At a Glance
- Tasks: Support production and engineering teams in manufacturing high-quality electronic products.
- Company: Join a family-owned UK electronics manufacturer with a rich history since 1968.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, gym membership, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Receive mentoring from experienced engineers and enjoy a dynamic workplace culture.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in engineering while contributing to innovative projects in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for engineering and willingness to learn through an apprenticeship programme.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ 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.
- Departmental Training & Development Exposure
- 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.
Skills, Knowledge & Competencies
- 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.
- Working Relationships
- Production Teams
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Design Engineering
- Test Engineering
- Quality & Inspection
- Stores & Logistics
- Training & Development
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.
Qualifications & Experience
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.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM PICKERING
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
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.
It comprises Pickering Electronics (relays), Pickering Interfaces (switching/simulation), and Pickering Connect (cabling), with global operations.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering & Manufacturing Apprentice
✨Dive into Local Manufacturing Events
Get yourself out there and check out local manufacturing expos or trade shows! These events are gold mines for networking and can put you in touch with potential employers like Pickering Interfaces. Plus, you might discover companies that are looking for apprentices directly.
✨Join Apprenticeship Networks
Look for local apprenticeship networks and community forums focused on manufacturing. Engaging in these spaces can lead you to hidden opportunities and advice from others who’ve been in your shoes — they might have inside info on which companies are hiring apprentices!
✨Reach Out Directly to Companies
Don't shy away from reaching out! If you have specific companies in mind like Pickering Interfaces, shoot them an email or give them a call to inquire about potential apprenticeship opportunities. Sometimes, they might not have openings posted, but they’re always keen to meet passionate candidates!
✨Utilise College Resources
If you're studying, tap into your college’s career services for leads on manufacturing apprenticeships. They often have connections with local businesses and can help you polish your application to stand out. And remember, applying through our website can give you a leg up on the competition for positions at Pickering Interfaces!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering & Manufacturing Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing and production sector, we want to see your hands-on skills. Make sure your CV lists any relevant technical abilities or tools you’ve worked with, like machinery or software specific to production processes. This is your chance to shine a light on any experience you already have, even if it’s just in class or through a hobby!
Highlight Your Commitment to Learning:As this is an apprenticeship, emphasising your eagerness to learn is crucial! In your cover letter, mention specific areas of manufacturing you're excited to learn about, and why you're passionate about joining Pickering Interfaces. Show us you’re ready to dive into the practical world of production!
Include Relevant Qualifications:List any qualifications or certifications related to manufacturing—think health and safety, technical courses, or even basic engineering principles. It can help set you apart from others and show you come prepared and informed about the industry standards!
Keep It Relevant and Concise:When applying for an apprenticeship, make sure your documents are straightforward and relevant. Focus on your most pertinent experiences and avoid clutter. Remember, humility goes a long way—if you've worked on projects, even in a school setting, don’t hesitate to include those to reflect your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pickering Interfaces
✨Get Hands-On with Machinery
Since you're eyeing an apprenticeship in manufacturing-production, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the tools and machinery related to the role. We should brush up on our basic mechanical skills and be ready to talk about any hands-on experiences we've had, like school projects or part-time work that involved manual tasks.
✨Show Your Understanding of Safety Protocols
Safety is paramount in manufacturing, so be prepared to discuss health and safety protocols relevant to the industry. We can expect questions focusing on how to maintain a safe working environment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard awareness—making sure we articulate our understanding can really impress the interviewers at Pickering Interfaces.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, they’re looking for enthusiasm and the willingness to absorb knowledge. Let’s be prepared to discuss how we’ve approached learning new skills in the past, showing we’re ready to embrace the learning curve that comes with this exciting opportunity at Pickering Interfaces.
✨Research Typical Production Processes
It might help us to know a thing or two about basic manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, quality control checks, and production scheduling. We could bring examples of these processes from our research or coursework to showcase our interest and understanding of the field during the interview.
