Mechanical Engineering Graduate Apprentice (GA)

We are seeking motivated and ambitious individuals to join us as Mechanical Engineering Graduate Apprentices (GA). You will join an engineering team delivering end‑to‑end solutions for marine handling and defence customers. You will design components and assemblies, complete engineering calculations, produce detailed drawings and technical documentation, and support prototype builds and testing. The role includes structured rotations across the business including Design, Test, Production and Support functions.

You will have 1-to-1 mentorship from experienced engineers and regular university‑workplace reviews to give you the support you need to fulfil your degree. You will have a 5-day working week with day release to the university and dedicated time to study whilst at work.

What you’ll gain

• A degree – you will study towards a SCQF Level 10, Beng (Hons) in Engineering: Design & Manufacture (Mechanical) at Heriot Watt University for 4 years, which will be fully funded.
• Practical experience – Hands-on exposure to design analysis, CAD, manufacturing processes, testing, quality systems and international standards.
• Professional development - 1-to-1 mentoring, formal training, and opportunities to lead improvement projects that deliver measurable results.
• Career pathways – Potential specialisms in R&D, Design, Test, Bid Engineering, Electrical & Controls or Hydraulics and routes toward professional registration (IEng/CEng) through our established scheme.

Who this would suit

• High school leavers – school leavers with SQA Highers or equivalent who want to start earning while studying for a degree and build practical engineering skills from day one.
• College or HNC graduates – candidates with vocational qualifications or HNCs seeking to progress to a full honours degree while applying existing workshop and technical experience in a professional setting
• Career changers – people from other technical or non-technical backgrounds who are motivated to move into engineering and want a structured routed combining paid work, on-the-job training and university study.
• Hands-on problem solvers – those who enjoy designing, building and testing physical systems and want to see their ideas move from concept to finished item.
• Team players and communicators – individuals who can collaborate across engineering, production and commercial teams and who value clear, professional communication.
• Ambitions learners – people seeking a degree while earning and aiming for a long-term engineering career in defence or the marine sectors
• Practical problem solvers who enjoy designing, building and testing physical systems.

What you’ll need

• Entry Qualifications - One of the following qualifications:
• SQA Highers at BBBB including Mathematics plus Physics (or similar).
• A-Levels at BBC including Mathematics plus Physics (or similar).
• SQA HNC in an engineering discipline (or relevant Modern/Technical Apprenticeship) with Engineering Mathematics 1 & 2 (or equivalent).
• Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering alongside SQA Highers at BBB* including Mathematics.
• A combination of qualifications totalling 96 SCQF credits at Level 6 or minimum 106 UCAS points.
• Relevant experience will also be considered
• Skills and attributes – Strong numeracy, attention to detail, curiosity, resilience and confident use of Microsoft Office. CAD experience is desirable.

• Other - The successful candidate must satisfy Ministry of Defence security requirements. You should also be happy to travel and work away when needed.

Salary and Benefits

The starting salary for this role is £21,826, with staged increases as you progress through the programme.

You will also benefit from:

• Fully funded degree
• Dedicated study time
• Flexible working hours between 07:00 and 19:00, with core hours of 09:30 – 15:30.
• Competitive annual leave and family friendly policies.
• A supportive learning environment with a dedicated Learning & Development team.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and comprehensive wellbeing support.
• Onsite facilities including canteen and free parking.
• Generous company pension scheme and life insurance.
• Health initiatives including flu vaccinations and sick pay support
• On conclusion of your apprenticeship, choice of a 4- or 5-day working week to support a healthy work-life balance.