Mechanical Engineering Apprentice
D R HYDRAULICS AND ENGINEERING LTD
WASHINGTON (NE37 1PP)
Closes in 22 days (Sunday 1 November 2026)
Posted on 9 October 2026
Contents
Summary
Do you want to work in a busy engineering environment working on a number of mechanical projects such as stripping down units, machining, testing and mechanical assembly? If so, this is an ideal opportunity for you.
- Wage
-
£16,640 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
- Training course
- Engineering fitter (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday 8am - 4.30pm
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 7.30am - 4.30pm
Friday 8am - 3pm
40 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 2 November 2026
- Duration
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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
This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with tools, machinery and engineering equipment and wants to gain practical experience while working towards a recognised engineering apprenticeship.
Important requirements:
- You must be aged 18 or over (due to likely shift work and insurance on operating company vehicles and equipment).
- You must hold a full UK driving licence and have your own transport, as travel to and from the workplace is essential.
- Previous practical experience is strongly preferred, ideally gained in an engineering workshop, engineering business, garage, college workshop or a similar hands-on environment.
Role:
Working alongside experienced engineers, you will develop your practical skills and knowledge across a range of engineering and hydraulic systems.
Duties will include:
- Fitting, assembling and installing hydraulic components and engineering equipment.
- Assisting with the maintenance and servicing of hydraulic power units and associated machinery.
- Supporting the diagnosis and repair of hydraulic system faults.
Dismantling, inspecting, cleaning and reassembling hydraulic components. - Working with hydraulic pumps, motors, valves, cylinders, hoses and pipework.
- Carrying out routine maintenance and preventative maintenance activities.
- Assisting with the testing and commissioning of hydraulic units and equipment.
- Identifying worn, damaged or faulty components and assisting with their replacement.
- Using hand tools, power tools and workshop equipment safely and effectively.
Reading and interpreting basic engineering drawings, diagrams and technical instructions. - Measuring components and checking dimensions to ensure accuracy.
- Assisting with the manufacture, modification and refurbishment of engineering components.
- Preparing equipment and components for repair, servicing or installation.
- Maintaining a clean, organised and safe working environment.
Following health and safety procedures and using appropriate personal protective equipment. - Working as part of a team while gradually developing the ability to complete tasks independently.
Where you'll work
19 WHITWORTH ROAD
ARMSTRONG
WASHINGTON
NE37 1PP
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
TDR TRAINING LIMITED
Training course
Engineering fitter (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Reading, interpreting and understanding the component or assembly specification, diagrams, drawings and work instructions.
- Planning component or assembly task – materials, tools and equipment.
- Preparing work area for component or assembly task; sourcing required resources, tools and equipment.
- Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity and know how to source required resources and interpret detailed drawings, specifications and job instructions.
- Checking tools during and after task completion; identifying and reporting defects.
- Measuring and testing, checking or inspecting component or assembly for example; use of micrometers, verniers, multimeters, voltmeter.
- Problem solving; analysing the issue and fixing the issue where appropriate.
- Applying improvement techniques; recommending or implementing solutions where appropriate.
- Communicating with colleagues or customers (internal or external).
- Completing component or assembly documentation for example job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation.
- Reporting work outcomes or issues.
- Restoring the work area on completion of the activity; returning any resources and consumables to the appropriate location and house-keeping.
- Disposing of waste in accordance with waste streams; re-cycling, re-using where appropriate.
- Operating within limits of responsibility.
- Operating in line with quality, health and safety and environmental policy and procedures; identifying risks and hazards and identifying control measures where applicable.
- Reading, interpreting and understanding the component or assembly specification, diagrams, drawings and work instructions.
- Planning component or assembly task – materials, tools and equipment.
- Preparing work area for component or assembly task; sourcing required resources, tools and equipment.
- Carry out relevant planning and preparation activities before commencing work activity and know how to source required resources and interpret detailed drawings, specifications and job instructions.
- Checking tools during and after task completion; identifying and reporting defects.
- Measuring and testing, checking or inspecting component or assembly for example; use of micrometers, verniers, multimeters, voltmeter.
- Problem solving; analysing the issue and fixing the issue where appropriate.
- Applying improvement techniques; recommending or implementing solutions where appropriate.
- Communicating with colleagues or customers (internal or external).
- Completing component or assembly documentation for example job instructions, drawings, quality control documentation.
- Reporting work outcomes or issues.
- Restoring the work area on completion of the activity; returning any resources and consumables to the appropriate location and house-keeping.
- Disposing of waste in accordance with waste streams; re-cycling, re-using where appropriate.
- Operating within limits of responsibility.
- Operating in line with quality, health and safety and environmental policy and procedures; identifying risks and hazards and identifying control measures where applicable.
Training schedule
You will attend TDR for the Level 3 BTec on a day release basis for 2 years. If required the apprentice will attend the TDR training school for practical training in 5 week blocks for 10 weeks.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE 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
- Logical
- Team working
- Physical fitness
Other requirements
You must be aged 18 or over (due to likely shift work and insurance on operating company vehicles and equipment).
Must be able to drive.
Must have had previous engineering experience typically from college or an engineering workshop.
About this employer
DR Hydraulics & Engineering Ltd is a specialist engineering company based in Washington, Tyne and Wear, with around 20 years of experience in the hydraulic engineering industry. The company specialises in the design, manufacture, repair and refurbishment of hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, supporting customers across a range of industrial sectors. Its services also include CNC machining, milling, turning, welding, fabrication, hydraulic testing and bespoke component manufacturing. Operating from its workshop on Armstrong Industrial Estate, DR Hydraulics provides both on-site and off-site engineering support, including a 24-hour service for urgent requirements. The company focuses on quality workmanship, reliable service and minimising customer equipment downtime.
http://www.drhydraulics.co.uk (opens in new tab)
Disability Confident
A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.
You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship
Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).
Upon completion of this apprenticeship the candidate will have gained a breadth of knowledge and skills on workshop activities. This may lead to a permanent job.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
TDR TRAINING LIMITED
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000058261.
Apply now
Closes in 22 days (Sunday 1 November 2026)
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.