Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprentice

3M

NEWTON AYCLIFFE (DL5 6ZE)

Closes in 26 days (Thursday 20 August 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 24 July 2026

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Summary

Invest in collaboration with 3M are offering an exciting opportunity for a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician apprentice. We are looking for candidates with an interest in engineering and manufacturing, strong numerical and analytical skills, and the ability to work well with others across different teams.

Wage

£15,600 to £24,784.50, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)
Hours
Monday & Tuesday 9am- 4pm Wednesday & Thursday 7am- 3pm Friday 7am- 2pm The above is to be confirmed

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

3 years

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

  • Support improvement activities: Help drive manufacturing enhancements
  • Work alongside experts: Collaborate closely with experienced engineering and operations teams
  • Gain practical methodology exposure: Build hands-on experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and TPM
  • Analyse processes: Evaluate manufacturing workflows to identify areas for growth
  • Contribute to projects: Take an active role in continuous improvement initiatives
  • Develop core skills: Build essential technical and communication skills for a successful engineering career

Where you'll work

UNIT 8-9
WELBURY WAY
AYCLIFFE BUSINESS PARK
NEWTON AYCLIFFE
DL5 6ZE

Training

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

Training provider

NC GROUP LTD

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.

Training schedule

Weekly training delivered at NC Group Ltd Training Academy

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4-9 or equivalent)
  • Maths (grade 4-9 or equivalent)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Team working

About this employer

Invest in collaboration with 3M are offering an exciting opportunity for a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician  apprenticeship based at the 3M site on Aycliffe Industrial Park. 3M Newton Aycliffe is part of the global 3M organisation, a world-leading science and manufacturing company that develops innovative products and technologies across a range of industries.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

  • On successful completion of the apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to progress into a permanent Engineering Manufacturing Technician role, taking on greater responsibility within the business
  • You may also have the chance to specialise in areas such as maintenance, machining, production, quality, or continuous improvement, depending on business needs and your interests
  • Further development could include higher-level apprenticeships, technical qualifications, or supervisory and leadership roles as you gain experience

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

NC GROUP LTD

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000044762.

Apply now

Closes in 26 days (Thursday 20 August 2026 at 11:59pm)