Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer Apprenticeship

Caterpillar; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading machinery manufacturing company in the United Kingdom is offering a 4-year degree apprenticeship scheme for aspiring Product Design and Development Engineers. With a competitive salary starting at approximately £24,931 per year and a comprehensive benefits package, this role involves diverse placements across functional areas, including technical design and production support. Candidates must have A-Levels with a minimum of 112 tariff points, including mathematics. Join us to build your skills and gain professional qualifications while contributing to meaningful projects.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Contributory share and pension scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Family-friendly policies

Potential bonus up to 9%

Qualifications

• Minimum of 112 tariff points required from A-Levels or equivalent in Engineering or relevant STEM subjects.
• Experience in component design, technical writing, and production processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Undertake placements in various functional areas for personal development and business contributions.
• Contribute to component and system design, development of product drawings, and support production release.

Skills

Teamwork

Decision-making

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

A-Levels with minimum of 112 tariff points including Grade B in Mathematics

Job description

Our apprentices will:* Earn a competitive salary package, starting at c. £24,931 per year,* Receive 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays,In collaboration with our partnered training provider, , our 4-year degree apprenticeship scheme will enable you to grow and develop your capabilities. Alongside on-the-job training supported by relatable mentors, apprentices will spend at least 20% of their working hours completing university-based learning leading to a nationally recognised qualification through the apprenticeship standard:* a Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer Apprenticeship certificate, and* a.As part of this programme apprentices are required to attend university on a block release basis, therefore apprentices are required to travel and potentially stay over.Upon completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices can apply for IEng (Incorporated Engineer) professional registration status.**The Experience**Apprentice will undertake various six-month placements in a wide range of differing functional areas. Within each placement we look to develop solid personal learning and development experiences, combined with formal developmental training. At the same time, we look to the apprentice to deliver solid business contributions to cost and quality targets. Placement tasks may include, but not be limited to:* Component and system design, including simulation and predictive techniques to refine designs.* Development of drawings and other information to support the release of parts onto Bill of Materials and engine lists in preparation for volume production.* Write and review technical information and reports to support production design release.Have access to a contributory share and pension scheme, flexible benefits, flexible working opportunities, family-friendly policies and up to 9% bonus. A-Levels: Minimum of 112 tariff points required including Grade B in A-Level Mathematics. 112 tariff points can be made up of A-Levels or equivalent qualifications in any Engineering or relevant STEM subjects (Physics is recommended). **Recruitment Timeline** **Go Live:** **1st December 2025****Closing Date:** **18th January 2026****Interview/Assessment Centre Day (in-person):** **Between 16th – 20th February 2026****Engagement Day (in-person):** **2nd July 2026 (provisional)****Employment Start Date:** **7th September 2026 (provisional)**The panel cannot make assumptions when shortlisting therefore please demonstrate your skills and experience on your application relevant to the criteria outlined. Pending the number of applications, the criteria for the position may be enhanced to facilitate shortlisting.**IMPORTANT NOTE: Please only apply for a maximum of two apprenticeship schemes. You may be given the opportunity of being considered for other schemes at a later stage.****Recruitment Process****Stage one** **– Online Application:** The first stage of the process is to complete the online application; this must be done before the closing date of the role that you're applying for. Once we reach the close date, we will begin reviewing all our applications, this may take a little while and we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know if you have been successful in moving forward to the next stage.**Stage two** – **Assessment Centre:** The half day assessment centre (i.e. interview) will look at a range of behaviours such as teamwork, decision-making, communication, and problem-solving. Each will consist of a group exercise, an interview and a presentation. Details will vary depending on the career area/role you are applying for. We aim to make these days fun, inclusive and as relaxed as possible.**Stage three** – **Offer:** After the assessment centre, the Caterpillar team will review the feedback and extend offers to our chosen candidates, we aim to do this as quickly as possible. We hold an Engagement Day for all new apprentices to provide you with an opportunity to meet fellow new starters across the facility before your employment start date. Apprentices will join the business in September 2026.**We look forward to receiving your application to join Caterpillar.****If you have a question, please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team on** **[e-mail]****.**Depending on the needs of the business, you may also be offered the chance to complete additional qualifications. We are passionate about our people and their development, and our professionally accredited apprenticeships schemes stand as testament to that. It’s your time and talent, make it counts. Join us today!