QC Technical Apprentice

Hitachi, Ltd.; Newton Aycliffe; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Hitachi Rail in Newton Aycliffe is offering a Quality Technician Apprenticeship that combines structured learning with hands-on exposure to inspection, measurement, quality documentation and continuous improvement. You will work alongside experienced professionals to support manufacturing of world-class rail products.

This role builds foundational skills in interpreting engineering drawings, conducting dimensional inspections, recording findings and driving root-cause analysis while upholding

Qualifications

• An interest in engineering, manufacturing or quality assurance.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Analytical mindset and problem-solving ability.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Confidence using technology and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop your understanding of quality assurance, inspection and manufacturing processes through structured learning and on-the-job training.
• Support dimensional inspections and visual quality checks on products and components.
• Learn how to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and quality documentation.
• Assist with quality inspections throughout the manufacturing process.
• Support the recording, analysis and reporting of inspection findings.
• Learn how to identify, record and investigate non-conformances.
• Assist with calibration and maintenance of measuring equipment.
• Work with colleagues across production, engineering and quality teams to drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain high standards of safety, quality and housekeeping at all times.

Skills

Engineering interest

Quality assurance

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Analytical mindset

Time management

MS Office

Education

GCSE Maths and English 4/C+

Job description

About Us

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.

Job Description

Quality Technician Apprentice

Hitachi Rail is driving the Mobility Transition, helping every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, seamless and sustainable transport. Our mission is to deliver superior, original technology and products for mobility projects around the world. Our products are designed to make sustainable mobility a reality across all areas of the global railway sector.

Everything that we do at Hitachi Rail is underpinned by our values:

Wa (Harmony)

We show respect to colleagues, customers, suppliers and stakeholders.

Makoto (Sincerity)

We act with integrity, fairness and honesty in everything we do.

Kaitakusha-Seishin (Pioneering Spirit)

We embrace innovation, welcome challenges and continuously improve.

Quality Technician Apprenticeship

Location

Newton Aycliffe

Are you looking for an employer who will support your professional development whilst providing valuable hands‑on experience within a global, innovative and industry‑leading organisation?

This exciting apprenticeship provides an opportunity to develop a career within Quality Control, supporting the manufacture and delivery of world‑class rail products. Working alongside experienced Quality professionals, you will gain practical experience in inspection, measurement, quality assurance and continuous improvement activities that help ensure our products meet customer and regulatory requirements.

You’ll learn how quality standards are applied throughout the manufacturing process and develop the skills needed to support inspection, testing and problem‑solving activities across a range of train projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop your understanding of quality assurance, inspection and manufacturing processes through structured learning and on‑the‑job training.
• Support dimensional inspections and visual quality checks on products and components.
• Learn how to interpret engineering drawings, specifications and quality documentation.
• Assist with quality inspections throughout the manufacturing process.
• Support the recording, analysis and reporting of inspection findings.
• Learn how to identify, record and investigate non‑conformances.
• Assist with calibration and maintenance of measuring equipment.
• Work with colleagues across production, engineering and quality teams to drive continuous improvement.
• Maintain high standards of safety, quality and housekeeping at all times.

Apprenticeship Programme

As a Quality Technician Apprentice, you will complete a recognised apprenticeship programme while gaining practical experience in a manufacturing environment. You’ll develop skills in quality inspection, measurement techniques, root cause analysis, quality documentation and problem‑solving tools, building a strong foundation for a long‑term quality career within the rail industry.

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for enthusiastic and ambitious individuals with a passion for engineering, manufacturing and quality. You will enjoy problem solving, be naturally curious and take pride in delivering high‑quality work.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• An interest in engineering, manufacturing or quality assurance.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• A willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• An analytical mindset and problem‑solving ability.
• Good organisational and time‑management skills.
• Confidence using technology and Microsoft Office applications.

Entry Requirements

• Must meet the eligibility requirements of the chosen apprenticeship provider.
• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent).
• An interest in engineering, manufacturing or technical disciplines.
• Good numerical and analytical skills.
• Right to work in the UK.

The successful candidate must, by the start of employment, have permission to work in the UK.

Our Commitment

We are committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. Through industry‑leading training, mentoring and development, we will support you in building a successful career within Quality and Engineering. We encourage internal progression and offer opportunities across our diverse UK and global business.

#LI-GF1

At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone. We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view. It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.