Electrical, Instrumentation & Control Engineering Apprenticeship
BIRWELCO LIMITED
Halesowen (B63 4AH)
Closes in 13 days (Wednesday 1 July 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 18 June 2026
Contents
Summary
As an EIC Engineering Apprentice, you will support our engineering design team on live projects, learning how Electrical, Instrumentation and Control systems are applied in industry. You will work with experienced engineers across our full product range, gaining practical experience with modern engineering tools and standards.
- Wage
-
£23,000 a year
- Training course
- Control systems engineer (degree) (level 6)
- Hours
-
8:30am - 5:30pm (Monday to Thursday, includes a 45 minute lunch break).
8:30am - 3:00pm (Friday includes a 30 minute lunchbreak).
39 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 3 August 2026
- Duration
-
4 years
- 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
You will learn how to produce and maintain essential project documentation, including:
- Instrument datasheets
- Engineering requisitions
- Instrument schedules
- Cable block diagrams
- Instrument hook-up drawings
- Other project design documents based on technical specifications
Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll develop the technical and professional skills needed to contribute to engineering design work with increasing independence.
Where you'll work
Maybrook House
Queensway
Halesowen
B63 4AH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE
Training course
Control systems engineer (degree) (level 6)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems.
- Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and fishbone diagrams.
- Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation.
- Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
- Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and or developmental or test evidence.
- Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria. Apply techniques and processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
- Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating any risks identified within the control systems environment.
- Identify resources required to complete control system projects, project tasks or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity.
- Create 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 control system engineering activities such as system design, integration, operational simulation, installation, testing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintenance of control systems.
- Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use.
- Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities such as improving safety, quality, technology solutions, operational processes, training and development, equipment performance or cost key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Perform checks on control systems documentation to ensure it meets organisational compliance and traceability requirements. Report any non-conformances using the appropriate processes and procedures.
- Interpret key performance indicators and utilise improvement techniques or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as lean or six sigma.
- Translate conceptual designs or technical specifications into operational process control systems.
- Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA), Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) and fishbone diagrams.
- Select the best method for collating and conveying complex information using a range of data sources and supporting documentation.
- Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic diagrams, project plans, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
- Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data and or developmental or test evidence.
- Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as safety, quality, cost and performance criteria. Apply techniques and processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
- Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements including supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating any risks identified within the control systems environment.
- Identify resources required to complete control system projects, project tasks or programmes of work, with consideration to factors such as cost, quality, safety, security, environmental impact as applicable to the activity.
- Create 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 control system engineering activities such as system design, integration, operational simulation, installation, testing, pre commissioning, commissioning and maintenance of control systems.
- Ensure that all instrumentation has been correctly configured and calibrated before use.
- Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities such as improving safety, quality, technology solutions, operational processes, training and development, equipment performance or cost key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Perform checks on control systems documentation to ensure it meets organisational compliance and traceability requirements. Report any non-conformances using the appropriate processes and procedures.
- Interpret key performance indicators and utilise improvement techniques or processes to improve efficiency and effectiveness such as lean or six sigma.
Training schedule
The apprentice will train through a combination of workplace learning and academic study. They will develop practical skills and knowledge by working on real engineering projects with their employer, supported by experienced engineers. This hands-on experience is complemented by structured academic learning.
Delivery at College/Workshop/Classroom:
- Year 1: Foundation Degree Level 4 (1 day per week) plus Foundation Competence Level 2 (2–3 days per week) - 3 days total per week
- Year 2: Foundation Degree Level 5 (1 day per week)
- Years 3 and 4: Top-up degree delivered at Birmingham City University (1 day per week)
Workplace Learning:
Alongside academic study, the apprentice will gain practical experience by working on real engineering projects within the workplace, supported by experienced engineers.
Delivery Method:
- Years 1 and 2: Block and day release at James Watt College
- Years 3 and 4: Day release at Birmingham City University
- Ongoing workplace learning with employer
This blended approach ensures the apprentice gains both valuable industry experience and a strong theoretical understanding of control systems engineering, progressing from foundation level to a top-up degree.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
A Level in:
- Maths (grade C or above)
- Science (preferably Physics) (grade C or above)
GCSE or equivalent in:
- any subject (grade C/Level 4 or above)
- any subject (grade C/Level 4 or above)
- English (grade C/Level 4 or above)
- Maths (grade C/Level 4 or above)
- Science (grade C/Level 4 or above)
Desirable qualifications
BTEC 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
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Confidence Microsoft Suite
- Motivated
- Results Driven
- Passionate about engineering
Other requirements
Applicants must be willing and able to travel to both James Watt College and the place of employment in Halesowen as required.
About this employer
Birwelco Ltd is a leading engineering company specialising in the design, manufacture, and installation of process plant and equipment for the energy and industrial sectors. Birwelco, based in Halesowen, is our design office. As a Carbon Negative business since 2020, we understand the importance of businesses like ours coming together to fight against climate change. With expertise in flares, heaters, and a wide scope of engineering design work, Birwelco is renowned for its design expertise and as the creator of the Sonajet Flare Design. We deliver projects both in the UK and internationally, supporting clients with expert engineering solutions and a commitment to safety and excellence.
https://www.unitbirwelco.com/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
- 25 days holiday + an additional day paid leave for Birthday
- Company pension
- Life insurance
- Sick pay
- Health cover with discount benefits
- Flexible working hours
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
After completing the Level 6 Control Systems Engineer apprenticeship, apprentices can progress to roles such as Control Systems Engineer, Project Engineer, or Automation Engineer. With further experience, they may advance to senior engineering, project management, or specialist technical roles within the engineering sector. There are also opportunities for further study or professional registration, such as working towards Chartered Engineer status.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE
BMet Recruitment Team
recruitment@bmet.ac.uk
0121 362 1122
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000037859.
Apply now
Closes in 13 days (Wednesday 1 July 2026 at 11:59pm)