Youd be amazed at the things we get involved with…
Weve got airplanes into the air, cars on the road, battened down the hatches on board ship, and reduced the CO2 footprint of commercial freight. Weve put bread on your table, pulled you a pint, put the shirt on your back and a phone in your pocket.
Imagine working for us - a global market leader in pneumatic and automation technology, where innovation and customer satisfaction is at the forefront of what we do.
The Opportunity
SMC is looking for motivated individuals with a genuine passion for engineering and a focus on customer satisfaction. Based in Milton Keynes, youll join our European Technical Centre (ETC), a key hub supporting customers across Europe with product design and technical expertise across a wide range of industries.
Youll work alongside experienced engineers to deliver high-quality, responsive technical support, while collaborating with SMC teams across Europe, our Engineering Headquarters in Japan, and manufacturing sites in the UK, Italy, and the Czech Republic. This ensures designs follow best practice and are ready for efficient production.
This is a varied, hands-on role offering real challenges, the chance to build valuable skills, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both your own development and the success of the business.
What will the apprentice be doing?
- Learn how products are designed, including choosing materials, components, and finishes.
- Build and modify equipment using drawings and step-by-step instructions.
- Understand how pneumatic and electrical systems work and how to design them.
- Test products to make sure they perform well and last over time.
- Use and look after workshop tools and equipment.
- Learn about important safety and industry regulations and how to follow them.
- Support customers by answering questions and helping solve problems.
- Develop confidence in communicating with both technical and non-technical people.
About you
You are a motivated and reliable individual with a strong interest in engineering and how things work. You have good problem solving skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn both practical and theoretical concepts.
A basic understanding of maths and science is important, along with the ability to follow instructions and work safely. You are a team player who can also take initiative when needed, communicate clearly, and stay organised.
Most importantly, you show enthusiasm, commitment, and a positive attitude towards developing your skills as part of an engineering apprenticeship. Oh, and good timekeeping is a must!
Entry Requirements
You will have a minimum of 5 GCSEs grades 4-9 (A-C) which should include Mathematics, English language and a Science or Technical subject at grade 6 or above.
Training provided
- Level 3 Engineering & Manufacturing Support Technician
- Ensure you read about the standard before applying to ensure it is the right route for you, have a look with this link: Engineering & Manufacturing Support Technician
- Training with Milton Keynes College: Milton Keynes
- Ongoing support and training with SMC
- Duration: 42 months excluding end point assessment
Future prospects
Following completion of your apprenticeship, you will become a Junior Engineer and use the skills, knowledge and behaviours gained to support the team in the design, simulation testing and technical support of special and new SMC products.
SMC champion employee development and following successful completion of your level 3, would be happy to support you on to a level 4 qualification and beyond to continue your development with a plan to successfully move forward in the business.
Closing Date:
Friday 3rd July 2026
We reserve the right to close applications earlier than the specified closing date if volume has been reached.
