Apprentices participating in hands-on engineering training at Newcastle University BEng Product Design and Development Engineer Apprenticeship

Applications are now open for the September 2026 cohort of Newcastle University’s Level 6 BEng Product Design and Development Engineer Apprenticeship. The programme is designed to help ensure your organisation has the skills and expertise needed to drive critical engineering innovation in electrification and advanced manufacturing.

As the transition to net zero accelerates, employers need engineers with the expertise to innovate, design, and deliver new technologies. Developed in collaboration with industry, this apprenticeship supports both the upskilling of existing employees and the recruitment of new talent, ensuring organisations remain competitive in a rapidly evolving sector.

 

About the programme

The four-year programme (with ongoing apprenticeship assessments culminating in a final six month assessment period), combines academic study with real-world workplace application.

Apprentices begin with a broad cross-disciplinary engineering syllabus in Year 1, covering core areas such as engineering mathematics, electronics, materials and mechanics. In Years 2 and 3, they deepen their expertise in advanced topics including automatic control systems, energy sources and storage, semiconductor devices, AC electrical power conversion, and design and manufacturing.

In the final year, apprentices specialise in one of four pathways:

  • power electronics, machines, and drives (PEMD)
  • batteries
  • advanced manufacturing
  • electrical and electronic engineering

Applicants with relevant prior learning may be eligible for direct entry into Year 2.

The programme is fully funded for apprenticeship levy-paying organisations and 95% funded for SMEs, supporting long-term innovation, enhancing productivity, and aiding staff retention.

BEng Product Design and Development Engineer apprentices at Newcastle University working on power electronics and manufacturing projects

Enquire now for September 2026 entry

Organisations looking to future-proof their engineering capability are encouraged to enquire about September 2026 entry and explore how this programme can support long-term innovation and growth.

Further information is available via the Newcastle University website, where organisations can contact the experienced apprenticeship team to discuss their requirements

Newcastle University Level 6 BEng apprentices learning engineering principles in a classroom setting