Automotive Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprentice
AUTO MOTOR EXCELLENCE
Harlow (CM20 2HU)
Closes in 6 days (Tuesday 25 August 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 18 August 2026
Contents
Summary
Ditch the desk job and build real-world engineering skills. At AutoNet VIP, you will get straight onto the workshop floor diagnosing mechanical faults, repairing modern powertrains, and testing components. You'll gain extensive hands-on experience while earning a fully funded BEng (Hons) at the University of Hertfordshire.
- Wage
-
Competitive
Competitive wage offered
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
We offer a competitive starting salary with structured annual performance and pay reviews. As you advance through your university modules, gain workshop competencies, and take on greater responsibility for complex diagnostics, rebuilds, and engineering improvement projects, your salary will increase to reflect your growing practical expertise and academic progress.
- Training course
- Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, typically 8:00am to 5:00pm (exact workshop shift pattern to be confirmed). University attendance and study time are integrated into these working hours. Occasional Saturday morning workshop work may be required.
40 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 28 September 2026
- Duration
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4 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
Practical workshop maintenance and repairs:
Get hands-on daily dismantling, servicing, and rebuilding mechanical components across petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles—including brakes, suspension, steering, gearboxes, and engine assemblies.
Root-cause fault diagnosis:
Investigate complex mechanical and electromechanical failures in the workshop using diagnostic equipment, precision measuring tools, and physical component inspections to identify why parts fail.
Engine and powertrain work: Support technicians with hands-on engine rebuilds, component replacements, transmission overhauls, and thermal management/cooling system maintenance.
EV and hybrid powertrain support: Work directly on modern electrified powertrains, assisting with high-voltage battery systems, electric motors, regenerative braking mechanisms, and electromechanical interfaces.
CAD modelling and practical design: Apply university engineering principles to produce 2D/3D CAD models and technical drawings for custom workshop tooling, replacement brackets, or component modifications.
Component testing and verification: Physically inspect, measure tolerances, and road/bench test vehicle systems post-repair to ensure safety, performance, and dimensional accuracy.
Workshop process improvement: Identify practical workshop challenges and get involved in hands-on engineering improvement projects to streamline repair methods, reduce waste, and improve tooling.
Technical documentation and safety: Complete detailed job cards, record torque and measurement data, and strictly adhere to workshop health, safety, and COSHH standards.
Where you'll work
27 Burnt Mill
Harlow
CM20 2HU
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE
Training course
Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges such as compliance, technology, technical or physical challenges.
- Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
- Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects.
- Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
- Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data or developmental or test evidence.
- Manage assigned projects or programmes of work to meet the required specification, taking into account factors such as resource requirements, safety, quality, cost and performance or sustainability criteria. Apply processes for project or programme management including outcomes such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
- Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
- Identify resources, such as digital tools or technologies, human, equipment, materials or data, to complete design and development projects or programmes of work.
- Create and manage 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 product design, development, modification or update engineering activities.
- Identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the design or development process, which may impact the quality and reliability of the product, system or component.
- Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured and checked for safe operation before use.
- Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options.
- Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the product, system or component.
- Complete project documentation checks throughout the activity and report non-conformances.
- Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges such as compliance, technology, technical or physical challenges.
- Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
- Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects.
- Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
- Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data or developmental or test evidence.
- Manage assigned projects or programmes of work to meet the required specification, taking into account factors such as resource requirements, safety, quality, cost and performance or sustainability criteria. Apply processes for project or programme management including outcomes such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
- Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
- Identify resources, such as digital tools or technologies, human, equipment, materials or data, to complete design and development projects or programmes of work.
- Create and manage 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 product design, development, modification or update engineering activities.
- Identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the design or development process, which may impact the quality and reliability of the product, system or component.
- Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured and checked for safe operation before use.
- Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options.
- Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the product, system or component.
- Complete project documentation checks throughout the activity and report non-conformances.
Training schedule
Qualification and Delivery Model You will study towards a Level 6 BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (aligned with the Product Design and Development Engineer standard) awarded by the University of Hertfordshire.
Training Locations
Workplace Mentoring & Practical Training: AutoNet VIP workshop, Harlow, Essex.
Campus-Based Academic Study: University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, AL10 9AB.
Training Schedule & Structure
Blended Learning: Structured day-release or block-release attendance at the University of Hertfordshire combined with guided online study and workshop-based application.
Off-the-Job Training: At least 20% of your paid working hours will be dedicated to university study, coursework, laboratory sessions, and engineering projects.
