Product Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship – Level 6

This Product Design and Development Engineer (Degree) apprenticeship is ideal for employers who:

• Operate in diverse sectors: Including aerospace, automotive, motorsport, maritime, and other product design or manufacturing industries.
• Seek innovation and problem-solving: Apprentices will be trained to lead projects, provide critical analysis, and support research, design, and development activities.
• Value advanced technology: Apprentices will use cutting-edge software like CAD, CAE, and CAM, and simulation tools such as CFD.
• Prioritise compliance and sustainability: Ensuring designs meet national and international standards, and consider environmental and sustainability factors.
• Need versatile engineers: Apprentices can work in various environments, including plant-based, office-based, field-based, or a mix of these.

5 GCSEs including Maths, English and Science grades 4-9 (C or above) 

Level 3 knowledge qualification in Engineering such as a BTEC which must include Maths.

This apprenticeship is subject to a curriculum interview. 

Apprentices will require to attend all off the job training during term time to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the standard and complete their mandatory qualification. Employers will actively be involved in the 12 week review process and support target setting to develop the apprentices. Employers will support in preparing the apprentice for their End Point Assessment (EPA).

An apprentice in the Product Design and Development Engineer (Degree) program is expected to demonstrate the following behaviours:

1. Safety Awareness: Always lead a safety culture, ensuring their own safety and the safety of others.
2. Compliance: Ensure designs and developments comply with national and international legislation and regulatory requirements.
3. Continuous Learning: Take responsibility for developing and maintaining their technical knowledge.
4. Teamwork and Independence: Work independently or as part of a team to provide specialist research, design, and development.
5. Resource Management: Plan, organize, and manage resources effectively to meet project outcomes.
6. Problem-Solving: Use appropriate tools and techniques to lead problem-solving activities and identify improvement opportunities.

Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer 

The apprentice will be assessed using a variety of assessment methods, this will include exams, assignments, completing job write ups, question and answers and witness testimonies from the employer. The apprentice will build a portfolio of work-based evidence that they will present for their End Point Assessment (EPA).

The end-point assessment (EPA) for the Product Design and Development Engineer (Degree) apprenticeship includes the following key components:

1. Project with Report:

Complete a project and write a report (maximum 9000 words).

Prepare and give a presentation to an independent assessor.

The presentation with questions will last at least 60 minutes.

1. Professional Discussion:

A 60-minute professional discussion with an independent assessor.

Underpinned by a portfolio of evidence compiled before the EPA gateway.

1. Gateway Requirements:

Achieve English and mathematics qualifications.

Submit a portfolio of evidence.

Pass any other qualifications listed in the occupational standard.

1. Grading:

The overall grades available are: fail, pass, merit, and distinction.

The apprentice will attend college on a day release basis over three academic years.

Note taking equipment such as pen, paper and/or laptop.

Masters Degree

This Product Design and Development Engineer (Degree) apprenticeship is suitable for various job titles, including:

Design Engineer

Development Engineer

Product Engineer

Project Engineer

Research and Development Engineer

Simulation Engineer

You may already have someone in your organisation or someone who has come to you directly asking for an apprenticeship. But, if you don’t, we have a free recruitment service to help you hire the best candidate for your organisation from our talent pool and can provide external advertising through social media and the National Apprenticeship Service’s website.

If you are an employer and you would like to know more, please email businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or call 01332 387421