Engineering Design Apprenticeship: Chart Your Course in a Vital Field
Are you an aspiring engineer with a keen eye for detail and a passion for innovation? This 3-year Engineering Design Apprenticeship offers a remarkable pathway to develop your skills and contribute to a mission of national importance. This program is designed for individuals eager to learn, grow, and build a fulfilling career in engineering design.
The Opportunity at a Glance:
- Programme Duration: 3 years
- Location: Bristol
- Start Date: September 2026
- Qualification: Level 3 Engineering Design Technician Apprenticeship Standard
What Makes This Apprenticeship Stand Out?
This apprenticeship is more than just a training program; it's an immersive experience that places you at the forefront of designing and developing the next generation of engineering solutions for the Royal Navy's submarine fleet. You'll be an integral part of a dedicated engineering community responsible for critical upgrades, safety assessments, and specialist analysis, directly contributing to the UK's security.
Key Advantages for Candidates:
- Meaningful Impact: Play a direct role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of vital national assets. Every project you contribute to has a tangible and significant purpose.
- Hands-On Learning: Gain practical experience in creating 2D and 3D CAD drawings, conducting validation surveys, and participating in design reviews. This is where theory meets real-world application.
- Comprehensive Skill Development: Beyond technical drawing, you'll develop a strong understanding of engineering documentation, change control processes, and essential communication skills for collaborating with diverse engineering teams.
- Structured Training: The program blends virtual learning with hands-on workplace experience, guided by live tutor-led e-tutorials, regular feedback, and assessments.
- Clear Career Progression: Upon successful completion, you'll transition into a Draughtsperson role with a competitive starting salary of around £30,000. The program outlines clear pathways for growth into positions such as Designer, Senior Designer, and Engineer.
- Holistic Development: Benefit from a dedicated Apprentice Development Programme, featuring sessions on wellbeing and performance, equipping you with the tools to excel both in your apprenticeship and beyond.
- Attractive Benefits Package: Enjoy a fully funded qualification, personal development opportunities, a generous holiday allowance, a competitive pension scheme, an employee share scheme, and flexible benefits.
Key Considerations for Your Career Path:
While this opportunity offers immense potential, it's important for candidates to be aware of certain aspects to ensure a successful career trajectory:
- Commitment to Learning: This is a Level 3 qualification, demanding dedication and a proactive approach to learning and skill development over three years.
- Security Clearance: This role requires the ability to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Eligibility may be impacted by nationality, citizenship, or residency status. Potential candidates are encouraged to review the UK government guidelines on security vetting.
- Adaptability and Collaboration: Working within a large engineering community and on critical projects requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability to diverse tasks, and the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple disciplines.
- Geographic Focus: The apprenticeship is based in Bristol, so candidates should be prepared to relocate or already reside in the area.
Is This the Right Fit for You?
If you possess a strong foundation in GCSE Maths and English (grades 9-4), a desire to contribute to impactful engineering projects, and are eager to embark on a structured and rewarding career path, this Engineering Design Apprenticeship could be an excellent launchpad for your future. This program is ideal for individuals who are:
- Motivated to build a career in engineering design.
- Eager to learn and apply new skills in a practical setting.
- Committed to contributing to national security and defence.
- Ready to embrace a comprehensive training and development program.
Don't miss the opportunity to shape your future in engineering. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early to maximise your chances.