Design Engineer

Engineering Design

Engineering Design

Our Engineering Design Apprenticeship is delivered at our Aylesbury Campus and meets the required apprenticeship standards for both Manufacturing Engineer and Product Design & Development Engineer.

The duration of the programme is four to six years and successful apprentices will gain a BEng (Hons) Engineering Design in either Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Production Engineering depending on the pathway chosen. Detailed information on all the available pathways is shown below.

To reserve places for your employees contact: apprenticeships@bucks.ac.uk or call 01296 744 202.

Year One

  • Engineering Design
  • Engineering Maths
  • Engineering Science
  • Managing a professional Engineering Project
  • Mechanical Principles
  • Fundamentals of Thermodynamics and Heat Engines

Year Two

  • Professional Engineering Management
  • Further Mathematics
  • Engineering Management
  • Lean Manufacturing
  • Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)

Year Three

  • Action Inquiry in the workplace
  • Advanced Mechanical Principles
  • Virtual Engineering
  • Thermofluids

Year Four

  • Design for Manufacture
  • Leadership and Management
  • Work-based Research Project

Year One

  • Engineering Design
  • Engineering Maths
  • Engineering Science
  • Managing a Professional Engineering Project

Year Two

  • Professional Engineering Management
  • Further Mathematics
  • Engineering Management
  • Electrical and Electronic Principles
  • Digital Principles
  • Electronic Circuits and Devices

Year Three

  • Action Inquiry in the workplace
  • Industrial Systems Principles
  • Analogue Electronic Systems
  • Industrial Power, Electronics and Storage
  • Further Electrical, Electronic and Digital Principles

Year Four

  • Design for Manufacture
  • Leadership and Management
  • Work-based Research Project

Year One

  • Engineering Design
  • Engineering Maths
  • Engineering Science
  • Managing a Professional Engineering Project

Year Two

  • Professional Engineering Management
  • Further Mathematics
  • Engineering Management
  • Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM)
  • Production Engineering for Manufacture
  • Quality and Process Improvement

Year Three

  • Action Inquiry in the workplace
  • Further PLCs
  • Advanced Mechanical Principles
  • Virtual Engineering
  • Manufacturing Systems Engineering

Year Four

  • Design for Manufacture
  • Leadership and Management
  • Work-based Research Project
Programme Overview

The programme matches the University’s philosophy and strategy including outward facing, externality and industrial involvement thus providing students with the necessary qualifications to underpin their knowledge and progress in their chosen careers.

Degree apprenticeships combine study and work-based learning to enable apprentices to gain a full degree. They have been co-designed by employers thus ensuring that apprentices are equipped with the skills employers need and look for in their employees.

An apprentice is a paid employee and does not pay any training costs or student fees.

An apprentice can be a new or existing member of staff and must not already hold a degree in that area or be receiving funding for other training.

The employer must employ the apprentice in a genuine role with a genuine salary.

The apprentice must have the right to live and work in the UK.

Individual employers will set the selection criteria for their apprenticeships.

Typically individuals will have 5 GCSE's at Grade C or above, including Mathematics, English and a Science, Technology or Engineering related subject, as well as A Levels at grade C or above in both a Mathematical based subject and a Science subject.

Or equivalent qualifications e.g. BTECs.

Product Design & Development - Engineers work on all stages of product creation, product modification and product componentry. They support activities ranging from early concept feasibility, Computer Aided Design and other modelling, activities and stages through to final preparation for launch and customers. This includes working in concept studios, rapid prototyping, assembly, testing, validating and analysing performance. Typically they work closely with suppliers and managers in bring new concepts to life or contributing to redesigns of existing products.

Manufacturing Engineers - Primarily support the activities involved in bringing design programmes into manufacture. This role is pivotal to the launch planning and smooth delivery of exciting new products or product refresh programmes. The focus is on the advanced manufacturing techniques and project management skills required to launch products on time, on cost and to the right quality. Typically Manufacturing Engineers work closely with a range of other engineers, functions and managers both within their own company and supplier base.

Modern high value engineering organisations require their apprentices to have a set of occupational behaviours that will ensure success both in their current and future roles and in meeting the overall company objectives.

Occupational behaviours include:

Safety mind-set

Strict compliance and a disciplined and responsible approach to manage, mitigate and avoid risk.

 

Strong work ethic

Positive attitude, motivated by engineering; dependable, ethical, responsible and reliable.

 

Logical approach

Able to structure a plan and develop activities following a logical thought process, but also able to quickly “think on feet” when working through them.

 

Problem solving orientation

Identifies issues quickly, enjoys solving complex problems and applies appropriate solutions. Has a strong desire to push to ensure the true root cause of any problem is found and a solution identified which prevents further recurrence.

Quality focus

Follows rules, procedures and principles in ensuring work completed is fit for purpose and pays attention to detail / error checks throughout activities.

Personal responsibility and resilience

Motivated to succeed accountable and persistent to complete task.

Clear communicator

Use a variety of appropriate communication methods to give/receive information accurately, and in a timely and positive manner.

Team player

Not only plays own part but able to work and communicate clearly and effectively within a team and interacts/ helps others when required.

Applies Lean Manufacturing Principles

Continuous improvement in driving effectiveness and efficiency

Adaptability

Able to adjust to different conditions, technologies, situations and environments.

Self-Motivation

A ‘self-starter’, who always wants to give their best, sets themselves challenging targets, can make their own decisions.

Willingness to learn

Wants to drive their continuous professional development.

Commitment

Able to commit to the beliefs, goals and standards of their own employer and to the wider industry and its professional standards.