An exciting opportunity has arisen at Dacon Fabrications Limited to join our Engineering Team as an Apprentice Design Engineer. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll learn how to turn customer ideas into real‑world engineered products while developing strong technical, manufacturing, and design skills.
We’re looking for someone who is organised, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. You’ll need to be comfortable working on your own, but also confident within a busy engineering and production environment. Strong communication skills and good IT ability are essential, and previous experience with CAD software or design would be an advantage.
What you’ll be doing
- Converting customer concepts into 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings.
- Preparing engineering drawings and CNC programs from customer specifications.
- Carrying out in‑process inspection to ensure accuracy and quality.
- Requisitioning job‑specific materials for the purchasing department.
- Liaising with customers and suppliers to clarify technical requirements.
- Working with the Sales team to understand customer needs from drawings and technical information.
- Collaborating with Production and Tooling to ensure designs are manufacturable and aligned with production schedules.
- Using standard directories for parts, assemblies, and ancillary components.
- Applying standard drawing templates and consistent engineering methods.
- Investigating design‑for‑manufacture improvements to make products easier and more efficient to produce.
- Supporting continuous improvement by promoting “one best way” within the engineering department.
- Sharing ideas and supporting teamwork across the department.
- Spending time on the shopfloor learning manufacturing disciplines to support your development.
What we’re looking for
- Interest in engineering, design, and problem‑solving
- Good IT skills and strong communication
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Organised, proactive, and willing to learn
- Applicants should have min 5 GCSEs including Maths and English, with A‑Levels, T‑Levels or other engineering‑related study considered an advantage.
- Previous CAD or design experience, particularly using SolidWorks, would be an advantage but is not essential.
What you’ll gain
- A fully supported engineering apprenticeship
- Training in SolidWorks, CAD, engineering principles, and manufacturing processes
- Real project involvement from day one
- Mentoring from experienced engineers and production specialists
- A clear development pathway into Design Engineering or related roles
- Potential opportunity to continue your education beyond the apprenticeship, including support towards a relevant engineering degree programme where this aligns with your development, role requirements, business needs, and is approved at the company’s discretion.
Location & Hours
Full‑time 40-hour per week role based at our engineering and manufacturing facility in Gateshead.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Apprenticeship
Benefits:
Education:
- A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- CAD software: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: In person
