Level 3 Engineering Apprentice in Gillingham

PHINIA is an independent, market-leading, premium solutions and components provider with over 100 years of manufacturing expertise and industry relationships. We provide fuel systems, electrical systems, and aftermarket products and solutions of the highest quality — developed and manufactured responsibly — that are designed to enhance efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of vehicles, industrial machinery, and other applications.

Our Culture: PHINIA promotes and cultivates an inclusive culture and diverse perspectives, strives to maintain its reputation for excellence, thrives on the power of collaboration, and fosters the development of our talented employees.

Career Opportunities: We believe in building a brighter tomorrow for our employees as well as our customers and encourage you to learn about our long history, strong culture, new technologies, and future vision.

JOB PURPOSE

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Level 3 Engineering Apprentices will spend the first year of their apprenticeship full time at our training provider's Technical School, where they will have four days per week learning practical skills within a workshop environment and one day per week studying towards their Technical Certificate.
• Years 2–4: The apprentice will move to a day release format (one day at the Technical School and four days at the Gillingham site) while working towards their Level 3 qualification.
• On their on-site days, they will begin a rotation of departmental placements within the business, spending time in and gaining experience across a number of Manufacturing and Technical Centre departments.
• Working alongside dedicated mentors, the apprentice will assist with and learn about:

• Manufacturing prototype components on various CNC machines.
• Measuring prototype components using a range of manual and automatic metrology equipment.
• Manufacturing and fabricating dedicated fixturing.
• Using hand tools and manual workshop equipment, e.g., lathes, mills, grinders, and welding equipment.
• Stripping, rebuilding, modifying, and rigging prototype heavy duty diesel engines.
• Manufacturing and building dedicated test machines.
• Supporting the maintenance and operation of test rigs, engine systems, diesel components, and related automotive hardware.
• Assisting with instrumentation, sensor setup, wiring, calibration, and data acquisition tasks.
• Conducting basic diagnostic and fault finding tasks on test rigs under supervision.
• Supporting root cause investigations, test issue resolution, and engineering studies.
• Collecting, logging, and presenting test data in line with departmental procedures.
• Carrying out front line maintenance and basic fault diagnosis within the limits of their training.
• Communicate and liaise with other departments and all levels of management.
• Work with your mentor on a training plan designed to cover the apprenticeship criteria and beyond.

Health, Safety & Environment: All employees are required to:

• Adhere to PHINIA safety rules, including PPE requirements, safe systems of work, and workshop/test facility protocols.
• Identify and report safety concerns, near misses, and improvement opportunities.
• Demonstrate a safety first mindset in all tasks.

Skills:

• Must have a practical aptitude and able to demonstrate ability to work with hand tools and measurement equipment.
• Must have a strong aptitude for hands-on learning and problem solving across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Have the ability to work in a team whilst managing own responsibilities.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic and focused environment.
• Have a strong work ethic.
• Personable, flexible and a proactive team player.
• Self-motivated and have a strong and flexible attitude towards work.

Attributes:

• Have keen interest in solving practical problems.
• Enjoy the challenge of learning new skills.
• Flexible and adaptable approach.
• Treat colleagues with respect (Equality & Diversity).

Experience and qualifications:

• Desirable: GCSEs in English Language, Maths and ideally a Science at a minimum Grade 4 (grade C) either expected or achieved.
• Higher academic qualifications, ie A levels, BTEC Diploma in Engineering (welcome but not essential).

Additional Information: This job description outlines the duties required, it is not a comprehensive or exhaustive list, and the Line Manager may vary duties from time to time which do not change the general character of the job, or the level of responsibility entailed. Flexibility is required from all job holders.

Hours of work: First 12 months located at IPS training centre, Rochester, working Monday – Friday. PHINIA Hours: 37 hours per week: 8am - 4.30pm Monday to Thursday, 1/2 hour unpaid lunch break. 8am -1pm Friday, no lunch break.

Holiday: 25 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.

Annual Salary: £15,623 starting salary, with annual salary uplifts subject to National Minimum Wage and/or performance.

Submitting Applications: To apply, please attach a copy of your covering letter and your CV as one document. Start Date: September 2026. Candidates will only be contacted if they are selected for an interview.

WHAT WE OFFER: We provide compensation and benefits programs intended to attract, motivate, reward, and retain an incredibly talented, globally diverse workforce at all levels within our organization.

WHAT WE BELIEVE: Product Leadership - Innovation that brings value to our customers. Humility - Seeking out diverse perspectives and working collaboratively. Inclusivity - Recognising our differences makes us stronger; we are bold and intentional. Net-Zero - Committed to energy efficiency, waste reduction and beneficial reuse. Integrity - Taking responsibility for our decisions and doing what is right. Accountability - Taking ownership of our actions and driving results.

SAFETY: You will consistently hear us say Safety First. We are committed to continually improving our strong safety performance supporting the health and wellness of our employees.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: PHINIA is an equal employment opportunity employer such that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

VISA SPONSORSHIP: PHINIA does provide sponsorship for employment visa status based on business need. However, for this role, applicants must be currently authorized to work on a full-time basis, in the country where the position is currently based.