Apprentice Design Engineer

The Whittan Group; Telford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer of storage solutions in Telford seeks an Apprentice Design Engineer to support the design team in producing technical drawings, layouts, and Bills of Materials. This apprenticeship offers hands-on experience with CAD software and exposure to industry regulations while developing into a qualified Design Engineer. Ideal candidates will show enthusiasm for engineering and possess GCSEs in Maths, English, and Science. Benefits include competitive salary and 33 days holiday.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

33 days holiday per annum including bank holidays

Company pension

Life assurance

Employee discount scheme

Monthly STAR Awards

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle2Work Scheme

Flexi Holiday Scheme

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths, English and Science – essential.
• A-levels or a Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject (e.g., Engineering, Design & Technology) – desirable.
• Willingness to work towards an industry-recognised qualification (e.g., HNC/HND, Degree Apprenticeship).

Responsibilities

• Assist with evaluating technical requirements.
• Support senior engineers in reviewing customer needs.
• Help generate Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Learn about industry regulations and standards.
• Collaborate across departments.

Skills

Genuine interest in engineering, design, and problem-solving

Attention to detail with good numeracy and IT skills

Strong communication skills

Enthusiastic and proactive approach to work

Education

GCSEs in Maths, English and Science

A-levels or Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Telford

Sales

Full time

Permanent

The Whittan Group is the largest manufacturer of steel storage products in the United Kingdom. Operating through a number of market leading brands we design, manufacture and install storage solutions for commercial and industrial environments in the UK and Europe.

We are looking for a Apprentice Design Engineer, who will support the design team in producing high-quality technical drawings, layouts, and Bills of Materials while learning the principles of compliant engineering design. This role provides hands‑on experience with CAD software, exposure to industry regulations, and opportunities to collaborate with multiple departments. The purpose of the apprenticeship is to develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to progress into a fully qualified Design Engineer role.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with evaluating technical requirements.
• Support senior engineers in reviewing customer needs and project specifications, learning how to develop compliant and practical design solutions.
• Support in producing layouts and technical drawings.
• Use CAD software under guidance to create accurate drawings and layouts, building confidence in applying design principles.
• Help generate Bills of Materials (BOMs) – assist with preparing BOMs for system entry, ensuring all parts are listed correctly and learning how components are specified.
• Learn about industry regulations and standards – CDM 2015, SEMA/FEM codes of practice.
• Contribute to design costings – support sales and design teams by helping prepare design costings, developing awareness of commercial considerations.
• Provide technical support – offer assistance to colleagues and stakeholders, escalating queries to senior engineers as appropriate.
• Collaborate across departments – work closely with colleagues in sales, projects, and operations, developing teamwork and communication skills to support project success.

Skills & Attributes

• Genuine interest in engineering, design, and problem‑solving.
• Eagerness to learn and develop technical skills (CAD experience a plus, but not essential).
• Attention to detail with good numeracy and IT skills.
• Strong communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Enthusiastic, proactive, and reliable approach to work.

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths, English and Science – essential.
• A‑levels or a Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject (e.g., Engineering, Design & Technology) – desirable.
• Willingness to work towards an industry‑recognised qualification (e.g., HNC/HND, Degree Apprenticeship).

Company Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• 33 days holiday per annum including bank holidays
• Company pension
• Life assurance
• Employee discount scheme
• Long Service Awards
• Monthly STAR Awards
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Support from Trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• Medicash Scheme
• Flexi Holiday Scheme

The Whittan Group promotes equality of opportunity in that everyone who works for us and all job applicants will be treated equally, regardless of gender or gender reassignment, age, ethnic or national origin, nationality, race, colour, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.