Apprentice Test Technician

Are you ready to kickstart your career in engineering? We're excited to announce that our Test department is growing, and we're looking for an enthusiastic Advanced Apprentice Technician to join the team in Portland, Dorset.

In this role, you'll be a key player in supporting our experienced engineering and manufacturing teams. You'll help deliver top-notch products and systems to the Defence Industry. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills, influence design, and take on the responsibility of applying a common approach to testing across the company.

This Level 4/HNC Apprenticeship offers an innovative way of futureproofing your career. You will work as part of our Test team and gain in-depth knowledge and skills in production and test engineering. You should be a critical thinker and an independent learner, able to take on the responsibility of applying a common approach to testing across the company, individually and as part of the team. Validated and delivered by a preferred supplier, you will work on ‘live’ projects and assignments related to and based on real experiences within our organisation. Completing this Level 4/HNC apprenticeship will give you the knowledge and experience to progress to a foundation degree in a relevant subject.

Why Drumgrange?

When you join Drumgrange, you will be joining one of the last independent, family-run engineering companies in the UK defence industry.

For a company our size, we have a wide portfolio of projects. From working out how to integrate land sensors onto their respective platforms to going out to sea to carry out trials, you can expect to work on a variety of interesting projects with meaningful, real-world impact with stakes that go beyond delivering value to the shareholders.

As a Drumgrange employee, you get a rare opportunity to be involved all the way through the engineering lifecycle, from the bid stage, research, design, development, through to product/capability integration and end-of-life support. With only a few levels between junior roles and senior management, hard work hardly goes unnoticed, and there are plenty of opportunities to create a change. So if you are looking to hit the ground running, have a passion for engineering excellence, and are interested in building a rewarding career that gives you a sense of purpose, you will be a great fit at Drumgrange.

As an apprentice at Drumgrange, you can expect:

·  Professional Growth: You'll work alongside experienced engineers, gaining hands-on experience and valuable insights into the industry. Our structured training programmes and mentorship will help you develop your technical skills.

·  Skill Development: From day one, you'll be involved in a variety of projects that will challenge and expand your abilities. You'll learn to use advanced testing tools and techniques, enhancing your proficiency in production testing and fault finding.

·  Career Advancement: As you grow in your role, you'll have opportunities to take on more responsibilities, influence design decisions, and contribute to the continuous improvement of our testing processes. This experience will be a strong foundation for future roles within our company or in the broader engineering field.

·  Innovation and Creativity: You'll be encouraged to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table. Your input will be valued in our collaborative environment, helping to shape the future of our products and systems.

·  A Supportive Environment: We're committed to your success and well-being. You'll be part of a supportive team that values collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning. Regular feedback and development discussions will ensure you're on track to achieve your career goals.

What you’ll do

·  Perform IPC-level inspections of electronic assemblies before test.
·  Production test for newly manufactured modules, units, systems and spares.
·  Assist and liaise with project teams on test requirements of products and systems.
·  Comply with all legislative and company health and safety requirements and safe practices and procedures.
·  Apply anti-static precautions in handling electronic assemblies.
·  Design and construct bespoke jigs and harnesses.

What you’ll need

·  To be over the age of 18.
·  Minimum 32 UCAS points with one A Level at grade C in a relevant STEM subject or equivalent AVCE or national diploma/certificate as well as 1 A-level in any other subject.
·  Strong interest in engineering with attention to detail and the willingness to learn and grow a career in Engineering.
·  Commit to completing ongoing education that can involve residential attendance at a suitable training provider/college or day release at a suitable education establishment.
·  Must meet the UK government’s eligibility criteria for apprenticeship funding.
·  The ability to be able to obtain Security Clearance with a minimum of 5 years permanent residency in the UK.

What you’ll get

         ·        Full engineering lifecycle with optional career path: Choose the direction of your career
  ·        Paid overtime or time off in lieu: Gain up to 24 additional paid days off per year or boost your salary with an authorised single-time overtime
  ·        Flexible working: We operate around the core working hours of 09:30 – 12:00 & 14:00 – 16:00
  ·        Role-specific allowances: Subject to individual projects and roles.
  ·        Holiday entitlement: 24 days per annum, plus public holidays. These are pro rata for part-time roles. A Christmas closedown occurs for most roles from 24^th December – 2nd January, utilising your holiday entitlement.
  ·        Pension scheme: Competitive employer contribution scheme
  ·        Private medical care: Access a network of 50+ private clinics and hospitals nationwide
  ·        Training and upskilling: We are committed to your continuous personal and professional development meaning that you have the opportunity to gain additional skills and qualifications
  ·        Monthly Payment Schemes: Save money on a new bicycle and cycling accessories and get fit too!
  ·        Company tech: Salary loans to purchase laptops, mobiles, and home office equipment
  ·        Relocation package: Available to selected candidates needing to relocate within easy travel distance of one of our offices - In line with HMRC guidelines - spend less time travelling and more time living

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and particularly from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our industry, including women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ individuals. Please be aware that many of our roles will be subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors including your nationality, any previous nationalities held, and your place of birth may limit the roles you can perform in our organisation.

We also support our Armed Forces communities, reservists and cadets and are proud advocates. Any companies wishing to contribute and benefit from a relationship with these organisations please reach out to us or visit https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/show-your-support/sign-the-covenant/