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- Tasks: Join our team to design life-saving technologies for high-rise buildings.
- Company: AVIRE creates innovative safety solutions that protect vulnerable people in society.
- Benefits: Earn a competitive salary, gain a degree debt-free, and enjoy international travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with your designs while working in a supportive, creative environment.
- Qualifications: A-Levels (ABB), BTEC National Diploma (DDM), or IB (30 points) required.
- Other info: Work on-site in Maidenhead with one day at Newbury College each week.
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
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in product design engineering, especially in safety technologies. Understanding the specific challenges and innovations in this field will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your creativity and problem-solving skills by preparing examples of past projects or experiences where you've designed or improved a product. This could be anything from school projects to personal hobbies that demonstrate your engineering mindset.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current apprentices or professionals in the field through platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insights into the role and company culture, which can be invaluable when tailoring your approach during the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme and the company's projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you stand out as a candidate who is eager to learn and contribute.
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, such as A-Levels or BTEC National Diploma, and ensure you meet the entry requirements. If you have any additional certifications or relevant coursework, mention those too.
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.
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 complex problems in the past. Highlight your thought process and the steps you took to arrive at a solution, as this role requires a creative and logical approach to design challenges.
✨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 had any experience with CAD, be ready to discuss it and how you used it in your projects.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
This position values collaboration, so be prepared to talk about your experiences working in teams. Share how you communicate effectively with others and how you handle feedback, as these skills are crucial in a design environment.