Hands-on Workplace Mentoring: Daily, practical on-the-job coaching by experienced technicians and engineers at AutoNet VIP, ensuring academic engineering theory directly supports live vehicle diagnostics, teardowns, and repairs.
Progress Reviews: Regular formal Tripartite Reviews between you, your AutoNet VIP workplace mentor, and your University of Hertfordshire Apprenticeship Progress Tutor to monitor practical competency, academic grades, and portfolio evidence.
More training information
Training Provider Information Training is delivered by the School of Physics, Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Hertfordshire. The university provides state-of-the-art engineering facilities, modern workshops, advanced CAD/CAM suites, and computational mechanics laboratories, supported by research-active academics and dedicated apprenticeship tutors.
Course Structure
Integrated Delivery: The apprenticeship balances academic modules at university with extensive, hands-on mechanical work at AutoNet VIP.
Protected Study Time: Your 20% off-the-job training is formally scheduled to allow you to focus entirely on degree assignments, laboratory work, and design tasks.
Practical Alignment: Work-based assignments and your final-year major engineering project will be directly based on real mechanical challenges and physical improvement projects within the AutoNet VIP workshop.
Professional Development: The programme is structured to support progression towards Incorporated Engineer (IEng) professional registration with professional engineering institutions such as the IMechE.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English Language (grade 4 or above)
- Maths (grade 4 or above)
A Level in:
- Maths (grade B)
- Physics (grade B)
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
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
- Physical fitness
- Hands-on mechanical aptitude
- Willingness to get hands dirty
- Health & safety awareness
- Automotive passion
- Diagnostic mindset
Other requirements
UK Residency Criteria: Non-UK/EEA nationals without Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) must have been ordinarily and lawfully resident in the UK for at least the full 3 years prior to the programme start date.
Visa Validity Duration: Due to statutory apprenticeship funding rules, applicants on a time-limited visa must hold a valid visa/leave to remain covering the entire duration of the apprenticeship programme plus a minimum buffer (at least 3 months post-completion / End-Point Assessment).
Right to Work: Applicants must have unrestricted right to work in the UK and cannot be sponsored on a Student Visa (Tier 4) or standard Skilled Worker visa for this apprenticeship.
About this employer
AutoNet VIP is a growing, family-run vehicle repair and diagnostics business based in Harlow, Essex. We specialise in electric and hybrid vehicle technologies alongside traditional petrol and diesel models.
Built on a commitment to honest, high-quality service and cutting-edge diagnostic technology, the workshop handles everything from routine servicing and MOTs to complex electronic repairs and performance vehicles.
As a forward-thinking business, AutoNet VIP actively embraces digital innovation—including online booking systems, automated customer communications, and data-driven workshop management. We are dedicated to investing in future talent, supporting our apprentices with hands-on mentoring, modern technical facilities, and direct exposure to real-world commercial challenges.
https://autonetvip.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
100% employer-funded BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering degree (no tuition fees or student debt)
All necessary workshop PPE, specialised hand tools, and safety gear provided
High-spec laptop with licensed CAD and engineering software for study and work
Generous staff discount on vehicle parts, servicing, and repairs
20 days paid annual leave plus bank holidays
Workplace pension scheme
Direct mentoring from senior technicians and engineers
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Expected Career Progression:
Upon successful completion of the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship and graduating with a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, a permanent position within AutoNet VIP will be available for a high-performing apprentice.
As AutoNet VIP continues to expand its engineering capabilities across hybrid, electric, and high-performance vehicles, clear career progression routes include:
Lead Diagnostic & Mechanical Engineer: Taking ownership of complex mechanical repairs, major engine rebuilds, powertrain overhauls, and advanced root-cause fault investigations across combustion, hybrid, and EV platforms.
Automotive Design & Development Engineer: Applying CAD/CAM, FEA, and engineering principles to develop custom workshop tooling, bespoke replacement components, and mechanical modifications for specialized and high-performance vehicles.
Workshop Engineering Manager / Technical Lead: Overseeing workshop operations, managing quality assurance and health and safety standards, mentoring the next cohort of apprentices, and optimizing technical repair procedures.
Electromechanical & EV Specialist: Leading the technical implementation and diagnostics for next-generation electric vehicle powertrains, high-voltage battery systems, and connected vehicle technology.
Professional Registration: Full academic eligibility and practical experience to achieve Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status with professional engineering bodies such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), with a structured pathway towards Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE
Dominic Whyte-Ifill
D.Whyte-ifill@herts.ac.uk
07543 301 817
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000048754.
Apply now
Closes in 6 days (Tuesday 25 August 2026 at 11:59pm)