CAD Operative Engineer Apprentice – Acetarc Limited

CAD Operative Engineer Apprentice – Acetarc Limited

Full-Time 15392 - 24454 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support design and production teams by creating accurate engineering drawings.
  • Company: Join Acetarc Limited, a leading engineering and fabrication business.
  • Benefits: Earn a competitive wage while gaining hands-on experience and training.
  • Other info: Potential for a full-time role after completing the apprenticeship.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career in engineering with practical skills and real-world applications.
  • Qualifications: GCSEs required; workshop experience is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 15392 - 24454 £ per year.

Closes in 12 days (Friday 14 August 2026 at 11:59pm)

We are looking for a motivated Junior CAD Operative / Engineer or Apprentice to support our design and production teams in delivering accurate, practical and high-quality engineering drawings for manufacture.

  • Wage
  • £15,392 to £24,454.04, depending on your age
  • National Minimum Wage
  • Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
  • Training course Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)

Hours Monday to Friday, hours will be confirmed if successful to interview.

  • 37 hours a week
  • Tuesday 1 September 2026
  • Duration
  • 3 years 6 months
  • Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you\'ll do at work

The successful candidate will assist with the preparation and updating drawings and related production information.

As well as this, you will be present on the shopfloor working on different machines to understand the workings behind what we produce and why.

  • Understand the basics of CAD design – full training will be given.
  • Prepare accurate workshop drawings, layouts, parts lists and job packs for production.
  • Update existing drawings and complete revision changes and as-built records when required.
  • Liaise with managers, engineers and workshop team to ensure designs are practical, accurate and manufacturable.
  • Assist with the preparation of bills of materials and other supporting technical documentation.
  • Maintain drawing registers, document control and filing systems to company standards.
  • Ensure drawings comply with internal standards, quality requirements and health and safety considerations.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across all parts of the business.
  • Where you\'ll work
  • ATLEY WORKS DALTON LANE KEIGHLEY W YORKSHIRE BD21 4HT
  • Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

  • Training provider
  • LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Training course
  • Engineering and manufacturing support technician (level 3)
  • Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
  • Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. For example, segregation of resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
  • Comply with engineering standards and regulations. For example, British Standards (BS), International Organisation for Standardisation standards (ISO). European Norm (EN).
  • Analyse engineering and manufacturing data and information to support technical outputs.

For example, read and interpret text, data, engineering drawings, work instructions, method statements, operation manuals.

  • Apply scientific, technical or engineering principles.
  • Apply problem solving techniques to solutions for identified technical problems.
  • Organise, plan and prioritise workflow and scheduling of work with stakeholders.
  • Identify, organise and use resources to complete tasks, considering cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
  • Produce job specific technical outputs.

For example, engineering drawings, quality control management, computer control programming, business improvement, adverse incident reports, technical investigations, equipment appraisals and specifications.

  • Provide support and guidance for handover of work to stakeholders. For example, checklists, product or process status, access to supporting documents.
  • Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, equipment service records, test results, handover documents, checklists.
  • Follow standard operating procedures.
  • Follow manufacturer\'s instructions. For example, safe instructions for use of products, processes and machinery.
  • Apply quality assurance and control principles and practices. For example, conduct physical checks, take samples, inspections or tests.
  • Apply continuous improvement techniques.
  • Apply team working principles.
  • Communicate in writing with others for example, stakeholders, colleagues, and managers.
  • Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
  • Carry out and record learning and development activities.
  • Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.
  • Follow health and safety regulations, standards, and guidance.
  • Follow procedures in line with environmental and sustainability regulations, standards, and guidance. For example, segregation of resources for reuse, recycling and disposal.
  • Comply with engineering standards and regulations. For example, British Standards (BS), International Organisation for Standardisation standards (ISO). European Norm (EN).
  • Analyse engineering and manufacturing data and information to support technical outputs.

For example, read and interpret text, data, engineering drawings, work instructions, method statements, operation manuals.

  • Apply scientific, technical or engineering principles.
  • Apply problem solving techniques to solutions for identified technical problems.
  • Organise, plan and prioritise workflow and scheduling of work with stakeholders.
  • Identify, organise and use resources to complete tasks, considering cost, quality, safety, security and environmental impact.
  • Produce job specific technical outputs.

For example, engineering drawings, quality control management, computer control programming, business improvement, adverse incident reports, technical investigations, equipment appraisals and specifications.

  • Provide support and guidance for handover of work to stakeholders. For example, checklists, product or process status, access to supporting documents.
  • Record information - paper based or electronic. For example, energy usage, equipment service records, test results, handover documents, checklists.
  • Follow standard operating procedures.
  • Follow manufacturer\'s instructions. For example, safe instructions for use of products, processes and machinery.
  • Apply quality assurance and control principles and practices. For example, conduct physical checks, take samples, inspections or tests.
  • Apply continuous improvement techniques.
  • Apply team working principles.
  • Communicate in writing with others for example, stakeholders, colleagues, and managers.
  • Communicate with others verbally for example, colleagues and stakeholders.
  • Use information and digital technology. Comply with GDPR and cyber security regulations and policies.
  • Carry out and record learning and development activities.
  • Apply equity, diversity and inclusion procedures.

This training schedule has not been finalised. Check with this employer if you\'ll need to travel to a college or training location for this apprenticeship. Requirements

GCSE in

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Experience in a workshop
  • Other requirements

This candidate will understand that this role will be a mix of shopfloor work and office work.

CAD design will be taught to the candidate over time, however, it must be highlighted that to understand our equipment and manufacturing standards, the candidate must spend extended periods of time on the shopfloor to see how each part is manufactured and put together.

About this employer

Acetarc Limited is a long-established engineering and fabrication business based in Keighley, specialising in the design and manufacture of foundry equipment, molten metal handling systems, steel fabrications and bespoke engineered products.

Potential full-time role upon completion of apprenticeship.

The contact for this apprenticeship is

LUMINATE EDUCATION GROUP apprenticeships@keighleycollege. ac. uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000042535.

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CAD Operative Engineer Apprentice – Acetarc Limited employer: Keighley College

Keighley College is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work environment, ideal for educators passionate about teaching Maths. With flexible working hours and opportunities to engage with the community, employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development and a generous annual leave package. Join us in shaping the future of our students while enjoying a rewarding career in a vibrant educational setting.

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Contact Details:

Keighley College Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land CAD Operative Engineer Apprentice – Acetarc Limited

Join Engineering Meetups!

Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time CAD Operative Engineer Apprentice – Acetarc Limited role you’re after at Keighley College.

Show Off Your Projects!

Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Keighley College a taste of what you can bring to the table!

Engage with Online Communities

Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Keighley College.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like CAD Operative Engineer Apprentice – Acetarc Limited at Keighley College, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.

We think you need these skills to ace CAD Operative Engineer Apprentice – Acetarc Limited

CAD Design
Engineering Drawings
Technical Documentation
Workshop Drawings
Document Control
Quality Assurance
Health and Safety Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like CAD Operative Engineer Apprentice – Acetarc Limited, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.

Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Keighley College a clear picture of the value you can bring.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Keighley College specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.

How to prepare for a job interview at Keighley College

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with Keighley College, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.

Relate Your Experience to the Role

In a full-time role, employers like Keighley College want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.

Know Your Tools and Software

Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.