Apprenticeships

Fairfields are experts in designing and building complex and bespoke industrial control systems and solutions across various sectors using electrical, electronic and programmable systems. We’re continuously looking into new technologies and trends. We are already working with IoT devices, cyber-security solutions, augmented reality and advanced software design. At Fairfields, our apprenticeships often involve working on the client’s sites, where you could be involved in flood defence schemes, moving bridges, manufacturing facilities or roller coasters.

It is essential that the knowledge our employees possess stays within the company and apprentices are a key component to the company’s success. Apprentices and ex-apprentices currently make up around 45% of the total workforce, and Fairfield has retained a high percentage of its apprentices as full-time employees over the past 20 years. This is an excellent reflection on how well apprentices value the support and training offered, demonstrating how they are viewed as a long-term asset to the company. We have regularly worked alongside the Skills Funding Agency to promote apprenticeships nationwide through radio, print and online campaigns.

Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship

Fairfields offers level 6 degree apprenticeships in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, ICT Systems Support and Digital Marketing. We have developed a quantifiable set of measures to monitor each apprentice’s contributions to the business. An in-house employee mentor provides on-the-job training, support, and guidance throughout the apprenticeship. For the academic programme, apprentices attend university on a day or block release basis – our current apprentices attend Sheffield Hallam University and Nottingham Trent University. Apprentices are able to achieve a degree without the need for a student loan, meaning you can earn while you learn. All fees are funded through the Apprenticeship Programme.

As an Apprentice at Fairfields, you will either be be designing and commissioning Industrial Automation and Control Solutions as an Electrical Engineering Apprentice, designing and developing software solutions as a Software Engineering Apprentice, supporting our IT infrastructure, networks and IT equipment as a IT Support Apprentice or working on marketing and communications for the company and supporting the Sales Team as a Sales & Marketing Apprentice. Whichever path you choose, you will be helping Fairfields develop some of the most iconic and challenging engineering projects in the UK and worldwide.

What training will I receive as an Apprentice?

As part of your apprenticeship, you will attend university on a Degree Apprenticeship to achieve a Bachelors Degree in Engineering (BEng) or a Computer Science degree (BSc) or Digital Marketing (BA). Engineering Apprentices will also spend time learning about each company department gaining hands-on experience in design, manufacture, installation, commissioning and service support for control and automation systems and Industrial ICT solutions. Our Sales and Marketing apprentices are hands-on promoting the company through our social media channels and website, designing graphics and marketing material, and setting up exhibitions to attract new customers and business.

Read more about the Electrical Engineering degree at Sheffield Hallam University
Read more about the Digital and Technology Solutions degree at Sheffield Hallam University
Read more about the Digital Marketer degree at Nottingham Trent University.

Apply for one of our Apprenticeship positions through the ‘Find an Apprenticeship’ website and become part of our team.

Whilst we will always aim to offer a full time and permanent position to every apprentice upon completion of the programme, this is not guaranteed and is dependent on results and the need of each department at the time.

We are based in Retford (North Nottinghamshire) and you will be expected to attend the office and customer sites for the duration of your apprenticeship. Therefore, we ask that you live no further than 1 hour from our Head Office (DN22 7WF).

Entry Requirements

Entry Requirements

Due to site visit health and safety requirements, which are part of all our apprenticeship roles, applicants must be aged 18 or over at the time they will start the Apprenticeship.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Minimum entry requirements for Sheffield Hallam University for an Engineering Apprenticeship:
- 112 UCAS points including at least 64 points from two A levels or equivalent BTEC. National qualifications to include mathematics or a mathematics-based subject to at least AS level. For example:
- BBC at A Level including mathematics or a mathematics-based subject plus at least one other from physics, physical science, engineering science, computer science, technology, chemistry or other science or technology subject.
- NQF Level 3 (or above) in a relevant subject, or A Levels, and
- GCSE pass in Maths required (grade C/level 4 or above) and ideally higher level GCSEs in Engineering, Science, English & ICT.
Minimum Entry Requirements for Sheffield Hallam University for an ICT/Software Engineering Apprenticeship:
- 96 UCAS points from 3 A levels (can include General Studies)
- 112 UCAS points with at least 64 from 2 A levels or equivalent BTEC
- Access to HE Diploma with at least 45 credits at level 3 and 15 credits at level 2
- A completed level 3 apprenticeship
- GCSE Maths and English grade C/4 or above
Minimum Entry Requirements for Nottingham Trent University
- 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (excluding General Studies), BTEC Extended Diploma DMM or an equivalent qualification
- Applicants who do not meet the standard entry requirements will be considered subject to experience and academic assessment
- 5 GCSE’s including English language and maths at grade C / 4 or above

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

Strong and proven interest in ICT and Engineering (ideally with a hobby or interest to show your passion/interest), or design/graphics skills and proven communication skills
Practical ability to solve problems
Self-motivated and self-reliant, highly motivated and disciplined
Full driving license required (or currently learning to drive)
Good communication skills
Ability to work to procedures in detail
You must be willing to travel and work away from home (the UK and abroad)
Must be eligible and authorised to work in the UK (resident in the UK for the last 3 years)

We are based in Retford (North Nottinghamshire) and you will be expected to attend the office for the duration of your apprenticeship. Therefore, we ask that you live no further than 1 hour from our Head Office (DN22 7WF).

If you are interested in applying for one of our apprenticeships, generally we recruit in early Spring ahead of the next academic year, click here for current vacancies.

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