At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to design life-saving technologies and contribute to real engineering projects.
- Company: AVIRE creates innovative safety solutions for high-rise buildings, making a difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hands-on experience, and the chance to travel internationally.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while developing your skills in a supportive, creative environment.
- Qualifications: A-Levels (ABB) or BTEC National Diploma (DDM) with a full UK driving licence required.
- Other info: This is a four-year degree apprenticeship with training at Newbury College.
The predicted salary is between 26500 - 40000 £ per year.
Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship: Product Design and Development Engineering
Location: Maidenhead SL6 7RJ (training at Newbury College, RG14 7TD)
Hours: Full-time, up to 5 days per week on site (at our offices or college)
Starting Salary: £26,500, rising to c. £40k over 4 years
Are you someone who wants to build a safer world through smart, creative design? At AVIRE, we design life-saving technologies for people in high-rise buildings. Whether it’s an intercom that helps someone call for help during a fire, or a device that keeps lifts operational during an emergency, our products are trusted to protect the most vulnerable people in society. We are looking for a driven, imaginative apprentice to join our Product and Innovation team and begin their career as a design engineer.
This is a four-year degree apprenticeship, combining hands-on work at our design centre in Maidenhead with expert tuition from Newbury College. You’ll graduate with a university-level qualification, debt-free and ready to step into a career where your ideas make a difference from day one. You’ll join a friendly, international team where you’ll be supported to grow your confidence, develop your skills and play a part in designing products that matter.
What you’ll do
- Throughout the programme, you’ll be immersed in real engineering work - not just observing, but contributing.
- You’ll learn how to:
- Design elegant solutions to complex safety challenges - turning early ideas into real products
- Work through the entire design cycle - from sketches and prototypes to fully engineered solutions
- Combine creativity and logic to make products that are not only functional but reliable, manufacturable and user-friendly
- Use 3D CAD software and simulation tools to test your ideas in the virtual world before they’re built
- Collaborate with engineers, manufacturers and end users to balance performance, safety and cost
- Troubleshoot and refine designs based on testing and feedback - and feel proud of the final result
- Think like a project manager - planning your time, managing risks and seeing things through to delivery
- Understand how global safety standards shape design decisions in the real world
- Contribute to meaningful projects where every detail you shape could one day protect someone’s life
This is a job where you’ll see your designs brought to life in our labs and on production lines. And you’ll do it knowing that every product you help create is designed to protect real people, in real buildings, in moments that matter.
What we’re looking for
- You’re the kind of person who:
- Is curious, thoughtful and never satisfied with the first answer
- Takes pride in solving problems and making things better
- Enjoys working with others and values open, honest communication
- Wants to be part of a company that values purpose, not just profit
- Believes engineering is not just technical - it’s creative, human and important
We believe that great engineers come from all walks of life. If you’re a sixth form or college leaver and you’re excited by the idea of building products that serve real people, we’d love to hear from you.
Entry requirements
To apply, you’ll need one of the following:
- A-Levels: ABB (including Mathematics and another STEM subject)
- BTEC National Diploma: DDM
- IB: 30 points with Higher Level Mathematics and Science at Grade 5 or above
And:
- A full UK driving licence
- The right to live and work in the UK
- The ability to be on site in Maidenhead or Newbury up to 5 days per week
Travel and remote working
This is an on-site role, with one day each week spent at Newbury College during term time. As part of the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to visit our teams in Barcelona (Spain), České Budějovice (Czechia), Sussex (Wisconsin, US) and Holmdel (New Jersey, US). Additional travel may be required occasionally, with full support from the business.
Degree Apprentice - Product Design Engineering (September Start) (Maidenhead) employer: AVIRE
Contact Detail:
AVIRE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Degree Apprentice - Product Design Engineering (September Start) (Maidenhead)
✨Tip Number 1
Research AVIRE and their products thoroughly. Understanding the specific technologies they develop, such as life-saving devices for high-rise buildings, will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former apprentices at AVIRE or in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the apprenticeship experience and may even offer tips on how to stand out during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills and creativity. Think of examples from your studies or projects where you've tackled complex challenges, as these qualities are highly valued in engineering roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Be ready to share experiences where you've collaborated effectively with others, as this role involves working closely with engineers and end users.
We think you need these skills to ace Degree Apprentice - Product Design Engineering (September Start) (Maidenhead)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences that align with the role of a Degree Apprentice in Product Design Engineering. Emphasise any projects or coursework related to design, engineering, or problem-solving.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for engineering and design. Mention specific reasons why you want to work at AVIRE and how their mission resonates with you. Be sure to include examples of your curiosity and creativity.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, especially your A-Levels or BTEC National Diploma results. If you have any additional certifications or relevant coursework, make sure to include those as well to demonstrate your preparedness for the apprenticeship.
Showcase Teamwork and Communication Skills: Since the role involves collaboration, provide examples of past experiences where you worked effectively in a team. Highlight your communication skills and how they contributed to successful outcomes in group projects or activities.
How to prepare for a job interview at AVIRE
✨Show Your Passion for Design
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for product design and engineering. Talk about any projects or experiences that sparked your interest in creating solutions that can make a difference, especially in safety.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. Highlight your thought process and how you approached finding solutions, as this role requires a creative and logical mindset.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CAD Software
Since the role involves using 3D CAD software, it’s beneficial to mention any experience you have with such tools. If you don’t have direct experience, consider doing some research or tutorials to show your willingness to learn.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s projects, team dynamics, and the apprenticeship programme. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.