Manufacturing Apprentice Technician in Shoreham-by-Sea

This is an excellent opportunity to join Ricardo UK, a globally recognised strategic engineering and environmental consultancy, as a Manufacturing Apprentice Technician. Based at the Shoreham Technical Centre, the successful candidate will undertake an Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician L3 Apprenticeship.

What you will gain: You will work on real projects from day one, helping to deliver engineering programmes for our customers including some of the world's most prestigious automotive and industrial companies. Practical skills training will be supported by an appropriate academic qualification, delivered using a range of methods including College-based lessons and projects.

Key Areas and Responsibilities:

• Assembly line: Carry out the full assembly of a power unit across 10 stations, working from detailed instructions and adhering to multiple quality control checkpoints. Utilising automated Wi‑Fi-enabled tooling integrated with a Human Machine Interface (HMI).
• End of line: Overseeing the rigging and testing of multiple powertrain units daily, working independently with a strong focus on detail while following established written procedures.
• Logistics: Focusing on the delivery and processing of stock, with a strong understanding of lean logistics operations and the requirements for maintaining a continuous supply of parts to the production line.
• Rework: Participating in the diagnosis and repair of powertrain units, working with minimal reliance on detailed written procedures and leveraging product knowledge to complete repairs and accurately document outcomes.

Who you will be: Someone who already has a basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems and components along with knowledge of how software is used in modern products. Someone motivated and enthusiastic with the commitment to finish the apprenticeship to the best of your ability. Someone flexible in their approach to work, with focus on delivering to a high standard and attention to detail. Someone who possesses a good understanding of core GCSE subjects, including mathematics, science and English and basic knowledge of MS Office applications. Someone who possesses evidently competent practical skills or an aptitude to develop them.

Key Skills required: Good organisation skills, Good time management, Inquisitive, Enthusiastic, Keen to develop, Self-motivated, A good team player, Enjoys collaborating, Works independently, Flexible approach to work, Delivers to a high standard, Attention to detail, Interested in Engineering, Reliable, Punctual, Hardworking, Excellent Work Ethos, IT Literate.

Qualifications Required: GCSE Maths and English minimum grade 4 will be essential to apply for this apprenticeship. Basic knowledge of MS Office will be essential.

Working Week: 40 hours per week - Variable shifts depending on role rotation typically start times between 6:30am – 8am and finishing between 2:45pm – 4pm.

Salary: £17,000 per annum with a review after 6 months on successfully passing probation.

Future Prospects: Ricardo can provide an exceptional opportunity to start your career in manufacturing in a fast‑paced and exciting environment, working at the cutting edge of performance products. Following successful completion of the Level 3 apprenticeship, there are opportunities to apply for higher level apprenticeships beyond this qualification.

Things to Consider: This is a 42‑month apprenticeship and applicants MUST BE free from full time education to be eligible to apply for it and have the minimum qualification level to apply for it. Applicants MUST BE resident in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to the start of learning and have work authorisation for the UK. Applicants WILL NOT BE eligible to apply if they have already achieved a qualification which is equal to or higher than the apprenticeship standard on offer. Applicants MUST BE resident in the area local to the apprenticeship opportunity or be prepared to relocate in time to start employment and study. Applicants MUST BE committed to the learning and stay to the end of the apprenticeship. The start date for this role will be September 2026 with the apprenticeship learning from October 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited in for an assessment day on the 21st July 2026. Work will be onsite at the company’s premises in Shoreham with attendance at Chichester College at least one day per week.

Company benefits: include access to a subsidised canteen, on‑site gym, free onsite parking. Location is based a 15‑minute walk from Shoreham by Sea Town Centre.

Further Information: Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage (ANMW): The National Minimum Wage for Apprentices is £8.00 per hour (As of the 1st of April 2026). This is the legal minimum pay per hour applying to 16- to 18-year-old apprentices and those aged 19 and over in the first year of their apprenticeship. For apprentices 19 or over who have completed their first year and are continuing their apprenticeship, the National Minimum Wage appropriate to their ages applies.