We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Apprentice Design Engineer to join our team at a leading commercial kitchen and ventilation steel fabrication company. This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to develop their engineering skills while working on bespoke catering industry projects in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
Wage: £15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age. National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices. Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab).
Training course: Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)
Hours: Monday to Thursday 8am - 4:30pm & Fridays 8am - 3:30pm. 40 hours a week.
Saturday 2 May 2026
Duration: 3 years 6 months
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
Key Responsibilities:
* Design bespoke commercial kitchen and ventilation products to customer specifications using 2D/3D CAD software
* Produce accurate technical drawings from 3D models to guide fabricators through the manufacturing process
* Liaise with customers in a professional and courteous manner to understand project requirements
* Problem‑solve on the fly to resolve unforeseen production issues as they arise
* Support the manufacturing team by providing technical guidance and clarification on designs
* Continuously develop your technical skills and engineering knowledge through on‑the‑job training and formal apprenticeship study
Where you’ll work
UNIT 9
HUTTON STREET
BLACKBURN
BB1 3BY
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
BURNLEY COLLEGE
Training course
Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)
Training objectives
* Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
* Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. For example, segregation of resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
* Comply with engineering standards and regulations. For example, British Standards (BS), International Organisation for Standardisation standards (ISO). European Norm (EN).
* Analyse engineering and manufacturing data and information to support technical outputs. For example, read and interpret text, data, engineering drawings, work instructions, method statements, operation manuals.
* Apply scientific, technical or engineering principles.
* Apply problem solving techniques to solutions for identified technical problems.
* Organise, plan and prioritise workflow and scheduling of work with stakeholders.
* Identify, organise and use resources to complete tasks, considering cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
* Produce job‑specific technical outputs. For example, engineering drawings, quality control management, computer control programming, business improvement, adverse incident reports, technical investigations, equipment appraisals and specifications.
* Provide support and guidance for handover of work to stakeholders. For example, checklists, product or process status, access to supporting documents.
* Record information – paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, equipment service records, test results, handover documents, checklists.
* Follow standard operating procedures.
* Follow manufacturer's instructions. For example, safe instructions for use of products, processes and machinery.
* Apply quality assurance and control principles and practices. For example, conduct physical checks, take samples, inspections or tests.
* Apply continuous improvement techniques.
* Apply team working principles.
* Communicate in writing with others for example, stakeholders, colleagues, and managers.
* Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
* Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
* Carry out and record learning and development activities.
* Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
Requirements
GCSE in:
* Maths (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
* Analytical skills
Other requirements
What we’re looking for:
* Genuine passion for learning and developing engineering skills
* Strong attention to detail and self‑critical approach
* Ability to take initiative and think independently
* Excellent communication skills and professional manner
* Comfortable in a fast‑paced environment
Beneficial (but not essential):
* Experience with 3D modelling software (SolidWorks preferred)
* Understanding of engineering/manufacturing processes
* Knowledge of the catering industry (restaurant or bar experience welcome)
About this employer
For over ten years, Inox Fabrications have been delivering an impressive range of catering fabrications for the foodservice industry. Inox are one of the leading stainless steel fabrication and extraction companies for quality and reliability in the North West of England.
Potential to progress to a higher‑level apprenticeship following successful completion of the Level 3.
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
BURNLEY COLLEGE
Themis
Themis@burnley.ac.uk
01282733005
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000016402.
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