Job Description

As an Apprentice Design Engineer, you will work closely with our experienced engineering team to learn how to design, develop, and improve vehicle bodywork and components. You will be supported throughout your apprenticeship to develop the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the creation of new products and support existing designs.

Apprentice Design Engineer

Location:

Uffculme

Company:

Trucksmith

About Us:

Trucksmith is a leading vehicle body builder with a proud history of innovation and craftsmanship. Established in the early 1980s and still family-run, we design and manufacture some of the most recognisable light commercial vehicle bodies, including our renowned low-floored Lutons. Our focus is on quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.

Job Purpose:

As an Apprentice Design Engineer, you will work closely with our experienced engineering team to learn how to design, develop, and improve vehicle bodywork and components. You will be supported throughout your apprenticeship to develop the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to the creation of new products and support existing designs.

Main Responsibilities:

Assist in producing design drawings and 3D models using CAD software (SolidWorks and AutoCAD). Support the development of vehicle body designs that meet customer requirements and industry standards. Learn how to transform design concepts into prototypes for testing and improvement. Assist with checking designs meet relevant regulations and quality standards. Support the engineering team with hands-on tasks related to testing and development. Work with colleagues in production and quality to understand how designs are manufactured and maintained. Contribute ideas to help improve designs, processes, and products. Take part in learning activities related to Type Approval, quality processes, and health and safety.

What You Will Learn:

How to use CAD software to create accurate 2D drawings and 3D models. The process of taking a design from concept through to production. Understanding engineering principles relevant to vehicle design. How to follow industry regulations and standards. Problem-solving skills in a practical engineering environment. Communication and teamwork within a busy manufacturing business.

Skills and Qualities We Look For:

A keen interest in design, engineering, and how things work. Good attention to detail and a willingness to learn. Basic computer skills, with an interest in learning CAD software. Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team. A positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to take on challenges.

Entry Requirements:

GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths, English, and a Science or Technology subject (preferred). A passion for engineering and design. No prior experience is required, but any experience with practical tasks, design software, or hands-on projects is a bonus.

Company Culture:

Trucksmith is built on a strong foundation of craftsmanship, innovation, and a dedication to quality. Our team is passionate about engineering and always looks for ways to improve. As an apprentice, you will be supported by a friendly and experienced team who are committed to helping you succeed and develop your career.

Future Opportunities:

On successful completion of your apprenticeship, there may be opportunities to progress into a permanent Design Engineer role, with continued learning and development available to help grow your career.



Hours: 37.50 per week



About the employer:


Twenty one years ago at TRUCKSMITHA we found a new and innovative way around the traditional drawbacks of Luton vans: poor aerodynamics, causing higher fuel consumption; high floors, making the loading of large or heavy items difficult without an expensive, payload impacting tail lift and poor handling due to the high centre of gravity. We have worked to develop and improve this design over the decades and working hand in hand with Renault, we chose the Master Platform Cab, to create an entirely new breed of stylish, high-volume, low-floored vehicle. We have put this design and many variants through the exacting EWVTA (European Whole Vehicle Type Approval) process with flying colours to give you the exact vehicle for your requirements.



Requirements and Prospects:

Skills and Qualities We Look For:

A keen interest in design, engineering, and how things work. Good attention to detail and a willingness to learn. Basic computer skills, with an interest in learning CAD software. Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team. A positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to take on challenges.


A positive attitude, reliability, and willingness to take on challenges. A passion for engineering and design.


On successful completion of your apprenticeship, there may be opportunities to progress into a permanent Design Engineer role, with continued learning and development available to help grow your career.



Training Provided:

What You Will Learn:

How to use CAD software to create accurate 2D drawings and 3D models. The process of taking a design from concept through to production. Understanding engineering principles relevant to vehicle design. How to follow industry regulations and standards. Problem-solving skills in a practical engineering environment. Communication and teamwork within a busy manufacturing business.




Additional Information:

Entry Requirements:

GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths, English, and a Science or Technology subject (preferred). A passion for engineering and design. * No prior experience is required, but any experience with practical tasks, design software, or hands-on projects is a bonus.