Mechatronics Apprentice

Overview

Navantia UK is a new force in British industry, supporting the UK’s defence, energy and maritime ambitions. We are building state-of-the-art sovereign defence capabilities, modernising industrial facilities and bolstering the nation's energy security. Established in 2022, Navantia UK is a subsidiary of Navantia SA, a Spanish state-owned company with over 300 years of naval shipbuilding history. In January 2025, Navantia UK completed the acquisition of Harland & Wolff and its four historic facilities in Belfast, Appledore, Methil, and Arnish.

By combining Harland & Wolff’s heritage with Navantia’s global expertise, Navantia UK strengthens Britain’s defence, maritime and energy industrial capabilities, supporting jobs and economic growth across the UK.

The apprenticeship starts with a Level 2 in Engineering Operations. This general engineering apprenticeship covers Electrical, Technical Design, Fabrication, Welding and Mechanical Engineering. It typically takes about 12 months to complete. If you have already completed a Level 2 in Engineering Operations or equivalent, you will not have to repeat it.

After completing Level 2, you can proceed with a Level 3 in this specific trade area. The duration of each apprenticeship depends on factors including your ability, the type of apprenticeship and the location. Level 3 Trade-specific apprenticeships typically take about 2 to 2.5 years.

Your time will be split between study with your training provider and practical work in the yard. We have dedicated college partners at each yard to help you develop your skills and provide ongoing support throughout your apprenticeship.

• Interview & Assessment dates: 13–24 April (approx. 3 hours)
• Start dates: around August/September 2026

We are seeking motivated and enthusiastic individuals to join as Mechatronics Apprentices. This apprenticeship provides hands-on experience with industry-standard machinery and equipment while developing a broad skillset across electrical, mechanical, and automation technologies. Mechatronics integrates mechanics, electronics, software and control systems to design and operate intelligent systems.

• Welding, burning and fabrication skills, including marking out, reading drawings, MIG, MAG, butt and filet welds
• Operate and program equipment to cut, shape, drill, mill, or form materials with high precision (e.g., CNC mills, lathes, routers, plasma cutters, grinders)
• Fault finding and diagnostics
• Read and interpret engineering documentation
• Assist in troubleshooting, diagnosing and repairing electrical faults on motors, generators, controllers, switchboards and CNC machines
• Carry out preventive maintenance on CNC machines
• Record maintenance activities in line with company procedures
• Follow health and safety regulations and safe working practices (aligned to NVQ mandatory units)
• Use tools, test equipment and diagnostic instruments safely and effectively
• Operate and maintain machinery in a manufacturing or engineering environment
• Develop practical skills in electrical systems, pneumatics, PLCs and mechatronic equipment
• Support daily engineering tasks under supervision of experienced technicians and engineers
• Assist with diagnostics, fault finding, testing and maintenance procedures
• Complete required college-based learning one day per week and apply skills in the workplace across four days
• Work toward NVQ and BTEC qualifications through practical assessments and knowledge-based units
• Adhere to health and safety regulations at all times

Level 3 Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (BTEC) Modules include:

• Health & Safety in the Engineering Workplace
• Communications for Engineering Technicians
• Mathematics for Engineering Technicians
• Selecting and Using Programmable Controllers (PLCs)
• Principles & Applications of Electrical Devices & Circuits
• Electronic Measurement and Testing
• Three-Phase Motors and Drives
• Industrial Robot Technology
• Microprocessor Systems and Applications

VQ Components

• Year 1: ETCAL NVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations
• Years 2–3: ETCAL NVQ Level 3 pathway determined by employer

• GCSE…