Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship

Summary

Join a forward-thinking engineering company specialising in the design, manufacture and modification of high-precision injection mould tools. Working in a modern, fully equipped toolroom, you’ll gain advanced technical skills using industry-standard CNC machinery, CAD/CAM systems, and precision engineering processes.

Wage

£17,264 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Training course

Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)

Hours

Monday - Thursday, 08:00 - 17:00 and Friday, 08:00 - 16:00 Optional overtime available.

41 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Saturday 1 August 2026

Duration

3 years 6 months

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

As part of your role, you will:

• Manufacture, assemble and maintain high-precision injection mould tools
• Operate and programme CNC milling and turning machines
• Work with wire erosion and spark erosion (EDM) technologies
• Use manual machines including milling machines, lathes and grinders
• Carry out tool modifications, repairs and fault finding
• Support CAM programming and machining strategy development
• Assist with CAD/design processes and engineering drawings
• Work with hot runner systems, wiring and diagnostics
• Carry out laser welding and finishing processes
• Inspect and ensure components meet tight tolerances and quality standards
• Contribute to continuous improvement and process optimisation
• Maintain a safe, organised and professional workshop environment

Where you'll work

UNIT 10
BOWMANS TRADING ESTATE
BESSEMER DRIVE
STEVENAGE
SG1 2DL

Training

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

Training provider

OAKLANDS COLLEGE

Training course

Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)

What you'll learn

• 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).
• Analyse 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, standardise and sustain), Kaizen and Poka-Yoke (Error proofing).
• Apply documentation control processes and procedures such as format, location, access, authorisation.
• 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.
• 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).
• Analyse 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, standardise and sustain), Kaizen and Poka-Yoke (Error proofing).
• Apply documentation control processes and procedures such as format, location, access, authorisation.
• 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.

Training schedule

Day release training at Oaklands College - Welwyn Garden City Campus

You will complete a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, which may include:

• Advanced machining principles (CNC & manual)
• CAD/CAM and engineering design fundamentals
• Manufacturing processes and materials science
• Quality assurance and inspection techniques
• Problem-solving and fault-finding in engineering systems
• Health, safety, and engineering standards
• Training will combine on-the-job learning with off-the-job study, potentially leading to a Higher National Certificate (HNC) or equivalent qualification

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade Level 4-9)
• Maths (grade Level 4-9)

Desirable qualifications

A Level in:

Science (grade C)

Level 3 Machining Technician in:

Engineering (grade Pass)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative