Careers
Perkins Stafford apprenticeships
Each year, Perkins takes a number of apprentices onto its Apprenticeship scheme at the Stafford manufacturing facility, to start a rewarding career within the manufacturing sector. After successful completion of your first year’s study and practical experience – earning as you’re learning – you are given the opportunity to follow one of five skilled career paths: technical maintenance, machinist, assembly fitter, quality, engine test technician.
A Perkins apprenticeship introduces you to the world of work with one of the world’s most successful manufacturing companies. It’s also the way that some of our most senior managers started their engineering and business careers.
We are a world leading supplier of diesel and gas engines, and at Stafford make products to serve the 393–2183 kW market. During your training, we’ll pass on some of our 85 years of business excellence and experience to you.
Getting started
First year Craft Apprentices, generally spend two days a week at college, studying a range of subjects:
Year 1
Day release – two days
City & Guilds Diploma in Performing Engineering Operations
City & Guilds 2800 technical certificate in engineering
Employment rights and responsibilities
You’ll also spend two and half days a week gaining experience on the factory floor.
Work based placement areas include – machining shop, assembly, test and finish. When it’s appropriate, you’ll get hands-on engineering experience, under skilled supervision.
Year 2 & 3
Day release - one day
Apprentices will need to determine and follow through on their career path Advanced Apprenticeship
B-Tec in Engineering
NVQ Level 3 Specific to job role
Rotational development through the organisation
On-going development
All parts of your apprenticeship are important – we value technical qualifications, but also realise the true value of the know-how to be gained from working alongside our existing skilled employees. Best of all you’ll get the opportunity to learn from your own experience whilst you work under their supervision.
You’ll also be involved in training projects that we think will develop your engineering ability and sense of teamwork. For example Perkins apprentices support the “Perkins Tennis Ball Launcher Challenge” for local schools, along with many other community related projects.
The Apprentices will be enrolled as Associate members of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and become STEM Ambassadors. You will also from your first day earn a wage that’s comfortably above the Government’s minimum wage for apprentices.
Making a choice
At the end of the first year Craft Apprentices must make a choice from the different specialisations available. You will be guided into available skilled job rolls that are matched to your ability: Machine Shop, Assembly, Test and Finish or Maintenance Engineer.
Your college time will reduce to one day a week, as you’ll continue to study for the second year of your Advanced Apprenticeship.
For three and a half days a week, you’ll gain experience on the job, getting hands-on training and compiling evidence for your NVQ Level 3 qualification.
It’s hard work, but throughout your apprenticeship you’ll know you’re moving towards a career that can last you a lifetime.
Craft Apprenticeship - the final years
By the third year of your apprenticeship, college is behind you. You’ll be on site five days a week, still gaining experience and creating your own portfolio of work necessary for completion of your NVQ. Upon completion of your NVQ studies, you will be awarded your Advanced Apprenticeship Certificate as recognition of your achievement as a skilled employee.
You’ll move onto the first skilled pay grade, as a full-time employee – and we’ll encourage you to apply for Professional Engineering Status with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
At the end of your three years you’ll have your qualification and have gained real hands-on experience, and will have picked up Perkins emphasis on safety, quality, reliability, business excellence and high standard of customer service that makes our business a world leader.
Your apprenticeship demonstrates Perkins continued commitment as an investor in people.
So what do we want?
The Perkins Apprenticeship is designed for those who’ve completed their GCSE’s
Minimum qualification requirement is: 5 GCSEs (or academic equivalents) at grade C or above, including Mathematics, English and Science/Technology and/or engineering related subjects and experience – although for current employees who apply for the Craft Apprenticeship, we do take work experience into account.
You’ll need to demonstrate to us that you have the commitment, timekeeping and organisational skills that you’ll need.
The Apprenticeships we offer are tough and demanding – but we offer the prospect of training to internationally recognised Professional Standards
Apprentice Profiles
We think that one of the best ways for you to find out more about apprenticeships at Perkins is to hear from the people who have recently been apprentices.
Learn more
