Apprentice Design Technician

Network Plus group; Higher Green; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 16,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Apprenticeship training

On-site travel

Job summary

Network Plus is recruiting an Apprentice Design Technician to support our design team, gaining practical experience in technical drawing, surveying, and utilities design while developing AutoCAD skills.

You will learn on-site information gathering, create as-laid drawings, and work with client standards. No prior design or engineering qualification is required; a full driving licence and access to your own car are essential for regular site travel, with comprehensive training provided.

Qualifications

• No prior design or AutoCAD experience required; training provided.
• Full driving licence and access to your own car for site travel.
• Interest in design, engineering or utilities sector.
• Good communication, curiosity and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Attend site visits and surveys with experienced colleagues to collect design data.
• Learn to produce as-laid drawings in AutoCAD following client standards.
• Collaborate with internal teams to gather information for drawings on time.
• Assist in arranging client walkthroughs and attend with the team.
• Support the design team in preparing technical drawings and plans.
• Assist in creating private land notice plans per client procedures.
• Provide updates to the Design/Commercial Manager on progress.
• Support documentation, record keeping and apprenticeship assessments.

Skills

Design interest

Curiosity

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Numerical skills

Communication

Organisation

Office software basics

Tools

AutoCAD

GNSS surveying equipment

Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook

Job description

Description

At Network Plus, we are committed to developing the next generation of talent. As an Apprentice Design Technician, you will gain practical experience supporting our design team while developing your skills in technical drawing, surveying and utilities design.

Working alongside experienced colleagues, you will learn to use AutoCAD, gather information on site and produce drawings that meet our clients’ standards. You will receive training and guidance as you build your confidence and take on more responsibility.

No previous design, AutoCAD or water industry experience is required. A full driving licence and access to your own car are essential, as the role involves regular travel to sites.

What You’ll Learn

• How to use AutoCAD to create accurate technical drawings.
• How to gather and record site information using GNSS/GPS surveying equipment.
• The engineering principles and design processes used in clean water and wastewater projects.
• How to follow client asset standards and drawing specifications.
• How to communicate with colleagues and clients and manage work to agreed deadlines.

About the Apprenticeship

You will combine practical workplace experience with structured apprenticeship learning. Our experienced team will support you as you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to build a career in design within the utilities sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend site visits and surveys alongside experienced colleagues to gather information for detailed designs and as-laid drawings.
• Learn to produce as-laid drawings using AutoCAD, following client asset standards and procedures.
• Work with internal teams to obtain information and help complete drawings within agreed timescales.
• Support the arrangement of client walk-off meetings and attend with colleagues.
• Assist the design team in preparing technical drawings, plans and general arrangements.
• Learn to create private land notice plans in accordance with client processes and specifications.
• Provide regular updates on your work to the Design/Commercial Manager.
• Support the design team with administrative tasks, record keeping and document management.
• Complete apprenticeship learning and assessments, applying your developing skills in the workplace.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

• A full driving licence and access to your own car.
• An interest in design, engineering or the utilities industry.
• Enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to learn.
• Basic IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Good attention to detail and a methodical approach to tasks.
• A willingness to develop your numerical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• The ability to organise your workload with support and guidance.
• A willingness to work both in the office and on site.
• You do not need previous design experience or an engineering qualification to apply. Training will be provided in AutoCAD, surveying equipment and relevant industry processes.

Job Benefits

We offer a competitive apprenticeship salary along with a full benefits package, structured training and support to develop your career.

Network Plus is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

We are Armed Forces-friendly. We welcome applications from ex-Armed Forces personnel, reservists, armed forces veterans, cadet instructors and military spouses/partners.

We understand that privacy and the security of your personal information are extremely important. By applying for this role, you agree to the terms of our privacy policy.

About Network Plus

Network Plus is an award-winning business delivering essential utility and infrastructure services for the UK’s major providers of gas, power, telecoms, transport, water, and wastewater.

We value the variety of experience, perspective, and other points of difference our workforce, clients, and supply chain offer.

We are actively working with colleagues across the Network Plus Group to develop an inclusive environment – we want all our employees to feel valued and included to enable everyone to thrive at work and understand the value of their contribution matters no matter their background, identity, or circumstances.