Technical Engineering Workshop Apprentice

  • Company: BFT Mastclimbing Ltd
  • Location: Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4SE
  • Type: Apprenticeship
  • Salary: Apprenticeship Minimum Wage
  • Sector: Engineering
  • Ref: VAC-14580
  • Application Deadline Date: 10/08/2026
  • Start Date: 07/09/2026
  • Positions Available: 4
  • Working Week: Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 5.00pm / Friday 8.00am to 4.00pm (2 x 30 minute unpaid breaks)

Brief Description

Are you looking to start a career in engineering? BFT Mastclimbing Ltd, based in Leighton Buzzard, are seeking four motivated and enthusiastic Engineering Operative Apprentices to join their team. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who have a genuine interest in engineering, manufacturing and practical hands-on work.

Qualifications Required

To be considered for this role you will ideally need to have GCSE grades 9 - 4 (A*- C) in English, maths and Science.

If you don't meet the entry requirements for this vacancy but are still interested in an apprenticeship, please contact our dedicated Apprenticeship Recruitment Team who can discuss this with you further - rstevens@bedford.ac.uk or 01234 291742

Personal Qualities

- Enthusiastic and eager to learn from experienced engineers and fabricators
- Strong attention to detail, with the ability to identify missing parts, defects or potential issues
- Positive attitude with a willingness to take on new challenges and contribute to the team
- Reliable, punctual and committed to maintaining high standards of work
- Keen to develop practical skills and confidence in using engineering tools and equipment, with full training provided
- Committed to working safely and following health and safety procedures at all times

Skills Required

- A genuine interest in engineering, fabrication and practical hands-on work
- Strong work ethic with a reliable, positive and enthusiastic approach to learning
- Ability to work effectively in a busy workshop environment while following instructions
- Good communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a team
- Willingness to learn new skills and develop technical knowledge through on-the-job training
- Basic problem-solving skills and a practical approach to completing tasks

Training to be Provided

Engineering Operative – Level 2
EAL Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations
EAL Level 2 in Engineering Operations

Future Prospects

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, there may be an opportunity to continue your career with BFT Mastclimbing Ltd, progressing into a permanent role as a Workshop Engineer or Fabricator while continuing your professional development.

Vacancy Detail

BFT is a mast climber family business that began as a scaffolding company back in 1997. This helped create the name: BFT standing for Boards, Fittings and Tubes. This old way of working at height wasn’t enough. Client demands were changing but scaffolding wasn’t. They knew it would always be slow to erect and dismantle, awkward to transport and always limit their ambition. That’s when they spotted the enormous potential in mast climbers.

The second they realised the speed and savings benefits over scaffolding, they knew this was the future and that they were the ones to lead it. For more than ten years, they've been proving the commercial benefits of Mast Climbing Work Platforms (MCWPs) to public and private sites across the UK. Five times more efficient than traditional scaffolding, they are proud to use MCWPs to save businesses thousands of project hours each year.

BFT are offering an exciting opportunity for four Engineering Operative Apprentices to join their experienced engineering and fabrication team. This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals who enjoy practical, hands-on work and are looking to develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed for a successful career in engineering and fabrication.

As an Engineering Operative Apprentice, you will work alongside experienced engineers and fabricators, learning how to build, repair, service and prepare a wide range of mechanical equipment and site-ready components. Throughout your apprenticeship, you will gain practical experience while contributing to the day-to-day activities of the workshop in a safe and supportive environment.

Your responsibilities will include assisting with a variety of fabrication tasks such as cutting, drilling, assembling and preparing components under supervision. You will support service engineers with equipment inspections, basic servicing, cleaning and the preparation of equipment ready for turnaround. You will also help ensure that ladders, handrails, mast guards, gates, panels and other equipment are complete, inspected and ready for dispatch to customer sites.

As your skills develop, you will learn a range of engineering and fabrication techniques, including the fundamentals of welding, mechanical assembly and the safe operation of workshop machinery and tools. You will be encouraged to take pride in producing high-quality work while following company procedures and health and safety requirements at all times.

The role will also involve carrying out quality checks to identify any obvious defects, missing parts or safety issues before equipment is sent to site. You will assist with handling and organising stock, including panels, cables, guards and other components, while helping to maintain a clean, tidy and safe workshop environment that supports the efficient day-to-day operation of the business.

This apprenticeship provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable industry experience, work towards a nationally recognised qualification and build the practical skills needed for a rewarding career within the engineering sector. You will also undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as your knowledge and experience continue to develop.

Other Information

Public transport is available close to the workplace. While applications are welcome from all suitable candidates, we encourage local applicants, due to the location of the role, although this is not an essential requirement.

Candidates must attend an initial interview with a member of the Bedford College 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.

Ready to start your adventure?