Engineering Technician (Product Design & Development Technician) - Advanced Apprenticeship

Knowledge

By the end of their apprenticeship, your apprentice should understand:

• The importance of complying with statutory, quality, organisational, and health & safety regulations, and the implications of not following approved processes, procedures, and documentation.
• General and advanced engineering principles, including mathematical techniques, scientific methods, formulae, calculations, and graphical representations used in both general and product design and development environments.
• The structure, properties, and testing methods (destructive and non-destructive) of common materials, as well as their applications in engineering and manufacturing contexts.
• Computer Aided Design (CAD) methods and applications, along with knowledge of mechanical, electrical, electronic, and process control systems used in product development.
• Diagnostic, measurement, and monitoring techniques for identifying and solving engineering/manufacturing problems, and interpreting relevant technical documentation and data.
• The functions and roles within an organisation, how departments interact, and why continuous review and improvement of processes and procedures are critical for operational success.

Skills

Your apprentice will learn how to:

• Read, interpret, and use a range of documentation (e.g. job instructions, engineering drawings, CAD data, technical specifications) to plan and perform work accurately.
• Work safely and responsibly, complying with legislation and organisational requirements related to health, safety, and the environment.
• Plan and prepare resources and equipment for engineering tasks, using appropriate materials and methods—including hand fitting, machining, and additive manufacturing (e.g. 3D printing).
• Produce components, prototypes, and assemblies using a variety of tools and techniques, including lathes, milling machines, and joining applications across mechanical and electrical systems.
• Apply mechanical, electrical, and electronic principles to develop, test, and refine products and systems; use a range of testing and diagnostic equipment to ensure quality and performance.
• Perform c
• Check for quality and compliance, complete required documentation accurately, and maintain an organised, clean working environment.
• Identify, diagnose, and resolve design and production issues across development stages (e.g. design studios, workshops, labs), escalating where necessary and contributing ideas to improve processes, procedures, or working practices.

Behaviours

Your apprentice should be able to:

• Demonstrate personal responsibility, resilience, and a strong ethical approach—managing time, workload, and risk while remaining disciplined and committed to tasks.
• Work effectively within teams, supporting colleagues and understanding how actions affect others and the wider business.
• Communicate clearly and professionally using appropriate methods, actively listen to others, and maintain a respectful, positive attitude.
• Apply attention to detail, follow structured problem-solving approaches, and proactively seek ways to improve quality, efficiency, and outcomes.
• Continuously reflect on personal performance, seek feedback, and adapt to new technologies, environments, and responsibilities with a growth mindset.

Expert Tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. This is especially important for apprenticeships where off-the-job training needs to align with apprentices' on-the-job experience.