Process & Production Engineering Apprentice

Overview

This apprenticeship role is designed to develop practical engineering capability within a fast-paced electronics manufacturing environment. The apprentice will support both pre-production (front-end) and production (back-end) engineering activities, contributing to product readiness, process optimisation, and quality improvement across SMT lines.

Working alongside experienced engineers and production teams, the apprentice will gain hands-on experience in manufacturing processes, machine programming, process control, and fault investigation, aligned with the Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician standard.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Production Support

• Review and assess customer-supplied data (Gerbers, BOMs, pick-and-place data) to ensure suitability for manufacture
• Liaise with PCB suppliers to resolve design or manufacturability issues
• Prepare and optimise machine programs for pick-and-place equipment
• Develop and maintain component and product libraries to ensure accuracy and efficiency in production
• Support the introduction of new products (NPI), ensuring a smooth transition into production
• Assist in programming and refining 3D AOI systems to improve defect detection and first-time pass yield

Production Support & Improvement

• Support reflow oven profiling to ensure optimal soldering conditions and product quality
• Create and refine screen printer programs for new and existing products
• Investigate and resolve printing defects (e.g. paste alignment, volume issues, stencil performance)
• Investigate soldering defects and support root cause analysis and corrective actions
• Assist in optimisation of SMT placement processes, including:
  • Machine setup and changeover procedures
  • Component handling and splicing techniques
  • Job launch and ramp-up efficiency
  • Job completion and teardown processes
• Work with production teams to identify inefficiencies and implement continuous improvement actions

Quality, Process & Continuous Improvement

• Support data-driven analysis of defects, downtime, and yield performance
• Contribute to process standardisation and documentation
• Assist in implementing improvements to increase productivity, quality, and repeatability
• Develop understanding of engineering drawings, measurement systems, and process control

Training & Development

The apprentice will complete the Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Apprenticeship (Day Release), gaining knowledge in:

• Health & Safety
• Engineering communications and mathematics
• Engineering materials and processes
• CAD and engineering drawing
• Measurement and inspection techniques
• Continuous improvement and organisational efficiency

Workplace learning will be directly aligned to the apprentice’s role, with a portfolio of evidence built throughout the programme.

Reality Check

The role requires a high level of attention to detail, as tasks such as programming, inspection, and defect investigation directly impact product quality. Some activities can be repetitive and require sustained concentration, particularly when analysing faults or refining machine programs.

There will be exposure to manufacturing equipment (e.g. pick-and-place machines, reflow ovens, AOI systems), and adherence to strict health & safety and ESD (electrostatic discharge) controls is essential. Appropriate training and PPE will be provided.

The role may occasionally involve handling PCBs, feeders, and tooling, which can include light lifting. At times, there may be pressure to resolve production issues quickly to minimise downtime, requiring a calm and methodical approach.