Apprentice Quality Engineer

Costain; Camberley; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Costain invites applications for a Quality Inspection Apprenticeship, based on-site across Thames Valley and Thames South regions. You will inspect welds, verify measurements, and produce detailed records while supporting the project team.

The program blends on-the-job learning with off-the-job training and an end point assessment. Join Costain’s Early Careers network, work with experienced teams, and gain technical welding inspection skills across AMP8 projects in water and civil schemes.

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths, English and Science are required.
• Interest in engineering with willingness to learn and develop.
• Strong IT skills with Microsoft Office.
• Ability to work accurately and as part of a team.
• Good organisation, time management and communication skills.
• Demonstrate health, safety and environmental awareness.

Responsibilities

• Support inspection at supplier facilities and document observations.
• Produce accurate inspection records and reports.
• Assist with safety and quality control during welding/inspection processes.
• Participate in CPD and training to complete end point assessment.
• Collaborate with the team and site personnel on projects.

Skills

IT proficiency

Team player

Communication skills

Time management

Education

GCSEs including Maths English and Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the role

The quality Inspection apprentice will perform inspection work at the suppliers manufacturing facilities, checking the safety and integrity of the construction. A Quality Apprentice works individually or interacts with an inspection team. They operate in a challenging environment where quality standards are paramount, and safety is the overriding priority. This work will involve conducting detailed observations, making detailed records, giving technical feedback and providing challenge throughout the manufacturing process. Working conditions may involve wearing specialist safety equipment, shift working and working on sites and facilities running 365-day operations. In addition to the inspection work, the quality inspection apprentice will work towards completing and pass the end point assessment to be awarded the qualification certificate.

About the project

Costain are working with Thames Water on a variety of water and wastewater projects and have fantastic opportunities for individuals to join our growing AMP8 delivery team, working predominantly across the Thames Valley and Thames South regions. There is a mix of projects ranging from smaller capital maintenance to large civil new build schemes.

Apprenticeships at Costain

At Costain, we’ve got an exciting range of apprenticeships available—working on innovative projects across the UK in sectors like highways, rail, integrated transport, water, energy, and nuclear & defence. There’s truly something for everyone.

Our apprenticeships run from Level 2 to Level 6, with durations of 1 to 6 years. We’ll work with you to find the best route based on your current qualifications, skills, and preferred way of learning.

Being an apprentice means you’ll get the best of both worlds: earning while you learn. You’ll be gaining real experience day-to-day with your team, alongside off-the-job learning with your apprenticeship provider and other apprentices in similar roles.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll be supported every step of the way—by your line manager and team, the Costain Early Careers Team, and your training provider (which could be a college, a university, or an independent training provider).

You’ll also have dedicated time to study with your provider. Your on-site work will be matched to the needs of the project, and it’s designed to ensure you’re building the technical skills and competencies you need to successfully complete your apprenticeship.

And to make it even better, we recommend joining our Graduate and Apprentice network (GRaAPs). It’s a great way to meet other Early Careers colleagues, learn about exciting projects and teams across Costain, and find support and inspiration for what you do next.

Many of our projects are delivered through joint ventures, too—so you’ll have the opportunity to meet even more apprentices and learn from partners, sharing skills and working practices along the way.

• Comply with legislation and regulations, policy, standards and procedures
• Comply with health and safety, and environmental and sustainability regulations and guidance
• Receive, read, and interpret engineering data and documentation
• Conduct inspection and surveillance of welded products to verify compliance with the appropriate specifications, procedures, drawings, and inspection and test plans
• Verify that the correct, defined and calibrated measurement and test equipment is used
• Produce accurate and timely inspection reports
• Resolve problems that occur within the activity using a structured and controlled approach. For example, unexpected technical or process issues, team related issues, escalating as required
• Validate materials, equipment and consumables storage, condition and certification and the welding process is in accordance with an approved procedure. Verify qualified status of welder and check weld fit up and weld faces
• Carry out process and parameter monitoring and verification. For example, check current, voltage, heat and travel speed are in accordance with the welding procedure and inspect the weld root and verify inter run.
• Carry out visual inspection, non-destructive testing techniques, for example, liquid penetrant testing (LPI), magnetic particle inspection (MPI), for weld appearance and identification checks when SQEP validation allows
• Ensure Life Time Records (LTRs) are generated concurrent with manufacturing activities, and ensure verification of records is carried out in a timely manner and report deviations to this process, Review the final LTR package
• Carry out and record formal and informal workplace training and development activities, continual professional development (CPD)

• Minimum five GCSE Grades 9-4 (or A*- C) including Maths, English and Science

About you

• To enable us to fully assess your application, please ensure your application includes details of your educational qualifications at GCSE or equivalent level.
• Passionate about engineering with a willingness to learn and develop
• IT proficient (i.e. Microsoft Office)
• Able to work accurately and appreciate its importance to the team
• Able to build and maintain positive working relationships
• The ability to thrive in pressured situations
• The ability to empathise and communicate with all people, regardless of their background or circumstances
• Good organisation and time management skills
• Team player with excellent communication skills
• Always work with consideration of Health, Safety and the Environment.

*Please note that if you are invited to interview, we will require you to produce your passport and/or right to work documentation.

Please note that if we receive a high volume of applications, we may close the vacancy earlier than the stated deadline - we strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
After we've reviewed applications, the vacancy may be re-opened so please keep an eye out on any updates!