Product Design and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeship – Level 6
This is a work-based apprenticeship course designed to help you become a chartered engineer.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
This Product Design and Development Engineer (Degree) apprenticeship would appeal to individuals who:
- Have a passion for engineering: Especially those interested in sectors like aerospace, automotive, motorsport, and maritime.
- Enjoy problem-solving and innovation: The role involves critical analysis, continuous improvement, and problem-solving to support research, design, and development activities.
- Are tech-savvy: The apprenticeship requires the use of advanced software packages like CAD, CAE, and CAM, as well as simulation tools such as CFD.
- Value sustainability: Engineers must consider environmental and sustainability factors in their design and development activities.
- Seek a dynamic work environment: The role can be plant-based, office-based, field-based, or a mix of these, and may involve working in harsh environments.
Entry Requirements
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.
What will you learn?
An apprentice on the Product Design and Development Engineer (Degree) apprenticeship will learn a variety of skills and knowledge, including:
- Engineering Fundamentals: Core principles in mathematics, scientific principles, and engineering techniques.
- Design and Development: Using CAD, CAE, and CAM software to design and develop products, components, and systems.
- Problem-Solving: Critical analysis, continuous improvement, and problem-solving techniques to support research and development activities.
- Project Management: Planning, organizing, and managing resources to meet project outcomes, including risk identification and mitigation.
- Compliance and Standards: Ensuring designs comply with national and international legislation, standards, and customer requirements.
- Sustainability: Considering environmental and sustainability factors in design and material selection.
How will you learn?
Apprentices will attend college on a day release basis for three years to complete the degree. Apprentices will also be assessed in the workplace, to build up a portfolio of evidence which will be presented for End Point Assessment (EPA).
What will you need to bring with you?
You are expected to bring note-taking equipment, such as a pen, paper, and/or a laptop.
How will you be assessed?
You will be assessed using a variety of assessment methods, this will include observations, completing job write ups, question and answers and witness testimonies from your employer. You will complete assignments and exams to achieve the Degree.
The end-point assessment (EPA) for the Product Design and Development Engineer (Degree) apprenticeship includes the following key components:
- 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.
- Professional Discussion:
A 60-minute professional discussion with an independent assessor.
Underpinned by a portfolio of evidence compiled before the EPA gateway.
- Gateway Requirements:
Achieve English and mathematics qualifications.
Submit a portfolio of evidence.
Pass any other qualifications listed in the occupational standard.
- Grading:
The overall grades available are: fail, pass, merit, and distinction.
Where next?
Masters Degree
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Is there any financial support available?
Course Information for Employers
Apprenticeship summary
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.
Are they any entry requirements for my apprentice?
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.
What is required from the employer in the workplace?
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).
Behaviours expected within the role
An apprentice in the Product Design and Development Engineer (Degree) program is expected to demonstrate the following behaviours:
- Safety Awareness: Always lead a safety culture, ensuring their own safety and the safety of others.
- Compliance: Ensure designs and developments comply with national and international legislation and regulatory requirements.
- Continuous Learning: Take responsibility for developing and maintaining their technical knowledge.
- Teamwork and Independence: Work independently or as part of a team to provide specialist research, design, and development.
- Resource Management: Plan, organize, and manage resources effectively to meet project outcomes.
- Problem-Solving: Use appropriate tools and techniques to lead problem-solving activities and identify improvement opportunities.
What qualification will my apprentice gain?
Level 6 Product Design and Development Engineer
What will the assessment look like?
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:
- 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.
- Professional Discussion:
A 60-minute professional discussion with an independent assessor.
Underpinned by a portfolio of evidence compiled before the EPA gateway.
- Gateway Requirements:
Achieve English and mathematics qualifications.
Submit a portfolio of evidence.
Pass any other qualifications listed in the occupational standard.
- Grading:
The overall grades available are: fail, pass, merit, and distinction.
Will my apprentice need to come into college?
The apprentice will attend college on a day release basis over three academic years.
Is there any specialist equipment required?
Note taking equipment such as pen, paper and/or laptop.
What progression can my apprentice expect after completion of their apprenticeship?
Masters Degree
What job roles will this apprenticeship be suitable for?
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
Will the college help me find an apprentice?
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.
Contact us
If you are an employer and you would like to know more, please email businessenquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or call 01332 387421
Career Information
This course could lead to one of these careers...
Aerospace Engineers
£53039
DCG Success Stories
Discover how our students have achieved success. Their hard work and dedication to learning has enabled them to succeed in rewarding careers or progress onto higher education.
We encourage progress and aspirational outcomes by guiding people onto learning pathways that lead to positive destinations. Our students have gone on to achieve great things since leaving the College. We would like to share some of their inspiring success stories with you.
Course Information Last Updated On: June 25, 2025 1:01 pm
