Are you ready to start your career and step into the exhilarating world of automotive engineering?
Aston Martin invites motivated individuals to join the Vehicle Configuration and Test System [VCATS] Degree Apprenticeship program and contribute to the future of luxury vehicles. This opportunity provides the chance to develop essential skills, tackle real engineering challenges, and gain hands-on experience in an innovative and supportive environment at our Gaydon site.
Drive your potential and be part of a legacy that defines excellence in automotive craftsmanship.
What Makes This Opportunity Unique?
At Aston Martin, we pride ourselves on the breadth of roles and exposure available, as well as the prestige and family feel within the company.
This is an opportunity for you to be a part of one of the most important roles in the Manufacturing Engineering Team at Gaydon. As a VCATS apprentice you will learn to develop, implement, and validate diagnostic test sequences to ensure all electronic components of prototype and production vehicles are correctly configured, calibrated and commissioned. You will take part in static and dynamic testing and validation of cutting-edge technologies, contributing towards successful launches of new models of Aston Martin vehicles.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- You will learn how electronic modules interact and communicate via diagnostic networks and get first-hand experience in developing test sequences utilising hex and binary code to interpret diagnostic commands and responses.
- You will liaise with R&D to understand and implement diagnostic requirements, incl. test authoring, development of flash stations, test stations, test harnesses, based on topology diagrams, diagnostic specification documents, harness drawings and circuit diagrams.
- You will learn how to develop and implement calibration routines to ensure all electronic components are fully commissioned and compliant with legislative requirements.
- You will be supporting the development of new model programmes, assisting in vehicle launches, and getting involved in the early stages of production when new vehicle models are introduced.
- You will be assisting the manufacturing team in resolving electrical concerns and improving the efficiency of tests and processes to meet staffing and timing requirements. Your focus will be on improving important metrics like Right First Time (RFT), First Time Through (FTT), and Defects per Vehicle (DPV).
- You will have an opportunity to contribute to the continuous improvement efforts at the Gaydon site. You will help investigate any issues that arise and proactively find ways to improve VCATS processes and diagnostic test routines.
- You will have the opportunity to rotate through various teams to build a broad skill set, including Vehicle Configuration and Testing (VCATS), Current Car Manufacturing Engineering (CME), Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (AME).
- The role is based at Gaydon.
What We’re Looking For:
Apprentices able to pay close attention to detail and have a continuous improvement mindset. Strong communication skills are essential to build relationships at all levels. You should be studious, responsible, and reliable, thriving on involvement in continuous improvement initiatives. Some experience with IT related technologies would be beneficial, preferably an interest in software programming and coding as a foundation for future development.
Essential requirements:
The following broad criteria will apply for entry to the academic programme are:
- 5 GCSEs all at Grade 4/C or above to include Maths and English
- You will be employed by a company within the high integrity software engineering sector
- Qualifications 3 A levels at B or above (or equivalent) including a STEM subject and 2 others
- Extended BTEC Level 3 at Distinction
- T-Level at Distinction
- BTECs and T-Level qualifications should be in STEM2 A Levels at Grade B or above, including Maths or a Distinction in a BTEC National Engineering subject.
- Able to commute to the Gaydon site and to University of Derby* by personal transport.
Why Choose Aston Martin?
Our apprenticeship isn’t just a job! It’s the first step in a career full of opportunities.
Benefits and perks to consider
- Obtain a degree in an automotive discipline [High Integrity Software Engineer Degree Apprenticeship Level 6]*
- Starting salary £26,137 [Subject to review]
- Salary increments (subject to performance and criteria being met over the programme)
- Annual bonus (discretionary)
- 26 days annual leave + 8 Statutory bank holidays
- Pension Scheme
- Medical Cover and Health Cash Plan
- Life Assurance
You will receive continuous training in an engaging and motivating work environment. This environment provides opportunities at all levels and enables you to develop alongside your peers and seasoned professionals.
Take the First Step Towards Your Engineering Future!
If you’re excited to contribute to innovative projects and learn from the best in the industry, we want to hear from you!
Click the ‘apply now’ button and begin your journey to becoming an engineering expert and part of our legacy.
Belong at Aston Martin
We understand that the incredible beauty, craft and art that defines an Aston Martin comes from the inclusion of our amazing people.
We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs. We celebrate diversity and are seeking applicants who can bring something different. Please speak to us if there is anything you need to support making an application with us.
The post holder will be required to comply with all policies and procedures issued by and on behalf of Aston Martin Lagonda ltd.
*Subject to change based on business needs
