Ditch the desk job and build real-world engineering skills.

At AutoNet VIP, you will get straight onto the workshop floor diagnosing mechanical faults, repairing modern powertrains, and testing components. You'll gain extensive hands-on experience while earning a fully funded BEng (Hons) at the University of Hertfordshire.

Wage

Competitive, Competitive wage offered, Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab). We offer a competitive starting salary with structured annual performance and pay reviews. As you advance through your university modules, gain workshop competencies, and take on greater responsibility for complex diagnostics, rebuilds, and engineering improvement projects, your salary will increase to reflect your growing practical expertise and academic progress.

Training course

Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)

Hours

Monday to Friday, typically 8:00am to 5:00pm (exact workshop shift pattern to be confirmed). University attendance and study time are integrated into these working hours. Occasional Saturday morning workshop work may be required. 40 hours a week

Start date

Monday 28 September 2026

Duration

4 years

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

• Practical workshop maintenance and repairs: Get hands-on daily dismantling, servicing, and rebuilding mechanical components across petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles—including brakes, suspension, steering, gearboxes, and engine assemblies.
• Root-cause fault diagnosis: Investigate complex mechanical and electromechanical failures in the workshop using diagnostic equipment, precision measuring tools, and physical component inspections to identify why parts fail.
• Engine and powertrain work: Support technicians with hands-on engine rebuilds, component replacements, transmission overhauls, and thermal management/cooling system maintenance.
• EV and hybrid powertrain support: Work directly on modern electrified powertrains, assisting with high-voltage battery systems, electric motors, regenerative braking mechanisms, and electromechanical interfaces.
• CAD modelling and practical design: Apply university engineering principles to produce 2D/3D CAD models and technical drawings for custom workshop tooling, replacement brackets, or component modifications.
• Component testing and verification: Physically inspect, measure tolerances, and road/bench test vehicle systems post-repair to ensure safety, performance, and dimensional accuracy.
• Workshop process improvement: Identify practical workshop challenges and get involved in hands-on engineering improvement projects to streamline repair methods, reduce waste, and improve tooling.
• Technical documentation and safety: Complete detailed job cards, record torque and measurement data, and strictly adhere to workshop health, safety, and COSHH standards.

Where you'll work

27 Burnt Mill
Harlow
CM20 2HU

Training

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

Training provider

UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE

Training course

Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

• 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.