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 a debt-free degree while working with a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by designing products that protect vulnerable people in critical situations.
- Qualifications: A-Levels (ABB), BTEC National Diploma (DDM), or IB (30 points) with STEM subjects required.
- Other info: Opportunity for international travel and collaboration with teams across the globe.
The predicted salary is between 8000 - 14000 £ per month.
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.
Contact Detail:
AVIRE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Degree Apprentice - Product Design Engineering (September Start)
✨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 and employees at AVIRE. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your problem-solving skills and creativity. Since the role involves designing solutions to complex safety challenges, think of examples from your studies or projects where you've successfully tackled similar issues.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with 3D CAD software and simulation tools. Even if you haven't used them extensively, showing a willingness to learn and mentioning any relevant coursework or projects can set you apart as a proactive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Degree Apprentice - Product Design Engineering (September Start)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Degree Apprentice - Product Design Engineering position. Familiarise yourself with AVIRE's mission and the impact of their products.
Tailor Your CV: Craft your CV to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. Emphasise any projects or coursework related to product design, engineering, or teamwork that demonstrate your problem-solving abilities.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for engineering and design. Share specific examples of how your curiosity and creativity have led to successful projects or solutions in the past. Make sure to convey why you want to work at AVIRE and how you can contribute to their mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in engineering roles.
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 improve safety and functionality.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past. Highlight your ability to think critically and creatively, especially in situations where you had to balance multiple factors like performance and safety.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CAD Software
Since the role involves using 3D CAD software, it’s beneficial to have a basic understanding of these tools. If you’ve used any design software before, be ready to discuss your experience and how you can apply it in this role.
✨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.