Product Design and Development Technician (Level 3 Standard)

Product Design & Development Technicians primarily work on all stages of product creation and modification. They support activities ranging from early concept feasibility, design and development stages right through to final preparation for launch and customers. This includes working in concept studios, rapid prototyping, assembly, testing, validating and analysing performance.

Typically they work closely with engineers in bring new concepts to life or supporting redesigns of existing products.

Specific Specialist Knowledge and Skills

Specific Specialist Knowledge:

• understand mathematical techniques, formula and calculations in a product design and development environment
• understand material applications and methods of testing (destructive and non- destructive)
• understand Computer Aided Design (CAD) methods and applications
• understand material joining applications and systems
• understand mechanical, electrical, electronic and process control systems
• understand measurement, monitoring, testing and diagnostic methods and techniques

Specific Specialist Skills:

• read and interpret relevant data and documentation used in the design and development of components, assemblies and systems
• produce components and prototypes using a wide range of hand fitting techniques
• produce assemblies and rigs using a range of materials and techniques
• prepare and using lathes, milling machines, as well as other general or specialist high technology equipment such as 3D printing/additive manufacturing techniques
• use a range of mechanical, electrical and electronic testing devices and equipment
• apply mechanical principles and joining techniques to develop products, devices and equipment
• apply electrical and electronic principles to develop products devices and equipment
• identify, diagnose and rectify design problems through the whole creation process including design studio, workshops, test environments or under laboratory conditions
• contribute to the business by identifying possible opportunities for improving working practices, processes and/or procedures

For Level 3 apprenticeships, learners are generally required to have a minimum of 3-5 GCSEs (including Maths and English) at grade 4 (C) or above prior to enrolment. However, for applicants aged 19 or older, this requirement may be waived at the discretion of the employer and training provider, depending on the role and individual circumstances.

• Hands-on Training & College Learning: Apprentices work on-site in sectors like automotive, aerospace, electronics, or consumer goods while attending college weekly on a day release basis. They assist engineers in developing new products or improving existing ones therefore gaining experience in prototyping, testing, CAD modelling, and performance analysis.

• Wide-Ranging Curriculum: The course covers engineering principles, design for manufacture, technical drawing interpretation, materials and processes, project planning, and health and safety. Apprentices also learn to use software tools like CAD/CAM, conduct feasibility studies, and support design validation and quality assurance.

• Specialist Pathways: Learners may specialise in mechanical design, electrical systems, aerospace components, or automotive prototyping depending on their area of interest and the employer needs. Employers may support additional training in rapid prototyping, 3D printing, simulation software, or sustainability-focused design.

• Career-Ready Qualification: Upon completion (typically 42 months), apprentices earn a Level 3 qualification and are ready for roles like design technician, CAD engineer, or product development assistant, with progression into engineering technician status, degree-level design apprenticeships, or Research & Development (R&D) roles.

For a comprehensive understanding of this Product Design and Development Technician programme and what it entails, please click here.

This Product Design and Development Technician Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road campus on a day release basis each week, with the delivery model being discussed according to the employer requirements. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, to assess your practical skills and knowledge as well as review your progress with your employer.  You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do your job effectively.

Typically, this Apprenticeship will take 42 months to complete, with the potential to progress on to the Higher Apprenticeship on completion.

To be a Product Design and Development Technician apprentice you will need an employer who can offer you relevant work and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653 460 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.