Manufacturing Engineer Apprentice

Keysight Technologies (Spirent Services) Ltd

Paignton (TQ4 7QR)

Closes in 16 days (Friday 21 August 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 3 August 2026

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Summary

As part of Keysight Technologies (Spirent Services) Ltd, our Positioning Technologies business unit supports the world's leading companies in developing next-generation navigation and communication systems. Kick-start your engineering career with a hands-on apprenticeship in a real-world manufacturing environment.

Wage

£19,500 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  • Starting at £19,500 for year one
Training course
Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)
Hours
Monday to Friday Shifts to be confirmed

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 21 September 2026

Duration

2 years 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

  • Assist in the design, implementation, and optimization of manufacturing processes
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives
  • Work with cross-functional teams to resolve production issues
  • Help create and update standard operating procedures and work instructions
  • Conduct time studies and analyse workflow for efficiency improvements
  • Assist in implementing health & safety best practices in manufacturing
  • Collect and analyse production data to inform engineering decisions
  • Learn and use tools such as CAD software, ERP systems, and measurement instruments
  • Maintain and awareness of and adherence to QEHS policies and procedures.  i.e. Quality, Environment, H&S and IT Security policies

Where you'll work

Aspen Way
Paignton
TQ4 7QR

Training

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

Training provider

SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE

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

Location: Full-time Onsite at the Paignton office

HPW: 37.5 (including 1 day per week at South Devon College)

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4)
  • Maths (grade 4)
  • Science (grade 4)

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

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Team working
  • Initiative
  • Enthusiastic
  • Reliable
  • Willingness to Learn

Other requirements

  • A keen interest in engineering and manufacturing
  • Preferably a Level 3 qualification in engineering or a related subject or relevant industry experience
  • Please note that applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

About this employer

Positioning Technologies business unit is where the world's leading companies turn when they need to accelerate their time-to-market for next-generation navigation and communication systems. In fact, every significant industry test in the last six years for devices deployed on land, at sea, in the air and in space, has used our test systems as the benchmark. We are continually recognised by customers, industry, press, and technology associations for our innovative thinking and our ground-breaking products. The navigation and communications market has untapped potential. The boundaries of how fast, far, and accurately voice and data can be transmitted have yet to be reached or even defined. Spirent solutions are paving the way for tomorrow's communications.

Positioning Technology designs, manufactures, and supplies advanced satellite navigation test and simulation systems, many of which comprise radio frequency signal generators plus computer systems running complex application software; all designed in-house.

Join our team as a Test Technician Apprentice and gain hands-on experience in a high-tech testing environment. You will work closely with experienced technicians and engineers to ensure products meet required performance and quality standards before they are delivered to customers.

This apprenticeship provides a perfect balance of classroom learning and on-the-job training, helping you develop a strong technical foundation in testing, diagnostics, and quality assurance.

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

Company benefits

  • 25 days annual leave
  • Employer pension contributions up to 8%
  • Private medical insurance for employee & dependent (life partner and/or children)
  • Life assurance is 4 x base salary
  • Group income protection
  • Access to other services including an Employee Assistance Programme. 

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, there may be opportunities to progress into a permanent Manufacturing Engineer role or other suitable positions within the business, subject to performance and business needs.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SOUTH DEVON COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000045932.

Apply now

Closes in 16 days (Friday 21 August 2026 at 11:59pm)