Mechanical L6 Apprentice (Degree)

Edwards Vacuum; West of England; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

Edwards Vacuum invites you to join an Apprenticeship Programme in the Bristol area, with on-site training and a structured two-to-four-year pathway. You will study with UWE while gaining hands-on experience across engineering functions, contributing to design, development, testing and continuous improvement of vacuum equipment.

You will build practical skills, learn CAD techniques, create accurate drawings and BOMs, and participate in live projects under experienced mentors within Edwards’

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a willingness to learn.
• Must complete the UWE qualification during the apprenticeship.
• Exposure to design, development, testing and operations in mechanical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a two-year rotation across core mechanical engineering functions.
• Assist design, development and testing of mechanical systems for semiconductor equipment.
• Create and maintain drawings, bills of materials and CAD assemblies.
• Support system integration, verification, and root cause investigations.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Willingness to learn

CAD experience

Education

UWE qualification

UWE degree

Tools

CAD software

Engineering documentation

Job description

Your role

Ready to kick-start your career while gaining valuable experience and recognised qualifications? Join Edwards Vacuum in Clevedon through our Apprenticeship Programme and turn your potential into experience.

Depending on your chosen apprenticeship, your programme will typically last between two and four years, combining structured learning with hands‑on experience in the workplace. You will learn from experienced colleagues, develop practical and professional skills, and take on real responsibilities as you progress. With dedicated support and development throughout your apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to build your confidence and create strong foundations for your future career.

Main Responsibilities –

• Complete the UWE qualification during the first year of the apprenticeship programme, undertaking full‑time academic study.
• Complete a structured two‑year rotation across core mechanical engineering functions, gaining broad exposure to design, development, testing, and operations.
• Complete the UWE degree and attend all required learning hours throughout the apprenticeship, meeting both academic and professional training commitments.
• Support the design, development, testing, and continuous improvement of mechanical systems used within semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
• Contribute to live engineering projects, applying engineering principles to solve technical and operational challenges.
• Produce and maintain drawings, bills of materials, and associated engineering documentation. Creat accurate 3D parts and assemblies in CAD, applying correct constraints and ensuring designs are ready for manufacture.
• Assist with system integration, verification, validation, and troubleshooting activities.
• Support root cause investigations and the implementation of corrective actions.

To succeed, you will need

We value diverse experiences and perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the role.

• You demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a willingness to learn, and an enthusiasm for applying engineering theory in a practical environment.
• You embody our core values of Commitment, Interaction and Innovation, and are motivated to develop your technical knowledge and professional skills within a global engineering organisation.

In return, we offer

• Culture of trust and accountability
• Lifelong learning and career growth
• Innovation powered by people
• Comprehensive compensation and benefits
• Health and well-being

Job location

This role requires you to work on-site at our office in Bristol, United Kingdom (GB). You will be part of a dynamic team and enjoy the benefits of face‑to‑face collaboration.

About Edwards

Edwards is a leading developer and manufacturer of sophisticated vacuum products, exhaust management systems and related value‑added services. Edwards solutions are integral to manufacturing processes for semiconductors, flat panel displays, LEDs and solar cells. They are also used within an increasingly diverse range of industrial processes including power, glass and other coating applications; steel and other metallurgy; pharmaceutical and chemical; and for scientific instruments in a wide range of R&D applications. Edwards has over 4,000 employees worldwide engaged in the design, manufacture and support of high technology vacuum and exhaust management equipment. Edwards has state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facilities in Europe, Asia and North America.