Apprentice Electro-Mechanical Engineering Technician
About the role
As an Apprentice, you will receive detailed instruction, information and training surrounding many key aspects pivotal to implementing elecro-mechanical skills within busy, dynamic, workshops and laboratories across the Faculty of Science & Engineering.
Training opportunities include a blend of electronic and mechanical engineering.
- Producing components using hand-fitting techniques
- Fluid Power for Hydraulic and Pneumatic control systems
- Programmable Logic Controllers for automation systems and engineering prototypes, built to stakeholder specification
- Mechanical fabrication, including machining, fitting, welding, and general metal work to repair/modify and manufacture components from drawings
- Producing mechanical and electrical engineering drawings using a CAD system
- Use of computer-controlled (CNC) machines
- Use of 3D printing technologies
- Use of plasma, laser, and water cutters
- Maintaining Mechanical devices and equipment
- Assembling and testing of electrical/electronic circuits
- General workshop housekeeping, including cleaning, monitoring and maintenance
- Working safely in an engineering environment
- Using and communicating technical information
- Carrying out engineering activities efficiently and effectively
- Supporting research projects including the manufacture of bespoke parts to desired specifications
- Design engineering concepts to resolve engineering challenges
- Liaise with students, researchers, staff, and external personnel to achieve engineering requirements
- Undertake additional training and development to remain skilled and current
- Work with selected industries to complete live project work within an engineering specialism
- Learn project management skills for engineering projects
Working week
Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (variable times to suit workplace requirements). 1 hour for lunch.
Skills
Required qualifications
Training & development
You will spend a mixture of time working alongside experienced professionals, absorbing their wisdom and applying your learning in real-time situations. Imagine being at the forefront of engineering innovation, where each day brings a new challenge and opportunity to excel.
The programme is a dynamic blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Picture yourself mastering the intricacies of producing engineering components, crafting precise CAD drawings, and sharpening your skills in electronics. You'll delve into the art of programming logic controllers and the precision of CNC programming, all while gaining a degree and an industry-recognised Level 6 Apprenticeship qualification.
As you progress, your journey will be peppered with enriching experiences that foster not only technical proficiency but also professional growth. By the end of this programme, you will have a robust portfolio showcasing your expertise, ready to impress in a competitive industry.
As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll build a strong foundation in modern engineering while developing the skills needed to design, build, and improve real-world systems.
You’ll explore how mechanical, electrical, and digital technologies work together. Learning everything from core engineering principles and design techniques to programming, automation, and embedded systems. Using industry-standard tools such as CAD and simulation software, you’ll bring your ideas to life and gain hands-on experience creating and testing innovative solutions.
Along the way, you’ll develop the ability to:
- Design and model engineering systems
- Write and apply code for automated and embedded technologies
- Test, analyse, and improve designs using real data
- Manage projects from concept through to delivery
You’ll also learn how engineering fits within a wider context, considering safety, sustainability, cost, and quality at every stage, while building confidence communicating your ideas with both technical and non-technical audiences.
By the end of your training, you’ll be a well-rounded engineer with the knowledge, practical experience, and professional behaviours needed to thrive in a fast-paced and ever-evolving industry.
Upon completion of the apprenticeship in 5 years’ time, you will have a portfolio of key elecro-mechanical skills and a wealth of varied, relevant experience.
Most apprentices are successful in securing a role with the university or choose to continue their academic studies. Opportunities to progress onto a higher apprenticeship or degree apprenticeship exist for high-performing candidates upon completion of their first apprenticeship with us. Whilst we cannot guarantee a permanent position at the University of Manchester, we endeavour to match apprentices with appropriate vacancies and support them through the entire application process.
Company benefits
Generous annual leave. Pension for you and family. Well-being, counselling, and health support. Learning and development opportunities. Transport loans, Cycle to Work schemes. Workplace nursery. Staff discounts on high street and online.
Things to consider
We are strongly committed to promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility and encourage all applicants to apply. Our university is positive about flexible working, blended working arrangements may be considered.
About THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
One of the world’s leading universities built on research and teaching practices, coupled with one of the most respected apprenticeship programmes in the UK. Our programme builds its success’s year-on-year and continues to develop, matching the needs of the university and our community. We are proud of our strong reputation, supporting each of our apprentices with individualised training, specialised projects, and targeted development to build a future career at the cutting edge of technology.