Automotive Electronic & Electrical Engineering Degree Apprentice in Harlow

Get your hands dirty in a busy workshop while studying towards a debt-free BEng (Hons) Electronic and Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Hertfordshire. You will work hands-on diagnosing high-voltage EV / hybrid systems, wiring, and electronics across modern vehicles alongside experienced engineers.

About the Employer

Auto Motor Excellence is an established automotive repair and diagnostics specialist leading the way in hybrid, EV, and modern vehicle technologies. Equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic equipment and dedicated high-voltage facilities, we pride ourselves on technical precision and practical innovation. We actively invest in future talent, offering apprentices intensive hands-on workshop experience, direct engineering mentorship, and long-term career pathways.

What You'll Do

• Hands-on electrical diagnostics: Work directly on the workshop floor using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and advanced scan tools to diagnose wiring faults, sensor failures, and electronic issues across petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles.
• High-voltage and EV systems support: Get hands-on with electrified powertrains - supporting physical inspections, testing, and repairs on high-voltage battery packs, electric drive motors, onboard chargers, and regenerative braking systems.
• Wiring repairs and loom assembly: Read automotive circuit diagrams and get your hands dirty stripping, crimping, soldering, and repairing vehicle wiring harnesses, connectors, and control units.
• Component dismantling and testing: Physically remove, dismantle, bench-test, and refit electronic modules, relays, alternators, starter motors, and electromechanical actuators.
• Root-cause investigation: Approach vehicle faults with a hands-on engineering mindset - measuring live circuit signals, running functional tests, and discovering why an electrical component failed instead of just swapping parts.
• ECU programming and software calibration: Connect manufacturer diagnostic software to real vehicles to perform ECU updates, code new control modules, and calibrate electronic driver-assistance sensors.
• Practical workshop improvement: Work alongside workshop technicians on practical engineering projects to improve electrical diagnostic workflows, build custom testing rigs, and refine workshop tooling.
• Workshop safety and documentation: Strictly follow high-voltage workshop safety rules and isolate electrical systems safely while keeping clear, detailed digital repair logs and test records.

Training Outcome

Upon successful completion of the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship and graduating with a BEng (Hons) in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, a permanent position within AutoNet VIP will be available for a high-performing apprentice. As AutoNet VIP expands its specialist engineering capabilities across electric, hybrid, and high-performance vehicles, clear career progression routes include:

• Lead EV & High-Voltage Systems Engineer: Taking full ownership of complex electrical diagnostics, high-voltage battery repairs, powertrain overhauls, and power electronics across electric and hybrid platforms.
• Vehicle Electronics & Telematics Specialist: Leading on advanced ECU programming, network communications (CAN / LIN bus protocols), sensor integration, and modern connected vehicle architectures.
• Workshop Technical Lead / Engineering Manager: Overseeing workshop operations, managing high-voltage safety standards and quality assurance, designing repair workflows, and mentoring the next cohort of engineering apprentices.
• Automotive Systems & Diagnostics Developer: Applying circuit design and software tools to develop bespoke workshop test rigs, custom wiring looms, and diagnostic solutions for specialised vehicles.

Professional Registration

Full academic qualification and practical engineering evidence to achieve Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), with a structured pathway towards Chartered Engineer (CEng).

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Initiative
• Physical fitness
• Automotive passion
• Diagnostic mindset
• Hands-on aptitude
• Safety awareness

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - English Language - 4 or above
• Essential - GCSE - Maths - 4 or above
• Essential - A Level - Maths - B
• Essential - A Level - Physics - B
• Desired - BTEC - Extended diploma in Engineering - DDM (Maths distinction)

Course Information

• Course: Embedded electronic systems design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
• Level: 6
• Route: Engineering and manufacturing
• Apprenticeship Level: Degree

Working Arrangements

• Working Week: Monday - Friday, typically 8.00am - 5.00pm (workshop hours). University attendance and 20% off-the-job study time are built directly into this schedule. Occasional Saturday morning workshop work may be required.
• Expected Duration: 4 Years
• Training Provider: UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE