At a Glance
- Tasks: Support production teams and maintain manufacturing equipment while learning engineering skills.
- Company: Join a family-owned UK electronics manufacturer with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, gym membership, and career progression.
- Other info: Structured training, mentoring, and opportunities for worldwide travel.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with hands-on experience and training.
- Qualifications: Interest in engineering and willingness to complete an apprenticeship.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Pickering Group is a family-owned, UK-based electronics manufacturer established in 1968, specializing in high-quality switching, simulation, and relay products for industries like aerospace, automotive, and defense.
The Apprentice Engineering & Manufacturing Support Technician will support the Production, Manufacturing Engineering, and Design Engineering teams in the manufacture and development of reed relays and associated products. The role involves operating, maintaining, and supporting production machinery, including equipment used within the winding room and across manufacturing lines. The apprentice will also support the introduction of newly developed machines and processes into production and assist with troubleshooting and continuous improvement activities.
Alongside engineering support duties, the apprentice will contribute to day-to-day production activities and support new product integration by providing practical feedback on manufacturing techniques, tooling, jigs, and processes. The successful candidate will complete the Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician apprenticeship standard and attend college on a day-release basis.
Key Responsibilities- Support the operation and maintenance of manufacturing equipment used in production.
- Maintain equipment across the production line, including welder calibration, dehumidifier maintenance, air plumbing systems, and production floor layout adjustments.
- Support with machine setting and operation.
- Assist production teams where required to meet manufacturing demands.
- Learn and understand the operation of all production machinery to support troubleshooting and fault finding.
- Support the introduction of new machinery and processes into manufacturing.
- Build duplicate production machines from engineering schematics and drawings once designs have been approved and validated.
- Test and evaluate new manufacturing processes and techniques, providing feedback to engineering teams.
- Develop and maintain process instructions and manufacturing documentation.
- Use measurement tools and inspection equipment to verify components, tooling, and assemblies meet specification requirements.
- Support quality inspection and testing activities.
- Follow all company health, safety, and quality procedures.
- Hardware Engineering – Build simple electronic circuits and develop understanding of basic electronics and PCB assemblies.
- Mechanical Engineering – Design simple mechanical parts/components and use CAD and 3D printing technology.
- Stores & Materials Control – Goods-in inspection, kit picking, stock control systems and VSS operation.
- SMT (Surface Mount Technology) – Programming pick-and-place machines, ODB and BOM collation, SMT component recognition, screen printing operations, paste application theory, machine setup and operation, AOI, and vapour phase soldering.
- Production Assembly – Use of production documentation, BOMs, through-hole component insertion, relay assembly, wave soldering, hand soldering, wire preparation, crimping, and swash machine operation.
- Inspection & Quality – Roving inspection, continuity checking, and final inspection processes.
- Test Engineering – Product testing procedures and understanding of production test methods and equipment.
- Basic understanding of electrical and mechanical engineering principles.
- Ability to use basic hand tools safely and effectively.
- Understanding of manufacturing processes and production environments.
- Ability to interpret basic engineering drawings, schematics, and work instructions.
- Understanding of measurement and inspection techniques.
- Basic computer literacy including Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Attention to detail and appreciation of quality standards.
- Ability to work with miniature and precision components.
- Methodical and logical approach to problem solving.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- Reliable and dependable approach to work.
- Awareness of workplace health and safety requirements.
- Practical mindset with an interest in engineering and manufacturing.
- Flexible approach to tasks and responsibilities.
- Production Teams
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Design Engineering
- Test Engineering
- Quality & Inspection
- Stores & Logistics
- Structured on-the-job training.
- Cross-departmental exposure.
- Mentoring and support from experienced engineers and technicians.
- College-based learning aligned to the apprenticeship standard.
- Opportunities to develop practical engineering and manufacturing skills across multiple disciplines.
- Interest in engineering, manufacturing, or technology.
- Willingness to complete the Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician apprenticeship standard.
- Commitment to attending college as part of the apprenticeship program.
- Practical experience through hobbies, projects, school work, or previous employment is desirable.
- Experience using hand tools, soldering equipment, or mechanical equipment is advantageous.
People are at the heart of Pickering. We believe that each employee contributes directly to Pickering’s growth and success, in return we offer:
- A competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
- Buying and selling holiday. Employees can buy up to 10 days if eligible.
- Life Insurance x4 annual salary, capped at £50k
- Corporate membership at the local gym and spa
- A thorough induction program, including a Pickering Pal being assigned to you to ensure you feel welcome and to check in on you during your probation
- Regular reviews and performance related pay increases (subject to business conditions)
- Employee wellbeing and mental health support through our partnership with Mind
- EAP with Sparks (Legal & General health and wellbeing digital home)
- Wellbeing Program with Spa Medical
- Choice of salary sacrifice on Pension contributions
- Paid company social events such as a summer festival and Christmas party
- Career progression
- Training programmes
- Sponsoring further education
- Salary sacrifice car scheme
- Potential for Worldwide Business Travel (role dependant)
- Free tea, coffee, and fresh fruit
Engineering & Manufacturing Apprentice employer: Pickering Group
Pickering Group is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant coastal town of Clacton-on-Sea, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and opportunities for further education, we empower our team to grow both personally and professionally while contributing to meaningful projects in product safety and compliance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering & Manufacturing Apprentice
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Pickering Group, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering & Manufacturing Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Pickering Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pickering Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Pickering Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Pickering Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
