Engineering Apprentice

As an Engineering Apprentice, you will gain hands-on experience supporting technical sales, product development, quality management, and customer projects. Working alongside experienced engineers, you will develop technical knowledge, provide customer support, and learn to use engineering software and systems.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support and technical advice to the Ipswich sales team.
• Assist with the preparation and progression of customer quotations requiring technical input.
• Liaise with customers and suppliers to support engineering projects and resolve technical queries.
• Create, analyze, and manage product drawings using SolidWorks and internal systems.
• Accompany Business Development Managers on customer visits to provide technical support and develop customer relationships.
• Support the introduction of new products and assist with technical training for colleagues.
• Manage technical aspects of key OEM customer accounts, including quality issues and material certification records.
• Handle product quality management activities, including inspections, product segregation, and minor modifications where required.
• Maintain accurate engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Assist with ISO and quality management processes to support continuous improvement across the business.

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

Course Contents

• Read and extract relevant engineering and manufacturing related data and information (such as workplans or project plans, schedules, drawings, specifications, production data, quality reports, costing data, statistical information) drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions.
• Use project management tools, such as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT), stakeholder matrices, risk mapping, radar chart, and summary risk profiles.
• Use problem-solving tools such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Fishbone, Practical Problem Solving (PPS), and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
• Analyze and interpret data and information in order to generate manufacturing engineering documentation such as Parts Per Million (PPM) quality adherence, cost analysis, and test data.
• Communicate using the appropriate method for the audience such as formal and informal presentations, written reports, verbal, electronic, social media, and incorporating relevant and appropriate data or metrics.
• Use the approved process and quality compliance procedure to create or amend engineering or manufacturing documentation.
• Use lean tools and techniques, such as Six Sigma, 8 Wastes, Workplace organisation such as 5S's (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain), Kaizen, and Poka-Yoke (Error proofing).
• Apply documentation control processes and procedures such as format, location, access, authorization.
• Use financial planning, recording, and review processes and documentation such as departmental budgets, estimating, cost control, cost forecasting, and investment appraisal.
• Use computer-based software systems or packages such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Data Analytics, and Databases.