Automotive Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprentice
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Company: AUTO MOTOR EXCELLENCE
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Location: Harlow, CM20 2HU
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: Competitive Salary
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Sector: Engineering and manufacturing
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Ref: NAS-2000048754
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Application Deadline Date: 25/08/2026
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Start Date: 28/09/2026
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Positions Available: 1
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Working Week: Monday to Friday, typically 8:00am to 5:00pm (exact workshop shift pattern to be confirmed). University attendance and study time are integrated into these working hours. Occasional Saturday morning workshop work may be required.
Brief Description
Ditch the desk job and build real-world engineering skills. At AutoNet VIP, you will get straight onto the workshop floor diagnosing mechanical faults, repairing modern powertrains, and testing components. You'll gain extensive hands-on experience while earning a fully funded BEng (Hons) at the University of Hertfordshire.
Training to be Provided
Qualification and Delivery Model You will study towards a Level 6 BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (aligned with the Product Design and Development Engineer standard) awarded by the University of Hertfordshire.
Training Locations
Workplace Mentoring & Practical Training: AutoNet VIP workshop, Harlow, Essex.
Campus-Based Academic Study: University of Hertfordshire, College Lane Campus, Hatfield, AL10 9AB.
Training Schedule & Structure
Blended Learning: Structured day-release or block-release attendance at the University of Hertfordshire combined with guided online study and workshop-based application.
Off-the-Job Training: At least 20% of your paid working hours will be dedicated to university study, coursework, laboratory sessions, and engineering projects.
Hands-on Workplace Mentoring: Daily, practical on-the-job coaching by experienced technicians and engineers at AutoNet VIP, ensuring academic engineering theory directly supports live vehicle diagnostics, teardowns, and repairs.
Progress Reviews: Regular formal Tripartite Reviews between you, your AutoNet VIP workplace mentor, and your University of Hertfordshire Apprenticeship Progress Tutor to monitor practical competency, academic grades, and portfolio evidence.
Future Prospects
Expected Career Progression:
Upon successful completion of the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship and graduating with a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, a permanent position within AutoNet VIP will be available for a high-performing apprentice.
As AutoNet VIP continues to expand its engineering capabilities across hybrid, electric, and high-performance vehicles, clear career progression routes include:
Lead Diagnostic & Mechanical Engineer: Taking ownership of complex mechanical repairs, major engine rebuilds, powertrain overhauls, and advanced root-cause fault investigations across combustion, hybrid, and EV platforms.
Automotive Design & Development Engineer: Applying CAD/CAM, FEA, and engineering principles to develop custom workshop tooling, bespoke replacement components, and mechanical modifications for specialized and high-performance vehicles.
Workshop Engineering Manager / Technical Lead: Overseeing workshop operations, managing quality assurance and health and safety standards, mentoring the next cohort of apprentices, and optimizing technical repair procedures.
Electromechanical & EV Specialist: Leading the technical implementation and diagnostics for next-generation electric vehicle powertrains, high-voltage battery systems, and connected vehicle technology.
Professional Registration: Full academic eligibility and practical experience to achieve Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status with professional engineering bodies such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), with a structured pathway towards Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Vacancy Detail
Practical workshop maintenance and repairs:
- Get hands-on daily dismantling, servicing, and rebuilding mechanical components across petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles—including brakes, suspension, steering, gearboxes, and engine assemblies.
Root-cause fault diagnosis:
- Investigate complex mechanical and electromechanical failures in the workshop using diagnostic equipment, precision measuring tools, and physical component inspections to identify why parts fail.
Engine and powertrain work: Support technicians with hands-on engine rebuilds, component replacements, transmission overhauls, and thermal management/cooling system maintenance.
EV and hybrid powertrain support: Work directly on modern electrified powertrains, assisting with high-voltage battery systems, electric motors, regenerative braking mechanisms, and electromechanical interfaces.
CAD modelling and practical design: Apply university engineering principles to produce 2D/3D CAD models and technical drawings for custom workshop tooling, replacement brackets, or component modifications.
Component testing and verification: Physically inspect, measure tolerances, and road/bench test vehicle systems post-repair to ensure safety, performance, and dimensional accuracy.
Workshop process improvement: Identify practical workshop challenges and get involved in hands-on engineering improvement projects to streamline repair methods, reduce waste, and improve tooling.
Technical documentation and safety: Complete detailed job cards, record torque and measurement data, and strictly adhere to workshop health, safety, and COSHH standards.
Other Information
UK Residency Criteria: Non-UK/EEA nationals without Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) must have been ordinarily and lawfully resident in the UK for at least the full 3 years prior to the programme start date.
Visa Validity Duration: Due to statutory apprenticeship funding rules, applicants on a time-limited visa must hold a valid visa/leave to remain covering the entire duration of the apprenticeship programme plus a minimum buffer (at least 3 months post-completion / End-Point Assessment).
Right to Work: Applicants must have unrestricted right to work in the UK and cannot be sponsored on a Student Visa (Tier 4) or standard Skilled Worker visa for this apprenticeship.