25-0090 Structural Engineering Apprentice

Summary

You will gain practical experience in performing structural calculations, creating sophisticated models, and conducting testing. This apprenticeship offers fantastic career growth opportunities, allowing you to develop your skills, learn from industry experts, and advance within the company, ultimately becoming a seasoned structural engineer.

Wage

£22,000 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)

Hours

You will work Monday to Friday. Flexible approach to working hours (Core hours are 10.00am- 2:30pm).

36 hours 15 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 8 September 2025

Duration

4 years 4 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

Role & responsibilities

Utilise advanced software tools to create detailed structural models, ensuring they meet the required standards for validation and sign-off by the Lead Structural Engineer
Conduct precise structural calculations, justifying the integrity and safety of Portakabin products validated by the Lead Structural Engineer
Execute both internal and external structural testing as directed by the Lead Structural Engineer or Technical Compliance Manager
Analyse and interpret test data to compile comprehensive validation documentation, including structural reports and presentations, for internal or external approval
Maintain a high level of knowledge about current technological advancements and analyse opportunities for integrating new technologies within the business

Where you’ll work

Portakabin Ltd
New Lane
Huntington
York
YO32 9PT

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD

Your training course

Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)

Equal to degree

Course contents

Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges such as compliance, technology, technical or physical challenges.
Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects.
Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data or developmental or test evidence.
Manage assigned projects or programmes of work to meet the required specification, taking into account factors such as resource requirements, safety, quality, cost and performance or sustainability criteria. Apply processes for project or programme management including outcomes such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
Identify resources, such as digital tools or technologies, human, equipment, materials or data, to complete design and development projects or programmes of work.
Create and manage a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
Demonstrate leadership when undertaking product design, development, modification or update engineering activities.
Identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the design or development process, which may impact the quality and reliability of the product, system or component.
Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured and checked for safe operation before use.
Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options.
Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the product, system or component.
Complete project documentation checks throughout the activity and report non-conformances.
Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes or operational designs or specifications for products, systems or components to solve engineering challenges such as compliance, technology, technical or physical challenges.
Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve complex problems and determine appropriate solutions or actions such as Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC), Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA).
Collate and use a range of data sources and supporting documentation to support projects.
Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, project plans, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics using company documentation systems and guidelines.
Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data or developmental or test evidence.
Manage assigned projects or programmes of work to meet the required specification, taking into account factors such as resource requirements, safety, quality, cost and performance or sustainability criteria. Apply processes for project or programme management including outcomes such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
Identify resources, such as digital tools or technologies, human, equipment, materials or data, to complete design and development projects or programmes of work.
Create and manage a project or work programme plan and develop activities in a logical process embedding mechanisms for adapting to changing circumstances or requirements.
Demonstrate leadership when undertaking product design, development, modification or update engineering activities.
Identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the design or development process, which may impact the quality and reliability of the product, system or component.
Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured and checked for safe operation before use.
Evaluate engineering designs, development or modification options.
Identify areas for improvement and lead continuous improvement activities in the operation and performance of the product, system or component.
Complete project documentation checks throughout the activity and report non-conformances.

Your training plan

You will study on a Level 6 Product Design & Development degree apprenticeship on a Mechanical Manufacturing pathway. On completion of this, you will gain a Bachelors Degree in Engineering.

During the first year of the apprenticeship, your learning will take place at the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre based at Catcliffe, Rotherham, for a phased-block delivery over a 38-week period. After this, you will attend the Training Centre for one day a week for knowledge study with hybrid learning.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English Language (grade 4)
Mathematics (grade 4)

A Level in:

Engineering / Maths / Science (grade B / Merit)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Analytical skills

Other requirements

You will need ONE of the following: A minimum of two A-Levels at grade B or above, including a mathematical-based subject and a science, technology, engineering or an additional mathematics-related subject / An Engineering BTEC Level 3 with at least 120 credits at DM (Distinction Merit) level or above / EAL Diploma in an engineering-based subject at distinction level / Equivalent qualifications such as Technical Levels (T-Levels) at DM or above

About this company

As innovators in the science of building, we provide modular buildings for hire and sale, as well as supplying refurbished buildings and construction site accommodation. We deliver building solutions for organisations of any size, in sectors ranging from manufacturing, education and health to transport, utilities and construction. Portakabin employs more than 2,000 people across ten European countries with our head office and primary manufacturing facility located in York UK. As an equal opportunities employer, Portakabin is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective colleagues. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives and hire great people to build talented and diverse teams.

Company benefits

25 days annual leave + bank holidays with ability to buy an additional 5 days of annual leave. Contributory pension Health & wellbeing services including free health helpline. Employee benefits program (100's of discounts at hops, gym and holidays!)

After this apprenticeship

Completion of the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre apprenticeships are nationally recognised qualifications which are acknowledged and respected by employers across the world. These can open the door to many more opportunities, such as Engineering Management and Project Engineering positions across a range of sectors worldwide.

We have lots of fantastic success stories from previous apprentices who have gone on to achieve industry-recognised qualifications through
their apprenticeships and many of our past apprentices are still working within the business today or have gone onto having successful careers
elsewhere. We truly believe that we put our people at the heart of everything we do, and you will have the job security and development
opportunities that are rare in the current climate, so why not join us, and be a part of our continuing growth!

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

THE UNIVERSITY OF SHEFFIELD

AMRC Training Centre Recruitment Team

recruitment@amrctraining.co.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000309928.

Apply now

Closes in 7 days (Monday 7 April 2025)

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.

Company’s application instructions

Please follow the link to apply on the University of Sheffield’s AMRC Training Centre website and complete an application form. Once this has been received, it will be reviewed, and you will receive an email response with the next steps of the application process. Please note the AMRC Training Centre reserves the right to close company vacancies, should they get filled, ahead of the published closing date.

Cookies on Find an apprenticeship

Contents