Apprentice Product Design Engineer

Summary

Looking for a motivated individual to join us at an Apprentice. Assisting the Technical Engineering Manager in the improvement of existing and creation of new innovative company products utilising computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-assisted engineering software culminating in the production and testing of prototypes and reporting of results.

Wage

£15,311.40 to £24,761.88, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

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Training course

Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)

Hours

Monday to Thursday 08:00- 16:30 Fridays 08:00- 15:30 With a 30 minute break each day

39 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

3 years 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

Reporting to the Technical Manager the candidate will learn and implement:

The use of mathematical modelling to research new developments and innovations
The design of technical plans / drawings for prototypes
The use of computer-aided design (CAD) and computer assisted engineering software
Collect and modify data from testing
Modify product design ahead of manufacture
Write and present reports to Technical Manager
Day to day tasks in the running of a busy product and tooling design environment

Where you'll work

109 Oxford Road
Clacton On Sea
Essex
CO15 3TJ

Training

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

College or training organisation

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

Your 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.

Your training plan

The apprentice will be working towards the Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Standard
Qualifications include: Level 4 HNC in Engineering or Manufacturing - Mechanical pathway
College attendance will be at the Colchester Institute - Colchester Campus one day per week during term time

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

5 GCSE's including maths, English & Science (grade A*-C/9-4)

A Level in:

Maths and a Science, or Technology or Engineering (grade A*-C/9-4)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

maths (grade A*-B/9-5)

T Level in:

Engineering (grade Pass)

BTEC in:

Engineering (grade Pass)

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

Communication skills
IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Analytical skills
Logical
Team working
Creative
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience

Other requirements

As well as the design side, the candidate will also be involved in a hands on approach with the team on the testing and trial of prototypes

About this company

Nico Manufacturing Ltd are a long established, successful double-glazed window and door hardware manufacturer that includes hinges, locking systems and architectural hardware. Employing 150 people we are a one stop shop for all operations in the design and production, including press work, electroplating, diecasting plastic mould injection, tool design and manufacture. The technical team consists of 5 persons in the design, testing and production of tooling and product.

http://www.nico.co.uk (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Pension Scheme and Parking

After this apprenticeship

Following the apprenticeship the candidate will progress to a qualified product design engineer, eventually leading to Management

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

Colchester Institute - Apprenticeships Team

ci.apprenticeships@colchester.ac.uk

01206712043

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000328273.

Apply now

Closes on Friday 1 August 2025

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