Trainee Design Engineer (Apprentice)

A&F SPRINKLERS LTD; Rochdale; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bupa Private Healthcare

Life Assurance

Cycle-to-Work scheme

Employee assistance program

Job summary

A&F Sprinklers Ltd in Rochdale is offering a Trainee Design Engineer position to learn and contribute to the design and development of fire sprinkler systems. You will gain hands-on experience and work on live projects within a supportive team.

The role emphasizes a structured training programme, exposure to industry standards, and opportunities for progression in design or broader engineering teams. This entry-level opportunity suits motivated individuals joining our expanding team.

Qualifications

• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Basic IT skills (Microsoft Office preferred).
• Interest in engineering/design (AutoCAD knowledge beneficial but not essential).
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions.
• Strong work ethic and proactive approach.
• Reliable, punctual, and safety-conscious.

Responsibilities

• Support the design team and gain exposure to the full design lifecycle of fire sprinkler systems.
• Assist with drawings, calculations, technical documentation, and collaboration with internal/external stakeholders.
• Develop skills in design software, industry standards, and engineering principles while contributing to live projects.

Skills

Positive attitude

Good communication

Basic IT skills

Interest in engineering

Team player

Punctuality

Safety-conscious

Willingness to learn

Tools

AutoCAD (basic)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Join a Team That Puts People First

At A&F Sprinklers, we've been delivering expert fire protection solutions for over 30 years. Our team is dynamic, professional, and committed to excellence. We invest in our people and believe in progression, training, and long-term success.

Location: Rochdale | Hours: Full-time

Are you looking to kick-start your career in Design Engineering? We have an exciting opportunity for a Trainee Design Engineer to join our team in Rochdale. This role is ideal for someone eager to learn, develop technical skills, and gain hands-on experience in the design and development of sprinkler systems, building a successful long-term career.

Key Responsibilities

As a Trainee Design Engineer, you will support the design team and gain exposure to the full design lifecycle of fire sprinkler systems. This includes assisting with drawings, calculations, technical documentation, and collaboration with internal teams and external stakeholders. You will develop your skills in design software, industry standards, and engineering principles while contributing to live projects.

What We're Looking For

• Positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Good communication skills and attention to detail
• Basic IT skills (Microsoft Office preferred)
• Interest in engineering/design (AutoCAD knowledge beneficial but not essential)
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow instructions
• Strong work ethic and proactive approach
• Reliable, punctual, and safety-conscious
• Willingness to learn new systems and processes

What You'll Gain

• A structured training programme with hands-on experience in design engineering
• Support towards a nationally recognised engineering/design qualification
• Practical experience using industry-standard design software
• Ongoing mentoring from experienced engineers
• Opportunities for career progression within the design or wider engineering teams

What We Offer

• Salary - £16,000 per annum
• Hours - Full-time position with flexible working hours (flexi-time), allowing you to manage your schedule while meeting project and team needs.
• Leave - 28 days of annual leave to start (including bank holidays), with additional days awarded for length of service.
• Buy/Sell Leave - Buy and sell additional annual leave for those well deserved trips.
• Performance-Based Bonuses - Enjoy our company bonus scheme, paid twice a year in summer and winter.
• Bonus - Annual bonus through our Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), sharing the success of the business with those who help build it.
• Enhanced Family Friendly Policies - Benefit from increased financial support during the moments that matter most.

Health & Wellbeing:

• Bupa Private Healthcare
• Life Assurance
• Cycle-to-Work scheme
• Enhanced employee assistance program
• Health surveillance
• Wellbeing events

Career Development:

• Bespoke training programs
• Long service awards
• Opportunities to grow with us

Culture & Community:

• Employee-owned business
• Charity and social events
• Inclusive, supportive team environment

Diversity & Inclusion

We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and respected. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and ensure fair treatment regardless of age, race, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or nationality. We believe in looking after ourselves, each other, and the planet - because we're stronger together.