Foundation

Apprentice Engineer

Acres Engineering Limited

DERBY (DE73 8JB)

Closes on Saturday 27 June 2026

Posted on 13 May 2026


Summary

Foundation apprenticeships are introductory courses that help young people get started in an industry. You do not need to have any specific qualifications or experience to apply.

Anyone between 16 and 21 can start a foundation apprenticeship.

If you're between 22 and 24, you can start if you:

  • have an EHC plan
  • are in care or have been in care
  • are in prison or have been in prison

Acres Engineering want to recruit an apprentice engineer to become a competent Engineering Operative, supporting the manufacture of high-quality, innovative products in line with engineering drawings, specifications and company standards.

Wage

£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Personalised pay matrix depending on performance in the role.

Training course
Engineering and manufacturing foundation apprenticeship (level 2)
Hours
Monday to Friday, 7am to 3.30pm, 2x 25 minute breaks.

40 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

8 months

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

Working within Acres’ culture of continuous improvement and professionalism, you will contribute to a clean, safe and organised working environment while building technical capability, discipline and a strong work ethic. Your day-to-day duties will include:

  • Work under supervision across Prep, CNC, Paint and Assembly areas
  • Support the efficient delivery of projects by assisting with material preparation, CNC processing, painting, assembly, finishing and general engineering tasks.
  • Develop an understanding of manufacturing processes, tools, materials and quality standards while working collaboratively with all departments to support production flow

Where you'll work

UNIT A
CASTLE LANE
MELBOURNE
DERBY
DE73 8JB

Training

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

Training provider

DCG

Training course

Engineering and manufacturing foundation apprenticeship (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

You will spend 4 days each week in the workplace and 1 day each week training at Derby College's Roundhouse Campus.

Requirements

You do not need to have any specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship.

Other requirements

  • The role is hands-on and practical, working in a busy engineering workshop environment
  • You will be required to stand for long periods and be physically active throughout the day
  • The role involves manual handling, including lifting and moving materials (training provided)
  • You will be working with metal components, which can be heavy, sharp or dirty
  • The environment can be noisy, and appropriate PPE must be worn at all times
  • You will be required to wear safety equipment, including, safety boots, gloves, eye protection
  • Work may involve exposure to, heat, sparks and grinding , fabrication equipment and machinery
  • You must be comfortable working in a structured, safety-focused environment
  • The role requires attention to detail and concentration to meet quality standards
  • You will be expected to follow instructions, drawings and processes carefully
  • The role includes working as part of a team, supporting others to meet deadlines
  • You must be reliable and punctual, as your work impacts wider production flow
  • There will be a requirement to learn both on the job and through formal training/college attendance
  • Occasional overtime or flexible working may be required to meet project deadlines

About this employer

Acres Engineering Ltd is a specialist turnkey manufacturing SME based in Melbourne, Derbyshire. The company delivers high-value fabricated and engineered solutions to world-leading organisations across sectors including aerospace, automotive, defence and energy.

Operating within a modern, well-equipped engineering facility, Acres provides end-to-end capability from design and manufacture through to assembly and installation. The business focuses on complex, medium to high volume projects where engineering expertise adds significant value.

Acres Engineering employs a skilled and growing team and is known for its hands-on, collaborative working environment, where individuals are encouraged to develop practical skills and contribute to continuous improvement.

The company is recognised for both its engineering excellence and its commitment to people. Acres is a Gold Award holder of the Armed Forces Covenant, actively supporting veterans and reservists, and has also been recognised at a national level through the King’s Award for Enterprise (Promoting Opportunity) for its work in creating pathways into engineering for individuals from diverse and non-traditional backgrounds.

Through its People First approach, Acres Engineering continues to invest in apprenticeships, skills development and community engagement, demonstrating how a small business can deliver meaningful impact alongside technical excellence.

https://acres.engineering (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • Private Health Scheme after 6 months’ probation completed.
  • Employee of the month scheme with prizes.
  • Free Hot lunch each day.
  • Staff 'thank you' days.
  • Bike to Work scheme.

After this apprenticeship

Following the successful completion of this apprenticeship, you could work as an engineer or undertake further training with a Level 3 apprenticeship to continue to build skills and experience.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DCG

Fliss Rogers

fliss.rogers@derby-college.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000031018.

Apply now

Anyone between 16 and 21 can start a foundation apprenticeship.

If you're between 22 and 24, you can start if you:

  • have an EHC plan
  • are in care or have been in care
  • are in prison or have been in prison

Closes on Saturday 27 June 2026