Electro-Mechanical Engineer Degree Apprentice - Level 6 in Plymouth

This is an exciting opportunity to join Plessey Semiconductors as a Degree Apprentice Electro‑mechanical Engineer. You will work alongside experienced engineers in a cutting‑edge manufacturing environment while studying for a Level 6 engineering degree with the University of Exeter.

Training delivery method: Block release and blended academic study alongside workplace learning.

Qualification achieved: BEng (Hons) Electro‑mechanical Engineering.

Apprenticeship Details:

• Apprenticeship standard: Electro‑mechanical Engineer (Degree Apprenticeship)
• Apprenticeship level: Level 6
• Expected duration: 48 months
• Proposed start date: September 2026
• Wage: Competitive apprenticeship salary
• Working hours per week: 37.5 hours
• Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 8am – 4:30pm

Additional information for candidates: Applications close on Monday 1st June, successful applicants will be invited for an onsite interview week commencing Monday 15th June. The role involves working in a cleanroom and high‑tech manufacturing environment, cleanroom clothing must be worn at all times in the manufacturing areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintaining & repairing complex equipment.
• Maintaining equipment performance against targets.
• Stepping in early to fix issues before they cause downtime.
• Working closely with different teams — including production, maintenance, process, quality, and external partners.
• Keep equipment running reliably and improve performance over time.
• Keeping documentation up to date.
• Making sure the right spare parts are available when needed.
• Improving how our tools operate, helping to keep them in top condition.
• Staying up to date with new upgrades and improvements that can boost quality and reliability.
• Working with suppliers to achieve the best possible results.
• Planning for parts becoming obsolete and helping to put backup plans in place.
• Supporting the installation and setup of new equipment.

What You Will Learn & Gain in this Apprenticeship

• A strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and electronic engineering.
• Applying what you learn in the classroom to real‑world equipment.
• The ability to read and understand technical drawings, electrical schematics, and circuit diagrams to help diagnose and resolve equipment issues.
• Practical experience in maintaining and troubleshooting complex manufacturing equipment.
• Building confidence in fault finding and problem solving.
• A structured approach to analysing issues and identifying root causes.
• How to improve equipment reliability and performance.
• Experience working safely within a cleanroom environment, following strict safety, environmental, and contamination control procedures.
• The confidence to take ownership of equipment, understanding how to support uptime, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Strong communication skills, learning how to clearly document work and share updates with team members and stakeholders.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a wider team in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• A proactive mindset, learning how to identify opportunities for improvement and contribute to making equipment and processes better.

Skills and Entry Requirements

Essential qualifications

• A‑levels (or equivalent) including Mathematics at B and an additional science subject at B, or a relevant Level 3 engineering qualification including BTEC Extended Diploma and T Levels in an engineering‑related discipline or are predicted to gain the qualification before the course starts.

Essential skills or qualities

• A passion for engineering, with a desire to understand how things work and how to fix them.
• Practical curiosity — you enjoy building, taking things apart, or working with tools, electronics, or mechanical systems (this could be from hobbies, projects, or schoolwork).
• A good foundation in maths and science, with the ability to apply logical thinking to solve problems.
• An organised and methodical approach, with attention to detail when following instructions or working on equipment.
• A willingness to learn and develop new technical skills, both on the job and through academic study.
• Good communication skills, with the confidence to ask questions and share ideas.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A positive, proactive attitude and a sense of responsibility for your work.
• An interest in working in a fast‑paced, high‑tech manufacturing environment.

Desired skills or experience

• Some prior exposure to mechanical or electrical systems experience in laboratory or workshop settings.
• Hand skills in maintenance/repair or assembly.

Benefits

• Pension scheme
• Private medical & dental insurance
• 28 days’ holiday + bank holidays
• Free onsite meals
• Onsite gym