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Mechanical engineering operative apprenticeship

Rotech Laboratories · Wednesbury · posted 10 September 2026

Wage
£17,238 a year
Hours
39 hours a week
Duration
1 Year
Level
Intermediate (Level 2)
Standard
Engineering operative (level 2)
Starts
12 October 2026
Closing date
5 October 2026
Positions
1

Apply on the official government service →No Apprentice League account needed — we never gate applications.

MACHINE SHOP SUPPORT

  • Assist with cutting and preparing customer samples
  • Support the machining and finishing of tensile, impact
    and other mechanical test specimens
  • Learn to operate appropriate machine tools and
    workshop equipment safely under supervision
  • Identify and label specimens throughout the
    preparation process
  • Check basic specimen dimensions using appropriate
    measuring equipment
  • Deburr, clean and prepare completed specimens for
    testing
  • Assist with routine equipment checks, basic
    maintenance and housekeeping

METALLURGICAL SAMPLE PREPARATION

  • Assist with sectioning customer samples for
    metallurgical examination
  • Learn how to mount, grind and polish metallurgical
    specimens
  • Prepare specimens for microscopic examination and
    hardness testing
  • Maintain sample identification and traceability
    throughout preparation
  • Clean and care for preparation equipment following use
  • Monitor consumables and advise when replacement
    stock is required

LABORATORY AND WORKFLOW SUPPORT

  • Assist with receiving, identifying and moving samples between departments
  • Follow job instructions and help progress work in the correct order
  • Support the packing, storage and return of customer samples
  • Assist with stock control and organisation of tools and consumables
  • Maintain good housekeeping standards across all working areas
  • Provide general support to laboratory technicians as knowledge and competence develop.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

  • Complete the agreed apprenticeship programme and attend all required off-site training
  • Maintain training records and complete coursework within required timescales
  • Follow a structured internal training and competency programme
  • Work under appropriate supervision until formally assessed as competent
  • Develop an understanding of engineering drawings, dimensions and tolerances
  • Develop practical knowledge of materials, machining and laboratory sample preparation
  • Participate in regular progress reviews with Rotech and the training provider

QUALITY, SAFETY AND CONDUCT

  • Follow Rotech health and safety procedures at all times
  • Use required personal protective equipment correctly
  • Follow documented work instructions, laboratory procedures and quality requirements
  • Maintain accurate sample identification and traceability.
  • Report equipment defects, safety concerns, errors or damaged samples promptly
  • Take care of customer property, equipment, tooling and company facilities
  • Maintain good standards of attendance, punctuality and professional conduct

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your training

This is a Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship, Mechanical pathway, delivered over a period of 15 months
The apprentice will attend the training centre, In-Comm Training Services in Aldridge, WS9 8UG, 1 day per week for the first year, and the company for the rest of the time accompanied by assessor visits

Where it leads

The opportunity to begin an engineering career within British Engineering Services Group.

About Rotech Laboratories

ABOUT ROTECH LABORATORIES AND BRITISH ENGINEERING SERVICES GROUP
Rotech Laboratories is a specialist materials testing laboratory based in Wednesbury, at the heart of the West Midlands
engineering and manufacturing community. Established in 1956, Rotech provides independent mechanical, chemical,
metallurgical and corrosion testing, supported by an in-house Machine Shop and specialist sample preparation
facilities. Our work helps manufacturers, engineers and quality professionals understand material performance, verify
compliance and investigate component failures across a wide range of industries,

Rotech is part of British Engineering Services Group, giving our specialist local team the backing,
investment and resilience of a wider UK engineering organisation. The successful apprentice will join an established materials testing business with opportunities to learn, develop and build a long-term engineering career

Things to consider

  • Comfortable carrying out practical, hands-on work and working as part of a team
  • Practical engineering experience gained through school, college, hobbies or workexperience
  • Basic awareness of engineering drawings or
    measuring equipment
  • Interest in machining, metallurgy or
    mechanical testing

Skills they're looking for

Communication skillsAttention to detailProblem solving skillsNumber skillsAnalytical skillsLogicalTeam workingInitiativeReliablePunctualInterest in engineeringWork safely

Entry requirements

  • GCSE English and Maths (grade 4) — essential
  • GCSE Science (grade 4) — essential
  • GCSE Design Technology (grade 4) — desired

Where you'll work

  • Rotech Laboratories, Unit 6 Moxley Industrial Centre Western Way, Wednesbury, WS10 7BG

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