Engineering Degree Apprentice – Control Systems Engineer
CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE TRADING UK LIMITED
Fradley Lichfield (WS13 8RY)
Closes in 24 days (Sunday 17 August 2025 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 21 July 2025
Contents
Summary
Continental Engineering Services (CES) specialise in the design, development and integration of advanced electric powertrain and control systems for the automotive industry. As a leading centre for innovation in electric mobility, CES work on cutting-edge projects with global automotive manufacturers, offering a dynamic environment to your career.
- Wage
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£24,000 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Salary progressing to £25,000.00 after successful 6 month probation
- Training course
- Embedded electronic systems design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
- Hours
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Whilst studying: Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm, time for apprenticeship managed.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
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Monday 1 September 2025
- Duration
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3 years 4 months
- Positions available
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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 a Degree Apprentice at Continental in Lichfield, you will play a key role in supporting the development of advanced systems and automotive technologies. You’ll gain hands-on experience alongside experienced engineers and be involved in a range of tasks that contribute to both ongoing projects and long-term innovations.
During a typical week, you will:
- Support the evaluation of products through the use of simulation and analysis tools to help optimise performance.
- Work within cross-functional teams to contribute to project milestones and deliverables.
- Provide regular progress updates and maintain clear, professional communication across departments.
- Adapt to evolving project needs and support various technical and developmental tasks.
- Assist in identifying and resolving technical issues using analytical problem-solving techniques.
You’ll also contribute to:
- The design and testing phases of new products, helping ensure timely and accurate task completion.
- Quality assurance by following internal processes to maintain high standards in engineering outputs.
- Health and safety practices, using appropriate PPE and complying with company protocols.
Additionally, you’ll be encouraged to:
- Participate in training sessions, workshops, and development programmes to expand your knowledge and skills.
- Learn from skilled mentors while progressing through a structured academic programme, leading to a BEng (Hons) degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Our engineering team operates at the forefront of automotive innovation, with the flexibility to apply solutions beyond the industry. You will contribute to meaningful work from day one and be part of a culture built on Trust, Passion to Win, Freedom to Act, and For One Another.
Where you'll work
Continental Engineering Services
Fradley Business Park
Fradley Lichfield
WS13 8RY
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
UNIVERSITY OF STAFFORDSHIRE
Training course
Embedded electronic systems design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Design functional electronic systems and circuits from component level
- Utilise modern CAD technology to implement circuit design with understanding of considerations for heat dissipation, electrical interference and other industry specific considerations affecting layout
- Write and document structured code to comply with industry norms and to allow others to understand and subsequently maintain/modify the code
- Utilise modelling techniques for circuit design, embedded software development and thermal management
- Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practice of design for market, design for manufacturability, design for testability and design for maintainability
- Ability to develop a test plan for a product that they have developed
- Ability to explain the process by which a product is introduced into production, including what aspects are discussed at what stage and with whom and how development gateways work
- Ability to develop a basic project plan including resource planning, time planning, use of contingencies etc. Also techniques for predicting pinch points and strategies for timescale recovery
- Awareness of international standards and compliance requirements for the products designed by the employer. Ability to discuss the differences between legislative and non-legislative requirements
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge of basic business fundamentals including costs, overheads, gross margin, net margin, profit, and cash
- Ability to demonstrate awareness and understanding of basic health and safety principles both in the general workplace and specific to electronic circuit design
Training schedule
Apprentices will undertake the level 6 Design Development Engineer Apprenticeship programme delivered by University of Staffordshire.
Teaching will be a mix of on the job and off the job training delivered face to face in university and online weekly sessions. The programme is delivered using a blended learning model. The programme is delivered at University of Staffordshire.
Apprentices will attend an induction at the beginning of the apprenticeship before the launch of the first modules. There is a four-day module launch for each learning block in October, January and June. The module launch is designed to provide apprentices with an overview of the module and its assessment. There will be a number of presentations, activities and the opportunity to get to know your tutors and other apprentices as well as a tour of the library and other university facilities.
To accommodate wide-ranging learning styles, approaches to teaching will be diverse, including but not limited to technical demonstrations, lectures, seminars, independent research, laboratory assignments and simulation exercises, design work, practical problem-solving tasks, presentations and group critiques.
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices will achieve their BEng (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade Grade A*-C/4-9 or equivalent)
- Mathmatics (grade Grade A*-C/4-9 or equivalent)
A Level in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Good time management
About this employer
Continental Engineering Services is based in Fradley, Staffordshire, and plays a key role in the design, development and integration of electric drive systems and control units for some of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and performance, Continental Engineering Services delivers advanced engineering solutions across a wide range of vehicle platforms, supporting the transition to cleaner, smarter mobility through the development of cutting-edge electric powertrain technologies.
After this apprenticeship
This apprenticeship offers a strong foundation in embedded electronics, leading to a BEng (Hons) and Incorporated Engineer status. After completion, you can progress into roles such as embedded systems engineer, applications engineer, or control systems engineer. It also opens pathways to senior technical roles, management, or further study towards Chartered Engineer status, supporting a rewarding career in a fast-growing, innovative industry.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
UNIVERSITY OF STAFFORDSHIRE
Breanne Richter
Breanne.richter@conti-engineering.com
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000331881.
Apply now
Closes in 24 days (Sunday 17 August 2025 at 11:59pm)
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