Employer Details
Ford Motor Company, is a global automotive industry leader, that manufactures or distributes vehicles across six continents. With about 202,000 employees and about 65 plants worldwide, the UK employ over 13,000 individuals.
The ONE Ford plan is transforming the business. Aligning the organisation into an integrated global team to accelerate; the creation of vehicles customers really want, reduce costs, introduce exciting new technology, enhance quality and improve efficiency.
At Ford Halewood Transmission Limited it develops and manufactures transmissions and employs c500 people. The Plant has a proud 59 year history as a local employer. Dedicated to manufacturing high quality product at the Plant, Ford are currently investing up to £230 million at the facility to transform it to build electric power units for future Ford all-electric passenger and commercial vehicles.
All employees are dedicated to the success of Ford Halewood Transmissions, but also of our customers and business partners.
Opportunity
Apprentices will complete a programme of both theoretical and practical learning over a four-year period. Initially, based at Waterside Training undertaking broad based training during year 1 in Electrical and Mechanical techniques before moving to a programme of working on site for a global organisation with experienced engineering technician's tackling “real life” activities. You will receive both vocational and academic training on and off site.
During the first year from September 2025 to July 2026 you will develop your skills and knowledge by attending Waterside Training Limited on a block release basis to carry out foundation training in Electrical and Mechanical techniques working from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30p.m.
Over the first two years you will complete a City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Engineering giving both academic and workshop skills. Additional training will also be completed during your apprenticeship to cover the requirements of the programme such as Health & Safety Training, Lean Manufacturing and specific training as required by the company.
From July 2026, you will commence your full site based training at Ford, 4 days per week with day release to continue your academic training. Your site based work will follow the Level 3 Maintenance Operations Engineering Technician standard and you will continue to attend your company site for the remainder of your apprenticeship programme.
Entry Requirements
English, Maths and Science Grade 4/C and above (Mandatory)
Practical subjects such as engineering (Desirable)
Skills Required
- Good Literacy and Numerical Skills
- Reading and writing skiils
- IT Skills
- Effective Communication Skills
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving
- Time Management
- Good organisation skills
- Good Work Ethic and attitude to work
- Adaptable and Flexible Approach to Work
- Initiative
Training to be Provided
Apprentices will complete a program of theoretical and practical learning. On completion of the broad based training individuals will work with experienced maintenance engineers on plant at Halewood tackling “real life” activities specifically studying in one core discipline being either Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. Typical working hours will be 37.5 hours per week and once onsite a willingness to work shift work on completion of the apprenticeship is essential.
You will complete a full year of foundation training at Waterside Training Ltd, this training will cover both Electrical and Mechanical practical training as well as other courses that will support your learning and develop your engineering skills.
In Electrical you will cover:
* Circuits
* Wiring
* PLC Programming
* Panel Building
* Fault Finding
* Electrical Power and Testing + More
In Mechanical you will cover:
Bench Skills
Hand Tools
Lathes
Milling Machines
CNC Machines
CAD + More
You will also be cross trained in many other courses such as risk assessment, health & safety, abrasive wheels, welding, gears & motors plus other courses as advised by Waterside Training Ltd.
From your 2nd year onwards, you will be based at site to learn your job role and complete full onsite training with day release to college to complete your qualifications.
Things to Consider
You must be able to travel to Waterside Training Ltd (St Helens) and also be able to travel to Ford (Speke) to complete your foundation training and on site training.
Your working hours will be Monday - Friday 8.45am - 4.30pm (First Year)
Shift work may be required in the later stages of your apprenticeship.
Future Prospects
The successful candidate will be a fully qualified engineer with qualifications in either Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.