Electro-Mechanical Engineering Operative Apprentice

Summary

Join NEMA Ltd as an Electro-Mechanical Engineering Apprentice and develop practical skills in electrical winding, mechanical assembly, motor build, testing and repair while completing your Engineering Operative Level 2 qualification.

Annual wage

Competitive apprenticeship wage (to be confirmed).

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

The pay may be negotiated and may rise after a probation period has been successfully completed.

Training course

Engineering Operative – Level 2

Hours

4 day working week

Monday – Thursday

Flexible hours between 6:00am – 5:30pm
9.5 hours per day

Duration

36-48 Months

Positions available

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

The role will involve the production of electrical assemblies and sub-assemblies, as well as testing, inspection and repair of precision aerospace components.

You will develop skills in:

Electrical winding – assembling conducting wires onto electromagnetic components manually and semi-automatically
Insulation and dielectric circuit testing
Mechanical assembly of motors and actuators
Bearing assembly onto shafts
High-speed rotor balancing
Magnetisation processes
Dynamometer testing
Assembly of printed circuit boards
Inspection to aerospace quality standards

Examples of products you will manufacture include:

Electric motors
Printed Circuit Board assemblies
Generators
Transformers and rectifiers
High-speed and high-precision electro-mechanical assemblies

You will work to strict aerospace quality standards where attention to detail, accuracy and consistency are critical.

Where you’ll work

NEMA Ltd
16 Chichester Business Centre
Chichester Street
Rochdale
OL16 2AU

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

ROCHDALE TRAINING ASSOCIATION LIMITED

Your training course

Engineering Operative – Level 2

Your training plan

Training will be delivered in partnership with Rochdale Training Association (RTA).

Year 1:
You will complete your NVQ Level 2 through a structured block release engineering programme, spending most of your time at RTA developing core engineering skills and knowledge.

Years 2–3:
You will progress onto NVQ Level 3, primarily based at NEMA with one day per week at college. During this stage you will rotate through departments across the workshop, gaining broad exposure to machining, winding, assembly, testing and inspection.

A key milestone will be producing a complete electric motor assembly and its constituent components from scratch, giving you a full understanding of the entire manufacturing process.

After completing your departmental rotations and motor build project, you will be placed within a specialist department where your development will continue in line with business needs and your strengths.

Subject to performance and attainment, NEMA may fully fund progression to Level 4 and beyond.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE Grade 4/C or above in Maths (essential)
GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English (essential)
GCSE Science or Engineering subject (desirable)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Strong interest in engineering and how things work
Good practical and manual dexterity
Ability to follow technical drawings and instructions
Strong attention to detail
Good mathematical ability
Ability to work methodically and safely

Other requirements

Personal Qualities

Motivated to build a career in aerospace engineering
Reliable and punctual
Committed to high standards of quality
Eager to learn across multiple disciplines
Professional and safety-conscious

About this company

Established in 1954, NEMA Ltd is a Tier 2 aerospace engineering manufacturer supplying precision electro-mechanical products to leading global aerospace organisations. Operating to AS9100 Rev D standards, NEMA holds quality approvals with BAE Systems, Airbus, Boeing, Leonardo, Triumph and other major aerospace manufacturers.

Over 95% of manufacturing is completed in-house, including precision machining, electrical winding, assembly, test, springs and metal pressings. This ensures strict quality control and provides apprentices with exposure to a wide range of advanced engineering processes under one roof.

In addition to design, development, prototype and volume production of motors, generators and actuators, NEMA also provides specialist electromagnetic consultancy across multiple sectors including aerospace, metal processing and high-voltage transmission.

This is an opportunity to build a long-term engineering career in a highly skilled, safety-critical environment where quality and precision are paramount.

After this apprenticeship

Upon successful completion of Level 3, apprentices may: