These proprietary CVD (Chemical Vapour Deposition) coatings significantly extend the lifespan of critical components used in demanding industrial environments.

http://www.hardide.com (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

The role will allow for the successful apprentice to progress within the Engineering team. We support our employees with additional learning requirements should they wish to further their training or education to strengthen their knowledge.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ENGINEERING TRUST TRAINING LIMITED

Sally Parr

s.parr@theengineeringtrust.org

07879 128768

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000025986.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 22 June 2026

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