Design Engineer Apprentice
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Company: Arneg UK
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Location: Sandy, SG19 1QY
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: Apprenticeship Minimum Wage
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Sector: Engineering
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Ref: VAC-14530
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Application Deadline Date: 31/08/2026
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Start Date: 01/09/2026
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Positions Available: 1
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Working Week: 07:30 - 16:00
Brief Description
Are you keen to kickstart your career in engineering design? Look no further and apply now!
Qualifications Required
GCSE (or equivalent) including Maths and English at Grade 4 (Grade C) or above.
A demonstrated interest or hobby in engineering, manufacturing, or hands on problem solving.
Personal Qualities
A proactive, problem solving mindset.
High attention to detail and accuracy in work.
Strong communication skills and a collaborative team player attitude.
Good time management and organisational skill to balance work and college commitments.
A genuine enthusiasm for learning and engineering.
Skills Required
Basic understanding or awareness of engineering drawings.
Introductory CAD or 3D modelling skills (experience in SolidWorks is a plus).
Strong numeracy and analytical thinking skills.
An interest in thermal systems, refrigeration, or thermodynamics.
Training to be Provided
Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician apprenticeship standard
Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths if required
Future Prospects
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there is an opportunity to progress into a full time Design Engineer.
Continued professional development.
Vacancy Detail
For over 30-years Arneg UK has been successfully serving the retail sector in the UK & Ireland with the business now being one of the UK’s leading suppliers of innovative solutions in retail display cabinets and associated equipment. Operating out of three facilities in Bedfordshire; our business has a totally integrated and flexible manufacturing plant where cabinets and components are produced to the highest standards.
This is a four year apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to build a career in engineering. Based at Arneg's Research & Design department, you will learn both the theory and practical skills needed to take a product from a drawing on a screen to a finished cabinet on the factory floor.
To make sure you fully understand how things are built, your first year will include valuable rotations across different factory areas, including Production/Assembly, the Metal Shop, Electrical, and Brazing.
As an apprentice, you will learn how to design, develop, and test commercial refrigeration equipment. You will build hands-on skills with 3D CAD software and learn how thermal systems work, all while working alongside an experienced engineering team on real projects.
What you will be doing day-to-day: As you progress through your training, you will get involved in:
Design & CAD Work: Learning to create 3D models and 2D engineering drawings using design software.
Lab Testing: Helping to test our prototypes to check their temperature performance, airflow, and energy consumption.
Manufacturing Integration: Working directly with our production teams to ensure your designs are easy to build on the factory floor.
System Science: Learning how the cooling cycle works, including key parts like compressors, evaporators, and condensers.
Continuous Improvement: Helping us find ways to make products more sustainable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective.
You will be fully supported throughout your apprenticeship, reporting directly to our Design Manager and Technical Director. After successful completion of your apprenticeship you will be awarded a Level 3 in Engineering & Manufacturing Support Technician.
Other Information
First-Year Factory Rotations: During the first year, the apprentice will spend time working across various areas of the factory floor, including Production/Assembly, the Metal Shop, Electrical, and Brazing. This foundational rotation is essential for gaining a practical understanding of our manufacturing processes before transitioning fully into design work.
Work Environment: The role offers a unique mix of office-based CAD design, practical testing in labs, and hands-on manufacturing experience.
Travel: Candidates should consider their daily commute to ensure they can reliably travel to both the workplace and the college.
Candidates must attend an initial interview with a member of our Apprenticeship Recruitment Team if they meet the initial criteria as part of the recruitment process.
Only Candidates who have fully completed the application will be considered.
Please be aware that the closing date is subject to change without prior notice.