Design Engineer - Degree Apprenticeship
Westwell Developments LTD · Rochester · posted 8 July 2026
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The Opportunity
Are you looking to build a career in the "heavy" side of engineering? HW, a leader in heavy engineering and bespoke fabrication, is seeking an ambitious Apprentice Design Engineer to join our specialist team.
Your Role
As an Apprentice Design Engineer, you will bridge the gap between a concept and a finished project. Your responsibilities will include:
Engineering Design: Using CAD software to create technical drawings for heavy fabrications and machinery components.
Problem Solving: Developing design solutions for "In-Situ" engineering—creating tools and parts that allow repairs to happen on-site without dismantling entire machines.
Workshop Collaboration: Working closely with our designers, fabricators and machinists to ensure designs are practical for manufacture and installation.
Project Documentation: Maintaining accurate technical records and compliance data for safety-critical projects.
Your training
You will spend one day a week at the University of Greenwich (Medway, Kent) and four days gaining hands-on experience at our facilities (Rochester, Kent), working on large-scale engineering projects that keep British industry moving.
Where it leads
Transitioning from a Design Engineer to a Project Manager (PM) requires pivoting from purely technical design to managing budgets, timelines, and stakeholders. The typical progression moves from Design Engineer → Project Engineer → Design Manager → Project Manager.
About Westwell Developments LTD
As a long-established, family-owned business, we have spent nearly a century delivering bespoke engineering excellence across diverse sectors—from Power and Sub-sea Cables to the unique challenges of Zoos and Theme Parks.
Things to consider
- Full UK driving license or learning to drive.
- A genuine interest in mechanical systems and the grit required to work in a fast-paced heavy engineering environment.
- Willingness to travel and work away from home.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE English (grade C/4) — essential
- GCSE Mathematics (grade C/4) — essential
- A Level Mathematics and a Science or Technology (grade 112 UCAS Points) — essential
Where you'll work
- Westwell Developments Ltd, Strood, Rochester, Kent, ME2 4DZ
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