Engineering Apprentice

DISTAG QCS UK LTD

Ipswich (IP1 5AP)

Closes in 21 days (Saturday 22 August 2026)

Posted on 31 July 2026

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Summary

As an Engineering Apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience supporting technical sales, product development, quality management and customer projects. Working alongside experienced engineers, you will develop technical knowledge, provide customer support and learn to use engineering software and systems.

Wage

£18,000 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  • Company pension scheme.
Training course
Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)
Hours
Monday to Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm. With a one-hour lunch break each day.

40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 7 September 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

Role responsibilities include: 

  • Provide engineering support and technical advice to the Ipswich sales team.
  • Assist with the preparation and progression of customer quotations requiring technical input.
  • Liaise with customers and suppliers to support engineering projects and resolve technical queries.
  • Create, analyse and manage product drawings using SolidWorks and internal systems.
  • Accompany Business Development Managers on customer visits to provide technical support and develop customer relationships.
  • Support the introduction of new products and assist with technical training for colleagues.
  • Manage technical aspects of key OEM customer accounts, including quality issues and material certification records.
  • Handle product quality management activities, including inspections, product segregation and minor modifications where required.
  • Maintain accurate engineering drawings and technical documentation.
  • Assist with ISO and quality management processes to support continuous improvement across the business.

Where you'll work

Unit 24 Farthing Road
Ipswich
IP1 5AP

Training

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

Training provider

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

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

  • The apprentice will be working towards the Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Standard (Mechanical Pathway).
  • Qualifications include: Level 4 HNC in Engineering or Manufacturing.
  • College attendance will be at the Colchester Institute - Colchester Campus one day per week during term time.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

maths and English (grade A*-C/9-4)

A Level in:

maths and a Science or engineering related (grade Pass)

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

maths (grade A*-B/9-5)

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
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative

About this employer

Distag QCS UK Limited is a leading distributor and manufacturer of engineering components, supplying manufacturers and distributors throughout the UK and Ireland. The business operates across four specialist divisions: Mechanical Power Transmission, Hydraulic Components, Agricultural Trailer Parts, and Bespoke Engineered Products, providing customers with technical expertise, innovative solutions and high-quality products.

Distag QCS operates from three locations across the UK and Ireland, with sites in Ipswich, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, enabling the business to effectively support a wide and diverse customer base. The Ipswich facility is a key technical and commercial hub within the organisation.

 

As a rapidly growing business, Distag QCS continues to invest in its people, products and capabilities. Joining the company as an apprentice offers the opportunity to become part of an ambitious team, gain valuable industry experience and develop a long-term career within a successful and expanding engineering business.

http://www.distag.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • 28 days annual leave, including bank holidays.
  • Employee Holiday Loyalty Scheme – earn additional days of annual leave.
  • Free onsite parking.
  • Supportive and collaborative team environment.
  • Regular company events – including team-building activities, regular social events and seasonal celebrations.

After this apprenticeship

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

This apprenticeship is designed to provide the skills, knowledge and experience needed to build a long-term career with Distag QCS. As our business continues to grow, we expect the successful candidate to become a valued member of our Engineering and Technical team, with opportunities to progress into specialist engineering, technical support or customer-facing engineering roles in the future.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

COLCHESTER INSTITUTE

Colchester Institute - Apprenticeships Team

ci.apprenticeships@colchester.ac.uk

01206712043

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000045851.

Apply now

Closes in 21 days (Saturday 22 August 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.