You’ll complete a 42-month programme to achieve a Level 4 Production Engineering apprenticeship and a HNC in Engineering
Choosing a career is a big deal, right?
There are different options to consider, questions to ask.
So, to help make your decision that bit easier, let’s start with this question: What’s important to you?
We asked our current apprentices the same question and here’s what they had to say:
• Using the latest tech
• Career progression with tailored support
• A qualification without the debt
• Working in an inclusive, supportive environment where your potential, skills and perspectives are valued
If some of these resonate with you, you’re in the right place.
As a manufacturing apprentice, you’ll learn new skills, gain experience and be creative whilst developing a new career in a purpose-built advanced manufacturing facility with amazing bespoke equipment and cutting-edge technology, producing products through the whole lifecycle.
Our team have a wide range of experience and they’re keen to share it with you as you progress your career with us.
You’ll receive all the training, support and guidance you’ll need as you learn skills to enable you to help manufacture products and play an integral part in protecting national security. You’ll learn on the job, whilst also having a training budget to use for external courses.
Joining the manufacturing you'll have opportunity to work across multiple disciplines. You'll also gain knowledge of the wide range of machinery and processes that HMGCC has to manufacture products. Not only that but you’ll be helping to protect national security and go on to solve problems you won’t find elsewhere.
You will join one of the following teams:
Electronics
You’ll gain experience, supported by an experienced mentor, in how to assemble and build high-quality components and products according to design and documentation provided, using various techniques such as soldering, wiring and automated assembly. You’ll also gain experience in how to test products using a variety of test equipment and automated test environments (ATE). You’ll be introduced to quality assurance techniques and will develop the knowledge and skills to become an efficient and effective wiring and assembly engineer.
Mechanical manufacture
You’ll gain experience, supported by an experienced mentor, in manufacturing and assembling high quality components and products according to the specification, drawings and documentation provided. You’ll get the opportunity to use a variety of mechanical manufacturing techniques, including CNC machining (milling and turning), sheet metal fabrication, and additive manufacturing (3D printing). You’ll be introduced to quality assurance techniques, including the mechanical inspection of parts produced. With the experience you’ll gain from the work we do, we will develop the knowledge and skills to become an effective mechanical manufacturing engineer.
More About You
You will have or be predicted to achieve by September 2026:
- 5 GCSEs at Grade 4/5/C or above including Maths, English Language and a Science, Technology or Engineering related subject; AND
- 2 A-Levels at Grade A*-C preferably Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths subjects, but this is not essential; OR
- BTEC Level 3 Diploma (minimum 90 credits) in Engineering.
You’ll also have:
- An interest or hobby in how products are manufactured or in manufacturing processes.
- A desire to learn and expand your knowledge and skills.
- Experience of working as part of a team to complete a project or task.
Your Personal Skills
You’ll be the type of person who is:
- Creative and curious in their style of thinking.
- Keen to share ideas and work as part of a team.
- Open minded and willing to try something new.
- Passionate to learn and develop their skills.
- Professional, honest and reliable.
- Interested in making a difference and takes pride in doing your best in challenging situations.
The Scheme
Over the course of your apprenticeship, you’ll split your time between a specialist training provider completing the knowledge and competence qualifications of the programme and on the job training at HMGCC. You’ll also receive paid for membership with a professional organisation such as the Institute of Engineering and Technology.
You’ll get involved in real-world projects from the beginning. Throughout the programme, you’ll undertake various mentored work placements and customer projects which will give you hands-on experience to back up the theoretical training.
On completion of the scheme, you’ll have a solid foundation to begin your career as a manufacturing engineering technician within electronics manufacture or mechanical manufacture. You’ll have the opportunity to work across multiple disciplines, focusing on electronic development and assembly. mechanical design, prototyping and manufacture. Your development doesn’t end with the completion of your apprenticeship. You’ll experience a career that’s as varied and progressive as you want it to be.
About HMGCC
We’re HMGCC, the engineering specialists at the heart of the UK’s national security.
We work with the national security community, UK government, academia, private sector partners and international allies to bring engineering ingenuity to the national security mission, creating tools and technologies that drive us ahead and help to protect the nation.
We invest in our people, not only with training but also support throughout your career with us; to allow you to reach your full potential at work, as well as enjoy the life/work balance many aspire to.
To find out more about us and if we’re right for you, please visit our website.
What we Offer
Now that we’ve explained a bit about what you will be doing, here’s what we can offer you:
- A positive, collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 after 5 years’ service, plus bank holidays.
- 2 ½ additional days leave (set dates through the year).
- A competitive Pension scheme, Alpha.
- Relocation loan. If you are relocating to the area and renting a property, we can offer an interest free relocation loan of up to £2,500.
- Whether you are a person with a disability, part of the LGBTQIA+ community and/or from an ethnic minority background, we provide an inclusive environment, support and a variety of networks for everyone.
- Multi-faith Prayer room. This is a quiet contemplation room for staff to use for prayer or reflection.
- Mental health support. We have an onsite counsellor, wellbeing adviser and occupational health.
- Paid parental and adoption leave and neonatal policy.
- Free onsite gym, open 24 hours a day.
- On site café and restaurant.
- On site nursery (subject to availability).
- Free secure parking and allocated parking for car shares.
- 3 days paid leave a year to support a registered charity of your choice.
- Sports & Social Society. Whether its classic cars or baking, golf or crafting, we have a society for you. We also offer regular subsidised theatre tickets and on-site activities.
Equal Opportunities
Inclusion and diversity really matters to us. It's not just about numbers or visible differences.
HMGCC are committed to providing equal opportunities and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities or who are neurodiverse.
We’re not looking for any one type of person. We’re looking for talent from all different backgrounds to join our organisation, where we genuinely respect and value each other's differences, as well as our similarities. It makes us even better at what we do.
To find out more about our culture and inclusion and diversity, please visit our website.
We are proud to offer candidates the opportunity to apply through the Offer of Interview Scheme. The scheme ensures eligible candidates are selected for an interview as long as their application meets the minimum criteria for the role.
Apply now
Discover more by clicking ‘apply’.
Our recruitment team will process your application once the role has closed, and everyone will get a response.
Please note dependent on the recruitment requirements, we withhold the right to bring forward the closing date for this role from the original closing date.
Assessment dates
Below are the approximate assessment dates if your application is successful through to the next stage:
- Interviews – Weeks commencing 10th and 17th November 2025
- Assessment centres – Week commencing 8th December 2025
- Maths test – Week commencing 8th and 15th December 2025
Interview and assessment centre outcomes will be provided in January 2026.
