Product Design and Development Apprenticeship

In Product Design and Development Apprenticeship, the technicians primarily work on all stages of product creation and modification.

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  • Entry Requirements

    • 16 years or over.
    • The requirement will be decided by each employer, but usually 4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or equivalent, including Mathematics, English and a Science.

  • Duration

    Typically 45 months

  • Level

    3

  • Delivery

    A minimum of 30 hours of on the job training at work place per week including a day/ block release to study theory at our Uxbridge/ Hayes/ Harrow campus.

  • Employers involved in creating this standard

    BAE Systems plc, Semta Limited, Airbus Group, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Gama Aviation Ltd, Harrods Aviation Ltd, British Airways, Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group, UTC Aerospace Systems, Resource Group, MBDA (UK) Ltd, GTA England Ltd, Rolls-Royce plc, NFEC Ltd, GKN Aerospace, Royal Aeronautical Society, Royal Air Force Cosford, Royal Navy, Cooper & Turner, Nikken Kosakusho Europe Ltd, Edward Pryor & Son Ltd, Newburgh Precision, Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Siemens plc, Jaguar Land Rover, Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd, BMW, The Engineering Employer Federation, Leonardo Helicopters UK, Babcock International Group, Mersey Maritime Group

Key Responsibilities

In Product Design and Development Engineering apprenticeship, they support activities ranging from early concept feasibility, design and development stages right through to final preparation for launch and customers. This includes working in concept studios, rapid prototyping, assembly, testing, validating and analysing performance. Typically they work closely with engineers in bring new concepts to life or supporting redesigns of existing products.

Mandatory Qualifications

After a period of foundation skills and technical knowledge development all apprentices will be required to achieve the following qualifications

  • Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Foundation Competence)
  • Level 2 Award for Foundation Phase Gateway Assessment

After a further period of skills and technical knowledge development all apprentices will be required to achieve the following qualifications:

  • Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Competence) – Mechatronics Maintenance Technician

Plus the following

  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge).

Specific Specialist Knowledge and Skills

Specific Specialist Knowledge
understand mathematical techniques, formula and calculations in a product design and development environment
understand material applications and methods of testing (destructive and non-destructive)
understand Computer Aided Design (CAD) methods and applications
understand material joining applications and systems
understand mechanical, electrical, electronic and process control systems
understand measurement, monitoring, testing and diagnostic methods and techniques
Specific Specialist Skills
read and interpret relevant data and documentation used in the design and development of components, assemblies and systems
produce components and prototypes using a wide range of hand fitting techniques
produce assemblies and rigs using a range of materials and techniques
use mechanical, electrical and electronic testing devices and equipment
produce components and prototypes using a wide range of hand fitting techniques
prepare and using lathes, milling machines, as well as other general or specialist high technology equipment such as 3D printing/additive manufacturing techniques
produce assemblies and rigs using a range of materials and techniques
use a range of mechanical, electrical and electronic testing devices and equipment
apply mechanical principles and joining techniques to develop products, devices and equipment
apply electrical and electronic principles to develop products devices and equipment
identify, diagnose and rectify design problems through the whole creation process including design studio, workshops, test environments or under laboratory conditions
contribute to the business by identifying possible opportunities for improving working practices, processes and/or procedures
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