Apprentice Administrator/Trainee CAD Support
Barclay & Mathieson Ltd
Shoeburyness (SS3 9RE)
Closes on Tuesday 31 March 2026
Posted on 24 February 2026
Contents
Summary
As an apprentice, you will support the Drawing Office and Production team in preparing and processing customer drawings and NC files, as well as supporting with admin tasks. Over time, you will learn how to optimise cutting patterns and ensure customer requirements are accurately translated into production-ready information.
- Wage
-
£13,741 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm (1-hour lunch)
35 hours a week
- Start date
-
Wednesday 1 April 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 3 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
Key Responsibilities (with training and support):
- Learn to import NC files and customer drawings into CAD software
- Assist with checking and cleaning DXF/DWG files to prepare them for nesting
- Support the nesting of drilling and cutting jobs to minimise material waste
- Learn how to identify suitable cutting methods (plasma, gas, laser) based on material type and thickness
- Help prepare detailed job packs for production, including drawing revisions and cutting patterns
- Support the creation and amendment of drawings for customer approval
- Assist the Sales team with processing cutting lists and basic feasibility checks
- Generate cutting patterns for production planning under supervision
- Learn how to understand machine capabilities and limitations
- Help maintain accurate documentation and records within company systems (e.g. Stockmaster)
- Support stock control processes and the tracking of materials where required
- Contribute to reporting and continuous improvement activities, including optimisation and waste reduction
Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For:
- A genuine interest in engineering, manufacturing or technical drawing
- Eagerness to learn and develop new skills
- Good attention to detail and willingness to work accurately
- Basic IT skills (Microsoft Office and general computer use)
- An interest in or basic understanding of CAD software (training will be provided)
- Good communication skills and the confidence to ask questions
- A positive attitude and the ability to work as part of a team
Where you'll work
Metalstock House
Vanguard Way
Shoeburyness
SS3 9RE
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
THELIGHTBULB LTD
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
- Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
- Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
- Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
- Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
- Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
- Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.
Training schedule
- You will achieve the Level 3 Business Administrator Apprenticeship Standard
- There are 8 workshops you will need to attend via Teams
- You will have a mentor for one-to-one teaching and learning
- To include off the job training
- In-house training will be given to support specifics of the role
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4/C)
- Maths (grade 4/C)
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
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
About this employer
Established in 1975 Industrial Metal Services have been competitively serving the steel industry for 50 years.
We offer a wide range of products for the construction and engineering industries. Our growing range of steel processing services includes cut to length, drilling, shot blasting and profiling, ensuring we can meet a varied range of customer specifications.
Forming part of the Barclay and Mathieson Group, (B&M) we are one of the largest steel stockholders and processors in the UK, with 500 employees.
B&M group pride itself in being a fast paced and consistently improving company where our employees are our most valuable assets, embedding our core values of Innovation, Inspiration, Collaboration, Integrity and Excellence in everything we do. With depots and service centres nationwide, we’re always looking for people to join us.
Company benefits
- Performance bonus
- Taste Card
- Free eye tests
- Access to mental health first aiders
- Extra holiday for long service
- Birthday day off
- Buy Holiday Scheme
After this apprenticeship
- A structured apprenticeship pathway
- Ongoing mentoring and support from experienced professionals
- Opportunities for long-term progression within the business
- A supportive environment where learning and development are encouraged
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
THELIGHTBULB LTD
Andrea Gregory
andrea.gregory@getsetuk.co.uk
07764969337
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000017377.
Apply now
Closes on Tuesday 31 March 2026