Apprentice Design Engineer
A&F Sprinklers Ltd
Rochdale (OL11 2PX)
Closes in 16 days (Sunday 30 August 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 30 July 2026
Contents
Summary
This is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in engineering and design to gain practical experience, develop technical skills and work towards a Level 2 Engineering Operative qualification while building a long-term career within the fire protection industry.
- Wage
-
£15,392 to £24,454.04, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
- Training course
- Engineering operative (level 2)
- Hours
-
Full-time position.
Flexible working hours are available through the company's flexitime arrangements, allowing the successful candidate to manage their working schedule while meeting project and team requirements.
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Saturday 5 September 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 6 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
As an Apprentice Design Engineer, you will work alongside the experienced design team and gain practical experience across the design and development of fire sprinkler systems.
You will support the design team on live projects while developing your knowledge of design software, engineering principles, technical documentation and relevant industry standards.
Your duties will include:
Supporting the design team with the preparation and development of fire sprinkler system designs
Assisting with the production and updating of technical drawings
Supporting design calculations and technical documentation
Learning to use industry-standard design software
Assisting with the interpretation of drawings, specifications and technical information
Supporting the design team throughout the project lifecycle
Working alongside internal teams and external stakeholders where required
Maintaining accurate design records and documentation
Developing an understanding of engineering principles, industry standards and fire protection systems
Supporting the team with general design and engineering administration
Contributing to live projects while developing your technical knowledge and skills
This is a varied role offering the opportunity to learn from experienced engineers and gain a strong foundation for a career in design engineering.
Where you'll work
Unit 4
Trans Pennine Trading Estate, Gorrells Way
Rochdale
OL11 2PX
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
Training course
Engineering operative (level 2)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines
- Identify and deal appropriately with any risks, hazards, hazardous situations and problems that may occur within the engineering environment within the limits of their responsibility
- Demonstrate effective communication skills which include oral, written, electronic
- Complete appropriate documentation accurately, efficiently and legibly using the correct terminology where required
- Obtain and follow the correct documentation, specifications and work instructions in accordance with time constraints and the roles and responsibilities identified for the engineering activities, extracting the necessary data/information from specification and related documentation
- Select and use appropriate tools, equipment and materials to carry out the engineering operation
- Deal appropriately with any problems that may occur within the manufacturing environment within the limits of their responsibility
- Work efficiently and effectively at all times maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste
- Carryout fault location on appropriate equipment using suitable maintenance diagnostic techniques
- Carryout maintenance activities in line with work instructions
- Carryout tests on the maintained equipment in accordance with test schedule/defined test procedures
- Follow appropriate completion activities and restore equipment to service by replacing or repairing components
- Plan the mechanical manufacturing operation before they start
- Mount and set the required workholding devices
- Produce individual components, sub-assemblies or completed assemblies using mechanical manufacturing techniques
- Carryout quality checks during and after mechanical manufacturing operations
- Wire and terminate different types of cabling e.g. single core, multi core, screened, fire resistant, armoured, etc.
- Assemble and test a range of electrical components e.g. component panels, isolator switches, fuses, circuit breakers, contactors, relays, rail mounted terminal blocks, etc.
- Assemble and test a range of electronic components e.g. resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, etc.
- Follow appropriate completion activities and restore equipment/system to service after the assembly and testing has been completed
- Shape the materials using the appropriate methods and techniques
- Join the materials using the appropriate methods and techniques
- Produce components which meet the specification requirements
- Carryout quality checks during and after the fabrication activities
- Plan the materials, processing or finishing operation before they start
- Prepare equipment, tooling, materials, etc. and complete set up activities before carrying out the materials, processing or finishing operation
- Carry out the material, processing or finishing operation in line with specific safe working practices and specification requirements
- Carryout quality checks during and after the materials, processing or finishing operation
- Plan the technical support operation before they start
- Prepare equipment, tooling, materials, etc. and complete set up activities before carrying out the technical support
- Carry out the technical support operation in line with specific safe working practices and specification requirements
- Carryout quality checks during and after the technical support operation
Training schedule
The successful candidate will work towards the Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship Standard.
Training will be delivered through Rochdale Training Association, with the apprentice receiving support from both their training provider and A&F Sprinklers throughout the apprenticeship.
The apprentice will develop knowledge, skills and behaviours in areas including:
Engineering principles and practices
Engineering drawings and technical documentation
Engineering materials and processes
Health and safety
Quality standards
Workplace communication
Professional workplace behaviours
Requirements
Desirable qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 4)
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
- Team working
About this employer
A&F Sprinklers has been delivering expert fire protection solutions for over 30 years. The company is committed to providing high-quality sprinkler engineering solutions while investing in its people and supporting long-term career development.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and professional team in Rochdale. The successful candidate will gain practical experience in design engineering and develop technical skills while working on live projects alongside experienced engineers.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Successful completion of the apprenticeship could lead to continued employment and progression within the design engineering team or wider business.
There may be opportunities to progress into more advanced design engineering roles and continue developing technical skills through further training and qualifications.
A&F Sprinklers is committed to investing in its people and supporting long-term career development.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED
Jacob Evans
jevans@rochdaletraining.co.uk
01706631417
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000045598.
Apply now
Closes in 16 days (Sunday 30 August 2026 at 11:59pm)