Mechanical Fitter Apprentice
RIDGWAY MACHINES LTD
LEICESTER (LE19 1WH)
Closes in 22 days (Friday 3 July 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 9 June 2026
Contents
Summary
Gain hands-on experience in the assembly of bespoke, high-specification machinery used across advanced sectors including wire & cable, energy, and superconducting technologies. Work with experienced engineers, you will develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviour's required to build complex mechanical systems and support projects.
- Wage
-
£15,600 to £24,784.50, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
- Training course
- Engineering fitter (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Thursday 1 October 2026
- 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
Mechanical Assembly & Build:
- Assisting in the assembly of bespoke machinery from engineering drawings
- Supporting build of mechanical systems including drives and structural assemblies
- Learning how to interpret basic engineering drawings and build instructions
- Using hand and power tools safely and effectively Engineering Skills
Development:
- Understanding mechanical components such as bearings, shafts, and fasteners
- Supporting installation of motors, gearboxes, and drive systems
- Learning measurement techniques using gauges, verniers, and other tools
- Gaining awareness of tolerances and precision fitting Processes,
Quality & Safety:
- Maintaining a safe working environment and complying with H&S procedures
- Following build sheets, processes, and quality standards
- Supporting continuous improvement activities
- Learning how to identify and report issues or build challenges
Where you'll work
28A
CENTURION WAY
MERIDIAN BUSINESS PARK
LEICESTER
LE19 1WH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
LEICESTER COLLEGE
Training course
Engineering fitter (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Reading, interpreting and understanding the component or assembly specification, diagrams, drawings and work instructions.
- Planning component or assembly task – materials, tools and equipment.
- Preparing work area for component or assembly task; sourcing required resources, tools and equipment.
- Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity and know how to source required resources and interpret detailed drawings, specifications and job instructions.
- Checking tools during and after task completion; identifying and reporting defects.
- Measuring and testing, checking or inspecting component or assembly for example; use of micrometers, verniers, multimeters, voltmeter.
- Problem solving; analysing the issue and fixing the issue where appropriate.
- Applying improvement techniques; recommending or implementing solutions where appropriate.
- Communicating with colleagues or customers (internal or external).
- Completing component or assembly documentation for example job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation.
- Reporting work outcomes or issues.
- Restoring the work area on completion of the activity; returning any resources and consumables to the appropriate location and house-keeping.
- Disposing of waste in accordance with waste streams; re-cycling, re-using where appropriate.
- Operating within limits of responsibility.
- Operating in line with quality, health and safety and environmental policy and procedures; identifying risks and hazards and identifying control measures where applicable.
- Reading, interpreting and understanding the component or assembly specification, diagrams, drawings and work instructions.
- Planning component or assembly task – materials, tools and equipment.
- Preparing work area for component or assembly task; sourcing required resources, tools and equipment.
- Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity and know how to source required resources and interpret detailed drawings, specifications and job instructions.
- Checking tools during and after task completion; identifying and reporting defects.
- Measuring and testing, checking or inspecting component or assembly for example; use of micrometers, verniers, multimeters, voltmeter.
- Problem solving; analysing the issue and fixing the issue where appropriate.
- Applying improvement techniques; recommending or implementing solutions where appropriate.
- Communicating with colleagues or customers (internal or external).
- Completing component or assembly documentation for example job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation.
- Reporting work outcomes or issues.
- Restoring the work area on completion of the activity; returning any resources and consumables to the appropriate location and house-keeping.
- Disposing of waste in accordance with waste streams; re-cycling, re-using where appropriate.
- Operating within limits of responsibility.
- Operating in line with quality, health and safety and environmental policy and procedures; identifying risks and hazards and identifying control measures where applicable.
Training schedule
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Desirable qualifications
Experience 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
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
Other requirements
Desirable (Not Essential)
- Some previous practical experience (school projects, hobbies, etc.)
- Basic understanding of tools or machinery
- IT skills for recording work and learning
About this employer
Ridgway is the leading manufacturer of precision taping and winding machines for the electrical and energy industries, backed by over 100 years of engineering expertise. We design and deliver bespoke machinery for coil manufacturing, Reinforced Thermoplastic Pipe (RTP) and Thermoplastic Composite Pipe (TCP), and superconductor winding for advanced applications.
Our machines are trusted worldwide for producing electrical coils, cables, and conductors, and for manufacturing RTP used in oil and gas pipelines. With innovative designs and global support, we tailor solutions to each customer’s needs. Our portfolio spans equipment for conductor and cable covering, manufacturing, and HTS superconductor projects.
Customer focus is central to our approach. Our experienced engineers offer a complete service — from design, manufacture, and testing to installation, training, and worldwide technical support.
After this apprenticeship
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there is potential for a full-time Mechanical Fitter position, with further opportunities for career progression within Ridgway Machines and the wider Tokamak Energy group.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
LEICESTER COLLEGE
Sameera
sfaruk@leicestercollege.ac.uk
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000034736.
Apply now
Closes in 22 days (Friday 3 July 2026 at 11:59pm)