Manufacturing Higher Apprentice (Level 4)

Siemens; Chippenham; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 19,000; Full time

Job summary

Siemens in Chippenham is seeking a Level 4 Manufacturing Apprentice for a 24-month programme. You will work on safety-critical railway signalling assembly, testing and integration, with day-to-day operations and leadership exposure.

The apprenticeship includes virtual day release with Qualitrain as the training provider. The role leads to a permanent position on successful completion, aligning to a Level 4 Process Leader standard with a strong emphasis on compliance, quality, and continuous

Qualifications

• Achieve or be on track to achieve required academic qualifications for the apprenticeship.
• Demonstrate potential in problem solving and practical learning.
• Commitment to safety standards and quality in a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in production and assembly of railway signalling assets with precision.
• Support KPI tracking and contribute to Right First Time goals.
• Participate in Lean 5S activities to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Adhere to safety and regulatory standards across daily tasks.

Skills

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Problem solving

Willingness to learn

Education

Three A Levels or equivalent

Five GCSEs including Maths and English

Tools

Lean Manufacturing

5S

Safety compliance

Job description

Overview

Imagine contributing to projects that help move millions of people every day?

Embark on your journey with us, combining hands-on experience with structured development. Through technical training, apprenticeship development days and mentoring, you’ll built your skills working on meaningful projects. You’ll collaborate with other apprentices across the business, present your achievements and deliver an Apprentice Excellence Project by proposing a change to a business process. You’ll be aligned to a role in the business from day one, giving you clear focus for your development throughout the programme and a permanent role to move into upon successful completion of your apprenticeship.

As an Apprentice, you will be working towards the achievement of an apprenticeship standard, with defined knowledge, skills and behavior criteria that will be developed throughout your programme with us and your training provider.

This role will align to the LEVEL 4, Process Leader apprenticeship standard.

The anticipated delivery model is virtual day release, with an estimated apprenticeship duration of 24 months. The expected provider for this programme is Qualitrain.

The role will be based in the Chippenham manufacturing facility reporting to the production manager.

Role Overview

• As a Level 4 Manufacturing Apprentice, you will play a key role in our safety-critical production.
• This apprenticeship will involve precision hands-on electronics, electrical and mechanical assembly, test and inspection as well as gaining an understanding of operational leadership.
• You will be involved in the day-to-day operations, lead team activities, and play a key role in ensuring direct production operations deliver against core safety, quality, and delivery Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Given the safety-critical nature of railway signalling, accuracy and adherence to standards are central to this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Production & Assembly: Execute and oversee the assembly, wiring, and integration of complex railway signalling assets (e.g., interlocking systems, track circuits, point machines, and lineside equipment).
• KPI Management: Track, report, and drive performance against critical manufacturing targets, including focusing on Right First Time (RFT) quality rates, TAKT time, and production schedule adherence.
• Safety & Compliance: Embrace our uncompromising health, safety, and environmental standards, ensuring all products comply with rail industry regulations (e.g., Network Rail standards, or equivalent) and SIL (Safety Integrity Level) requirements.
• Testing & Quality Assurance: Support functional testing and inspection of signalling components, identifying and troubleshooting technical faults or component deviations.
• Continuous Improvement: Utilise Lean Manufacturing tools to eliminate waste, improve workplace organization (5S), and minimize production cycle times without compromising product integrity.

Achieving Operational Excellence

• Executing High-Precision Assembly: Hands-on wiring, assembly, and testing of complex, safety-critical railway signalling assets while maintaining compliance with d Safety Integrity Level (SIL) standards.
• Achieving Production KPIs: Monitoring and driving key performance metrics, such as Right First Time (RFT) quality rates and TAKT time, to ensure day-to-day manufacturing schedules are consistently met.
• Leading Continuous Improvement: Utilising Lean Manufacturing tools and 5S methodologies to eliminate workplace waste, optimize production cycle times, and lead team operational activities.

What You’ll Need To Succeed

• You will have achieved or be on track to achieve 3 A Levels (or BTEC equivalent) at grade C or above and hold at least 5 GCSE's grade 4 or above including maths and English language
• Logical thinking, willing to self-learn and research, and take a creative approach to problem solving
• Ability to work independently, safely and responsibly; take ownership of challenges and ideas and are looking to develop your ability to drive and lead change
• Enjoy collaborating with others to find innovative solutions

As part of our recruitment process, all applicants for apprenticeship positions will be required to provide proof of qualifications achieved, as well as any qualifications in progress, prior to any job offer being made. This ensures that candidates meet the necessary educational criteria for the role

Transform The Everyday With Us

We value your unique identity and perspective and are fully committed to providing equitable opportunities and building a workplace that reflects the diversity of society. Come bring your authentic self and transform the every day with us!

We are a Disability Confident Leader and welcome applications from all individuals, including those with disabilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact your recruiter, who will be happy to support you.

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Applicants to all Early Careers roles must have the legal, unrestricted right to work in the UK and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future. We cannot consider applicants on Student, Graduate or other visas that would require sponsorship in the future to continue employment. Thank you for your understanding and interest in joining our team.