Design Engineering Apprentice

Spaans Babcock Limited

Heywood (OL10 2JG)

Closes in 19 days (Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 30 July 2026

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Summary

An exciting opportunity to join Spaans Babcock Limited as an Engineering Operative Apprentice. You will work alongside experienced engineers, developing practical and technical skills across mechanical engineering, CAD, engineering documentation and project support whilst completing a recognised Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship.

Wage

£15,600 to £24,784.50, depending on your age

National Minimum Wage

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Engineering operative (level 2)
Hours
Monday - Friday 8.00am - 4.00pm.

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 28 September 2026

Duration

2 years

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

As an Engineering Operative Apprentice, you will become part of the engineering team, supporting the design, specification and development of mechanical equipment used within the wastewater and hydro-electric generation sectors.

The role is predominantly office-based, although you will have the opportunity to attend planned site visits when required. You will gain valuable experience working on real engineering projects and develop your technical knowledge with support from experienced engineers.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is keen to begin a career in engineering and is enthusiastic about developing their technical skills in a professional engineering environment.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Assist with the design and specification of mechanical components and equipment
  • Support the design of bearing assemblies, guards, lubrication systems and other mechanical components
  • Help produce, amend and update engineering drawings using AutoCAD or similar CAD software
  • Support engineers with the preparation of equipment layouts and lifting arrangements
  • Assist with inspections and technical assessments of screw pumps and associated mechanical equipment
  • Help compile technical reports, specifications and engineering documentation
  • Obtain quotations from suppliers for repairs, refurbishment work and replacement parts
  • Assist with organising project information and documentation
  • Support the ordering of materials and engineering components
  • Develop an understanding of engineering standards and technical requirements
  • Learn about health and safety requirements and quality procedures
  • Attend planned site visits when required
  • Work collaboratively with engineers, suppliers and other members of the project team
  • Contribute ideas to improve processes and ways of working
  • Carry out other duties appropriate to the role and level of training

Where you'll work

Unit 305
Phoenix Park Industrial Estate, Phoenix Close
Heywood
OL10 2JG

Training

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

Training provider

ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Training course

Engineering operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines
  • Identify and deal appropriately with any risks, hazards, hazardous situations and problems that may occur within the engineering environment within the limits of their responsibility
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills which include oral, written, electronic
  • Complete appropriate documentation accurately, efficiently and legibly using the correct terminology where required
  • Obtain and follow the correct documentation, specifications and work instructions in accordance with time constraints and the roles and responsibilities identified for the engineering activities, extracting the necessary data/information from specification and related documentation
  • Select and use appropriate tools, equipment and materials to carry out the engineering operation
  • Deal appropriately with any problems that may occur within the manufacturing environment within the limits of their responsibility
  • Work efficiently and effectively at all times maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste
  • Carryout fault location on appropriate equipment using suitable maintenance diagnostic techniques
  • Carryout maintenance activities in line with work instructions
  • Carryout tests on the maintained equipment in accordance with test schedule/defined test procedures
  • Follow appropriate completion activities and restore equipment to service by replacing or repairing components
  • Plan the mechanical manufacturing operation before they start
  • Mount and set the required workholding devices
  • Produce individual components, sub-assemblies or completed assemblies using mechanical manufacturing techniques
  • Carryout quality checks during and after mechanical manufacturing operations
  • Wire and terminate different types of cabling e.g. single core, multi core, screened, fire resistant, armoured, etc.
  • Assemble and test a range of electrical components e.g. component panels, isolator switches, fuses, circuit breakers, contactors, relays, rail mounted terminal blocks, etc.
  • Assemble and test a range of electronic components e.g. resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, etc.
  • Follow appropriate completion activities and restore equipment/system to service after the assembly and testing has been completed
  • Shape the materials using the appropriate methods and techniques
  • Join the materials using the appropriate methods and techniques
  • Produce components which meet the specification requirements
  • Carryout quality checks during and after the fabrication activities
  • Plan the materials, processing or finishing operation before they start
  • Prepare equipment, tooling, materials, etc. and complete set up activities before carrying out the materials, processing or finishing operation
  • Carry out the material, processing or finishing operation in line with specific safe working practices and specification requirements
  • Carryout quality checks during and after the materials, processing or finishing operation
  • Plan the technical support operation before they start
  • Prepare equipment, tooling, materials, etc. and complete set up activities before carrying out the technical support
  • Carry out the technical support operation in line with specific safe working practices and specification requirements
  • Carryout quality checks during and after the technical support operation

Training schedule

You will complete the Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship through Rochdale Training Association.

The apprenticeship will support the development of skills and knowledge in areas including:

  • Engineering principles and practices
  • Engineering drawings and technical documentation
  • Mechanical components and systems
  • Engineering materials and manufacturing processes
  • Quality assurance and inspection
  • Health and safety in engineering
  • Engineering operations and processes
  • Using engineering tools, equipment and technology
  • Professional engineering behaviours

You will receive regular support from your training provider alongside ongoing mentoring and development from experienced engineers at Spaans Babcock Limited.

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade 4)
  • Maths (grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Team working

About this employer

Spaans Babcock Limited is a specialist engineering company operating within the wastewater and hydro-electric generation sectors. The company forms part of an international group with over 120 years of engineering expertise.

This is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to begin a career in engineering, gaining valuable hands-on experience while working alongside experienced engineers on real projects.

As an apprentice, you will benefit from structured training, mentoring and exposure to a wide range of engineering activities, including mechanical design, technical documentation, equipment inspections and project support.

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Successful completion of the apprenticeship could lead to a permanent engineering position within Spaans Babcock Limited.

Future opportunities may include progression into roles such as:

  • Engineering Operative
  • Engineering Technician
  • Mechanical Engineering Support
  • Mechanical Design Support
  • Project Engineering Support
  • Further technical training and qualifications may also be available as your skills and experience develop

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Jacob Evans

jevans@rochdaletraining.co.uk

01706631417

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000045507.

Apply now

Closes in 19 days (Tuesday 15 September 2026 at 11:59pm)