Architectural Assistant (Degree) Apprentice

AtkinsRéalis; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering services firm in the UK is seeking an apprentice to work on real projects while earning a salary of £27,976. You will develop skills in engineering, project management, and client relations over a 4-year duration, starting on September 7, 2026. The apprenticeship offers comprehensive support towards professional qualifications and various benefits, including 33 annual leave days.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

Voluntary days for paid volunteering

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• GCSE qualifications in key subjects.
• A Level in relevant fields.
• BTEC in Engineering.

Responsibilities

• Develop your skills through diverse projects.
• Engage in client meetings and build relationships.
• Translate ideas into operational designs to solve engineering challenges.
• Use data to support projects effectively.
• Manage projects to meet specifications.
• Comply with all safety standards.

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Presentation skills

Analytical skills

Logical thinking

Team working

Creativity

Initiative

Education

5 GCSEs including English, Maths, and Science (C/4 or above)

A-Level in Maths and Science / Engineering (B/B)

BTEC in Engineering (D/M or above)

Job description

Overview

Our apprenticeships are designed to give you an insight into a wide variety of areas of work and the chance to explore where your skills and interests lie. Through a combination of on‑the‑job learning and practical skills development, you'll work towards your professional qualification. From day one, you'll work on real projects that offer scale and variety, collaborating with others and creating a meaningful impact on the world around us. You'll be supported by our leaders, technical specialists, your own dedicated mentor and our continuous learning and development framework. Not only will you gain valuable 'on the job' experience and work towards professional qualifications, but you'll also earn a meaningful salary from day one. We're proud to pay the Real Living Wage for our Level 6 Apprenticeships.

Responsibilities

• Developing your skills in a wide range of exciting projects
• Learning and using relevant design software and technology
• Being involved in client meetings and assisting in building key client relationships
• You'll get to understand and learn digital skills, to help us harness technology in new ways
• Your mentors will support you as you study towards nationally recognised qualifications and accreditation
• 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, and applying processes for project or programme management including escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
• Comply with statutory and organisational safety standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigating 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.
• An employee in this occupation will be responsible for ensuring the design, development and optimisation of mechanical or electrical systems, component or product performance, equipment integration or reliability and compliance of systems.
• Product design and development engineers will also be responsible for identifying and supporting opportunities for cost savings, efficiency and continued improvement in a business environment.

Qualifications

• GCSE: 5 GCSEs to include English, Maths and Science (grade C/4 or above)
• A Level: Maths and Science / Engineering (grade B/B (80 UCAS points))
• BTEC: Engineering (grade D/M/classification above)
• Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
• Communication skills, IT skills, attention to detail, organisation skills, problem‑solving skills, presentation skills, analytical skills, logical, team working, creative, initiative.

Benefits & Conditions

• Salary: £27,976 a year (Real Living Wage for Level 6 Apprenticeships)
• Start date: Monday 7 September 2026
• Duration: 4 years
• Hours: Monday to Friday, flexible timings, 40 hours a week (shifts to be confirmed)
• Annual leave: 33 days, including bank holidays; option to buy an additional 15 days or sell up to 5 days.
• Additional voluntary days: 2 paid annual volunteer days.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

About AtkinsRéalis

AtkinsRéalis is a world‑class engineering services and nuclear organisation. We are committed to creating sustainable solutions that connect people, data and technology to transform the world’s infrastructure and energy systems. Our global team of 36,000+ employees speaks over 70 languages and represents 130 nationalities across six continents. Our work covers transportation, infrastructure, environment, water, energy, defence, technology and aerospace.