Overview
As a Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice, you will develop the knowledge and people skills to enable the design and manufacture of a wide range of products, materials and tools to support the successful delivery of our programme of work. Our operations include precision component manufacture, fabrication, explosive formulation, fissile material production, rubbers and plastics, and warhead assembly and disassembly. The role of a Manufacturing Engineer within this area of our business is to realise product design, delivering and managing process and tooling designs / improvements. We work in a highly regulated environment so this will include the creation and configuration of manufacturing process documentation in accordance with appropriate procedures and legislation. This is to make sure that everyone operates safely, efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable way, meeting the requirements set out by AWE and those of the Professional Body Institutions. You will develop a fundamental knowledge of engineering / science principles and practices. On completion of your apprenticeship, you will be able to demonstrate discipline skills commensurate with your role that typically will include design, plant performance enhancements, operational management, project management and maintenance of safety standards utilising analytical thinking to provide innovative solutions. Throughout your apprenticeship you will attend college one day a week to complete your degree in manufacturing engineering.
Foundation Stage
* Complying with statutory regulations and stringent organisational safety requirements
* Producing components using hand fitting, fabrication and joining techniques
* Producing Computer Aided Design (CAD) models (drawings) using a CAD system
* Preparing and using lathes, milling and other general or specialist machines and high tech equipment
* Preparing and proving Computer Numeric Control programmes
* Using computer software packages to assist with and evaluate engineering activities
* Producing and managing engineering project plans
* Producing assemblies using a wide range of materials and techniques
Development Team
* Project management and scheduling engineering activities
* Securing appropriate resources and managing budgets and resources
* Implementing, monitoring and evaluating engineering processes
Qualifications
* GCSE in 5 subjects including English, Maths, Science or Engineering (grade 4 or above)
* A Level in 2 Maths based and Science based subjects (grade C or above)
* BTEC in Engineering (grade 90+ credits)
* Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills and attributes
* Communication skills
* IT skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Problem solving skills
* Administrative skills
* Number skills
* Analytical skills
* Logical
* Team working
* Creative
* Initiative
* Patience
Wage and hours
Wage: £23,500 a year (starting salary) with increases to £25,000 in Year 2 and annually thereafter, subject to milestones and performance. Training course: Manufacturing engineer (degree) (level 6). Hours: 9 day fortnight. 33 hours on the short week, 8 hours 15 minutes per day. 41 hours on the long week, 8 hours 15 minutes per day; Monday to Thursday and Fridays 8 hours. Hours may alter due to college training times. Start date: Tuesday 1 September 2026. Duration: 5 years 6 months. Positions available: 10.
Benefits: Generous holiday entitlement of 270 hours a year (inclusive of Bank Holidays) plus every other Friday off. Access to employee discounts portal, Employee Assistance Programme and Occupational Health Services.
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