Technical Apprentice (degree)

Summary

We are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic Technical Apprentice to join our growing team. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in and technical and part specification-led role, working closely with experienced professionals in the field in a high-paced and dynamic environment.

Wage

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

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

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We do offer monthly company wide bonus based on the monthly business performance, and these roles would also earn this. No evening or weekend work.

Training course

Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)

Hours

Monday to Thursday 08:30 - 17:30, Friday 08:30 - 15:30.

38 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

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

As the perfect candidate, you will be conscientious, take pride in your performance, and will show strong attention to detail. In return, we will provide ongoing training and development to help you keep your career pushing forward in an environment where every opinion really counts!

Managing and building technical part specifications and supporting data
Product & component sourcing from our current supplier base and beyond based on customer requirements such as target prices, production dates & part specification
Assisting with Custom Part design and production; creation of drawings & CAD files, working with suppliers to cost tooling and parts, producing 3D prints for prototypes
Technical Support; Assisting the sales team with customer support around product selection and supplier capability
Involved with technical content creation for the website and blogs
Supporting Technical Tickets; Building packs of data sheets, drawings, environmental compliance docs etc. from manufacturers for customer submission
Supporting the new part introduction process as necessary
Assisting the team with product resource projects as necessary

Where you'll work

Piquet House, Spring Lane
BH24 3FH

Training

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

College or training organisation

BOURNEMOUTH AND POOLE COLLEGE, THE

Your training course

Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges such as compliance, technology, technical or physical challenges.
Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects.
Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data or developmental or test evidence.
Manage assigned projects or programmes of work to meet the required specification, taking into account factors such as resource requirements, safety, quality, cost and performance or sustainability criteria. Apply processes for project or programme management including outcomes such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
Identify resources, such as digital tools or technologies, human, equipment, materials or data, to complete design and development projects or programmes of work.
Create and manage a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
Demonstrate leadership when undertaking product design, development, modification or update engineering activities.
Identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the design or development process, which may impact the quality and reliability of the product, system or component.
Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured and checked for safe operation before use.
Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options.
Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the product, system or component.
Complete project documentation checks throughout the activity and report non-conformances.
Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges such as compliance, technology, technical or physical challenges.
Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects.
Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data or developmental or test evidence.
Manage assigned projects or programmes of work to meet the required specification, taking into account factors such as resource requirements, safety, quality, cost and performance or sustainability criteria. Apply processes for project or programme management including outcomes such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
Identify resources, such as digital tools or technologies, human, equipment, materials or data, to complete design and development projects or programmes of work.
Create and manage a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
Demonstrate leadership when undertaking product design, development, modification or update engineering activities.
Identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the design or development process, which may impact the quality and reliability of the product, system or component.
Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured and checked for safe operation before use.
Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options.
Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the product, system or component.
Complete project documentation checks throughout the activity and report non-conformances.

Your training plan

We typically work on a 1 day a week release for study and to attend college. Product Design and Development Engineer (degree). https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/st0027-v1-1

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

4 GCSE's including English and Maths (grade 4 or above)
Science and/or Engineering (grade 4 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

Analytical skills
Attention to detail
Communication skills
Initiative
IT skills
Patience
Problem solving skills
Team working

Other requirements

Please note that all applicants will also need to apply direct to the Bournemouth & Poole College website as part of their application process. https://www.thecollege.co.uk/courses/degree-apprenticeship-in-product-design-development-mechanical-design-pathway Would need to be able to commute to Ringwood.

About this company

We are a distributor of plastics, rubber and metal components and fasteners, with thousands of customers & suppliers. We currently have 30,000 products on our website. A large part of our continued growth is built from our Technical team custom solutions, where we work with our customers to design and produce unique parts. We are a team of 40people based across our 2 sites in Maidstone and Ringwood. We have been recognized in the Top 50 growth companies within Kent for the last 2 years running.

After this apprenticeship

Progression to Full Time employment.

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