Apprentice Optical Engineer

ORION OPTICS LTD

NEWCASTLE (ST5 9HX)

Closes in 26 days (Friday 13 June 2025 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 15 May 2025

Print

Contents

Summary

Opportunity to start a career in engineering with a well-known telescope manufacturer. Thinking outside the box whilst working individually and as part of a team, you will be given full training to learn how to precisely cut and generate curves to a high standard, in often one-off telescope components.

Wage

£14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Engineering operative (level 2)
Hours
Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 4.30pm with 30 minute lunch break. Possibility of overtime.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Thursday 7 August 2025

Duration

1 year 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 be given opportunity to learn and develop your skills as an Optical Engineer, including:

  • All aspects of CNC machining: setting, running
  • Hand work: drilling, tapping 
  • Ordering materials 
  • Liaising with the Production Manager 
  • Generating curves in glass to high accuracy's
  • Polishing optical surfaces to accuracy's only light can detect
  • Applying optical coatings to the finished surfaces to make reflective and refractive surfaces

Where you'll work

BRYMBO ROAD
LYMEDALE BUSINESS PARK
NEWCASTLE
ST5 9HX

Training

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

College or training organisation

STOKE ON TRENT COLLEGE

Your training course

Engineering operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Your training plan

Engineering Operative Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard:

  • Level 2 Diploma in engineering operations (skills)
  • Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in engineering operations (knowledge)
  • Functional Skills maths or English if required 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English or Maths (grade 3 or above)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Patience

About this company

A well-known manufacturer and worldwide seller of telescopes. We are going from strength to strength and pride ourselves on our experience. A small family company which has been in business for 40 years, we aim to support our employees to ensure they are trained to the highest standards .

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

After this apprenticeship

  • Possibility of a permanent position upon completion of apprenticeship

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

STOKE ON TRENT COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000320975.

Apply now

Closes in 26 days (Friday 13 June 2025 at 11:59pm)

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.