Summary
As an apprentice you will gain a significant amount of knowledge through undertaking a structured rotation around various mechanical and electrical design functions, whilst studying towards a degree qualification. Gaining skills in CAD, design areas including chassis, powertrain, cabs and electrical systems.
Wage
£19,200 a year
A competitive starting salary from £19,200, increasing to £26,771 in Year 2 and then continuing to increase annually.
Training course
Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
Hours
Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 16:15, Friday 08:00 to 15:20
37 hours a week
Start date
Monday 7 September 2026
Duration
4 years
Positions available
2
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
* You will also gain skills on advanced technologies such as those involved with architecture, concepts, safety systems, electrification and levels of driver assistance leading towards vehicle autonomy
* Working under guidance of specialist teams in engineering design
Where you'll work
Croston Road
Farington Moss
Leyland
PR26 6LZ
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
Training course
Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
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
Product Design and Development Engineer (degree) Level 6.
More training information
You will study at University of Lancashire on a blended basis, which consist of online modules, block release and work-based learning.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
* English (grade 4)
* Maths (grade 4)
* Science (grade 4)
Other in:
Relevant Subject (grade Pass)
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
* Presentation skills
* Administrative skills
* Number skills
* Analytical skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Creative
* Initiative