Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician (Mechanial Pathway) Apprentice

DARVICK LTD

Brierley Hill (DY5 1QA)

Closes in 31 days (Sunday 29 November 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 29 October 2026

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Summary

As an apprentice at Darvick you would be heavily involved in the design and manufacture of mechanical test lab machines and will directly support one of the directors with day-to-day maintenance and development.

Wage

£23,973.04 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)
Hours
Monday - Thursday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm with 30 minutes lunch. Friday 8:30 am - 1:30 pm.

37 hours a week

Start date

Monday 11 January 2027

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

  • Working with the Technical Director on the design, build and validation of new equipment / fixtures for in-house use or customer supply.
  • Using SolidWorks to produce 3D models and 2D drawings for new designs for machines and fixtures.
  • Liaising with suppliers for machining and order parts / equipment.
  • Researching suppliers for suitable materials and components.
  • Working with other staff to assemble, test and operate machines and test systems.
  • Problem solving and fault finding when machines break down or do not work as expected.
  • Producing parts on 3D printer.
  • Work as part of a team to deliver projects.

This role will involve a mixture of desk work doing designs and models, researching materials and suppliers, and hands-on work assembling testing and operating machines.

The role is suited to someone who likes varied and challenging work, is willing to use their initiative and take responsibility, where they are fully involved with the entire team.

Where you'll work

Unit D1
The Wallows Industrial Estate, Fens Pool Avenue
Brierley Hill
DY5 1QA

Training

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

Training provider

DUDLEY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

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

  • You will be required to attend Advance 1 Campus, Dudley College, DY1 4AD, 1 day per week in term time only.
  • You will be assigned an assessor who will visit you and undertake Teams Meetings to support you on your apprenticeship.
  • Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship, you will receive a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician (mechanical) HNC apprenticeship qualification.

More training information

Employer Training:

  • One-on-one training with our head of lab who has over 25 years of engineering and mechanical design experience.
  • Additional courses provided for development in specialist areas.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English Language or Literature (grade 6/B/Functional Skills Level 2)
  • maths (grade 6/B/Functional Skills Level 2)

Level 3 T Level or Level 3 Full-time Course in:

Engineering (grade Pass, Merit or Distinction)

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
  • Problem solving skills
  • Number skills
  • Adaptable
  • Flexible
  • Honest
  • Respectful
  • Professional

Other requirements

We have two Great Danes on-site and therefore it is important the candidate is comfortable with large dogs.

Additional requirements:-

  • Experience with using SolidWorks is preferable.
  • Basic understanding of engineering or manufacturing principles.
  • Interest in mechanical engineering and manufacturing processes.
  • Good practical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to use hand tools and measuring equipment (or willingness to learn).
  • Good commitment to producing high-quality work.
  • Ability to follow technical drawings, instructions, and procedures.
  • Awareness of health and safety practices in a workshop or manufacturing environment.
  • Time management skills.
  • Enthusiastic and eager to learn new skills.
  • Positive attitude with a strong work ethic.
  • Willingness to take initiative and support colleagues when needed.
  • The ability to work on a variety of tasks.

 

About this employer

Darvick Ltd is an independent, sub-contract testing laboratory. We have UKAS flexible scope accreditation (Lab 26942), and Rolls Royce Technical Approval for tests we carry out for them as a customer.  We are a small company, with our own software, electronics and mechanical design staff, meaning we can respond quickly in-house to develop and deliver unique testing capability for customers.  Our speciality is non-standard, complex or extreme testing services and equipment, we are currently developing testing methods and equipment to support the hydrogen economy.  As a small and very dynamic company any apprentice will be aware of all aspects of the business operation.  We develop unique equipment, the role is suited to someone who likes to be working on solving problems and trying out new technology, not a routine role.

https://www.darvick.co.uk (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

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

We are looking for someone who would wish to continue in this role with Darvick after their apprenticeship as a full-time Project Engineer.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

DUDLEY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY

Julie Perks

julie.perks@dudleycol.ac.uk

01384 363314

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000061603.

Apply now

Closes in 31 days (Sunday 29 November 2026 at 11:59pm)