Key Takeaways
- Undertake a 4-year Manufacturing Technical Apprenticeship including an HND in Engineering Systems, SVQ Level 2, and a vocational Diploma.
- Gain practical experience through rotational placements in testing, manufacturing engineering, and process refinement.
- Starting salary of £21,000 per year, with increases as you progress.
- Requires 3 Higher Grades (including Maths and Physics/Engineering Science) and National 5 English.
- Based in Edinburgh, this is a full-time, onsite role.
About the Role
About the Apprenticeship
This is a four-year Manufacturing Technical Apprenticeship offering paid training and on-the-job learning to gain practical skills, experience, and knowledge. You will receive competitive entry salaries with increases as you progress, and full support for your academic learning towards qualifications.
Programme Details
You will work within world-class facilities, potentially in an office, lab environment, or a combination. The apprenticeship includes an HND in Engineering Systems, SVQ Level 2 (PEO), and a vocational Diploma in Engineering SCQF Level 7. You will work with specialists to increase your technical skills and understanding of the engineering lifecycle.
Rotational Placements
You will undertake a series of rotational placements to gain broad operational experience. These may include:
- Methods of testing industry-leading radar and laser systems
- Electronic Testing
- Laser Testing
- Radar Testing
- Legacy Product Testing
- Manufacturing Engineering
During these placements, you will learn to test complex electrical and mechanical systems for safety and reliability, potentially in an environmental test facility testing under various conditions (altitude, temperature, humidity, vibration). You might also be office-based, analysing and refining manufacturing processes to reduce cost or improve build quality.
Key Responsibility Areas
Years 1 and 2:
- First five months: Attend college full-time to complete an SVQ Level 2.
- On-site: Conduct rotational placements, gathering real work evidence through logs and highlighting engineering competencies demonstrated.
- Complete an SVQ folder demonstrating development into a well-rounded technician/engineer.
- Attend college on day release for academic qualifications.
Years 3 and 4:
- Undertake a final placement and further academic study to HND level.
- Focus on your area of specialism and gather final evidence for the SVQ.
- Potential opportunities for further academic achievement based on talent, capability, and business needs.
Requirements
Academic Qualifications (Minimum):
- 3 x Higher Grades (or equivalent):
- Mandatory: Mathematics (A-C) and Physics (A-C) or Engineering Science (A–C)
- Plus another Higher subject, preferably technological (e.g., Graphic Communication, Product Design, Craft & Design, Tech Studies, Computing) (A-C)
- Standard Grades (1-3) / National 5: English (A-C) – minimum Nat 5 A-C
Note: This apprenticeship assumes little prior engineering knowledge and is not suitable for candidates with an HNC.
Benefits
- Generous leave with up to 12 additional flexi-days per year.
- Award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
- Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led inclusion and diversity networks.
- Eligibility for an annual bonus scheme.
- Annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
- Up to £500 annually on flexible benefits (private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships, etc.).
Security Clearance
Successful applicants will be subject to UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements, including identity verification, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record declaration, and employment/education history verification for the past five years. More sensitive roles may require National Security Vetting (NSV), which generally requires continuous residency in the UK for the previous five years (or ten for DV clearance).