Mechanical Apprentice, based at Waterbeach nr Cambridge MA021

Mechanical Apprentice, based at Waterbeach nr Cambridge EA021

enable engineering transformation at Huxley Bertram

Huxley Bertram Engineering Limited designs and builds bespoke machinery, automated equipment and mechanical aids for clients operating in high technology and regulated sectors, including pharmaceuticals, nuclear, research and academia. Founded in 1979, we have delivered over 1,000 engineered solutions worldwide.

We are seeking a motivated, practical and reliable Mechanical Apprentice to join our engineering team. This is a hands-on apprenticeship role, based at our Waterbeach site near Cambridge, where you will learn how specialist machinery is mechanically built, tested, commissioned and supported.

The role combines practical workshop experience, supervised project work, formal apprenticeship study and exposure to live engineering projects. You will develop core mechanical skills, learn to work from engineering drawings and build documentation, and contribute to a professional engineering environment as your competence grows. You will study for the Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard Qualification.

Why Huxley Bertram

Founded in 1979, Huxley Bertram has delivered over 1,000 engineered solutions worldwide. We combine innovation, practicality, and simplicity to solve complex engineering challenges.

We encourage collaborative working, professional autonomy, and continuous improvement. Our work is technically challenging and varied, offering opportunities to develop skills across electrical, mechanical, and control disciplines.

In 2024, the company transitioned to an Employee Benefit Trust, reflecting our long-term commitment to our people, sustainability, and shared success.

What You'll Do

MECHANICAL WORKSHOP AND PRACTICAL SKILLS

• Learn and apply practical workshop skills including measuring, marking out, filing, deburring, sawing, drilling, tapping, reaming and fitting under appropriate supervision. 
• Work with a range of engineering materials, including metals and engineering plastics, using suitable tools, techniques and safe working practices.
• Support basic machining and manufacturing activities, including supervised use of workshop equipment and processes as appropriate to your training stage. 
• Maintain a tidy, safe and organised working environment, following workshop procedures and company standards.

MECHANICAL ASSEMBLY, BUILD AND PROJECT SUPPORT

• Assist with the mechanical assembly and build of bespoke machinery, automated equipment and mechanical aids under supervision. 
• Learn to interpret engineering drawings, parts lists, build documentation and project information.
• Support fitting, adjustment, inspection and checking activities to help ensure machinery is built accurately and to the required quality.
• Work with colleagues across mechanical, electrical and controls disciplines to understand how complete machines are designed, built, tested and delivered.

FLEXIBILITY AND ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage workload effectively in a fast-moving engineering environment with competing and changing priorities.
• Adapt priorities to meet business or client needs at short notice.
• Provide ad hoc support and practical input where aligned with the general responsibilities of the role.
• Undertake additional duties or small projects as your skills and confidence develop.

Who You Are

We are looking for someone who is practical, organised and motivated to contribute to a specialist engineering business. You do not need to be the finished article, but you should be ready to learn, communicate well, take ownership within the scope of the role and show care in your work.

ESSENTIAL

• Five GCSEs at grades A-C or 5-9, including Maths and English.
• Good practical aptitude and a genuine interest in mechanical engineering.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Organised, reliable and able to prioritise tasks with support.
• Good problem-solving skills and willingness to learn from feedback.
• Basic IT literacy.
• Team player with the ability to work on your own initiative when appropriate.

DESIRABLE

• Interest in machinery, automation, electronics, making, repair or practical engineering.
• Any relevant school, college, hobby or work experience involving practical technical tasks.
• Confidence using Microsoft 365 or similar digital tools.
• Interest in working within a multidisciplinary engineering business.

Why You'll Love Working with Us

Huxley Bertram offers a supportive, technically interesting environment where apprentices are encouraged to learn through real work. You will be part of a stable business with a strong reputation and a global customer base, contributing to varied projects that solve real engineering challenges.

Here is what you can expect:

• Practical learning through live engineering projects.
• Support from experienced colleagues across multiple engineering disciplines.
• A Level 3 apprenticeship route with formal study and workplace development.
• 40-hour working week, Monday to Friday, with flexible start and finish times around core hours of 09:30-15:30.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pro rata as applicable.
• Main office and manufacturing facilities in Waterbeach, near Cambridge, with access by cycle, road and rail networks

Future Prospects

On successful completion of the apprenticeship, the apprentice should have the skills and knowledge required to move into a full-time Mechanical Technician role, subject to business need, performance and ongoing development.

Role Details

• Vacancy title: Mechanical Apprentice.
• Apprenticeship qualification: Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard qualification.
• Location: Unit 53, Pembroke Avenue, Waterbeach, Cambridge, CB25 9QP.
• Number of positions: 1.
• Closing date: 7 August 2026.
• Working pattern: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Working hours: flexible start and finish times; required to be in the business during core hours 09:30-15:30.
• Pay: to be confirmed.

If you are looking for an apprenticeship where you can develop practical electrical skills, contribute to real machinery builds and grow towards a future Mechanical Technician role, we would be pleased to hear from you.

REF: MA021