Apprentice Design & Development Engineer (Elfab)

General Description

The role will allow the apprentices to learn and develop new skills within a range of engineering, technical and design expertise. Duties include: concept feasibility, design, development, launch and production. Additional activities will include rapid prototyping, assembly, testing, validating and performance analysis

Main Duties

Reporting to an Engineer Lead, the engineering apprentice will have the opportunity to develop both a practical and academic understanding of engineering. Throughout the apprenticeship, engineers at the beginning of their career will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and learning to various business initiatives and engineering programs.

The engineering apprentices primarily work on all stages of product creation and modification. They support activities ranging from early concept feasibility, design and development stages right through to final preparation for launch and customers. This includes working on rapid prototyping, assembly, testing, validating and analysing performance. Typically working closely with engineers to bring new concepts to life or supporting redesigns of existing products.

Development:

Developing skills within an engineering apprenticeship will allow you to be involved in complex work. You will learn to be able to:

• Apply safe systems of working.
• Make a technical contribution to either the design, development, quality assurance, manufacture, installation, commissioning, decommissioning, operation or maintenance of products, equipment, systems, processes or services.
• Apply proven techniques and procedures to solve engineering/manufacturing problems.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in communicating both technical and non-technical information.
• Develop a commitment to continued professional development.

Learning Specific Specialist Knowledge:

• Understand mathematical techniques, formulas and calculations in a product design and development environment.
• Understand material applications and methods of testing (destructive and non-destructive).
• Understand Computer-Aided Design (CAD) methods and applications.
• Understand material joining applications and systems.
• Understand mechanical, electrical, electronic and process control systems.
• Understand measurement, monitoring, testing and diagnostic methods and techniques.

Learning Specific Specialist Skills:

• Read and interpret relevant data and documentation used in the design and development of components, assemblies and systems
• produce components and prototypes using a wide range of hand-fitting techniques.
• Produce assemblies and jigs using a range of materials and techniques.
• Prepare and use lathes, milling machines, as well as other general or specialist high technology equipment such as 3D printing/additive manufacturing techniques.
• Use a range of mechanical, electrical and electronic testing devices and equipment
• Apply mechanical principles and joining techniques to develop products, devices and equipment.
• Apply electrical and electronic principles to develop products devices and equipment.
• Identify, diagnose and rectify design problems through the whole creation process including design studio, workshops, test environments or under laboratory conditions.
• Contribute to the business by identifying possible opportunities for improving working practices, processes and/or procedure.

Desired Skills

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

Desired Qualifications

• GCSE maths and English (Grade grade 5 minimum) essential

Future Prospects

• An apprenticeship allows you to earn a wage, gain valuable work experience and industry specific competence.
• Potential for full time employment on successful completion of the apprenticeship.
• Transferable skills that are invaluable in the wider world of work.