Mechanical Apprentice - Hartlepool

Job Title: Mechanical Fitting Maintenance Apprenticeship
Location: Hartlepool (TS25 2EG)
Length of Apprenticeship: 3 years
Salary: Year 1 approx. £15,184 (in line with Government guidelines)
Years 2 & 3 – subject to satisfactory performance, age, government guidelines and progression through the apprentice scheme.
Closing Date: 12th April 2026

We believe that our strength is not just in our steel but the diversity of our workforce. Our people make the difference.

What you will do

Our Mechanical Engineers operate on a scale and precision not even imagined by many other sectors. This is an opportunity to play a crucial role in the life cycle management of our unique equipment. You will maintain, install and build a huge range of machines, ensuring that high performance is maintained and that the highest safety standards are met.

Exposure to duties will include the use of a computer based maintenance & stores system, isolation / making safe equipment, following prescribed preventative maintenance routines, responding to breakdown situations and applying continuous improvement techniques work.

This covers a wide range of disciplines and equipment including:

• 
  
• Pneumatic and Hydraulic Systems
  
• Conveyance & pipe handling equipment
  
• Pumping, Quenching and Descaling systems
  
• Automated cutting & milling equipment
  
• Over Head Cranes & mobile plant
  
• Pressure Testing
  
• Gas fired re-heat furnaces
  

Universal skills gained are:

• 
  
• Application of Lifting & Pressure system regulations
  
• Inspection and Plant Condition Monitoring (Plant Maintenance)
  
• Fault finding and diagnosis,
  
• Testing and Calibrations
  
• Slinging, Rigging & Transportation
  
• Small fabrication skills, welding and burning
  
• Basic Electricals and understanding of IET Regulations
  
• Bench fitting and machining skills, drill, presses, lathe, grinding
  

The Apprenticeship

The successful candidate will be joining an established 3 year apprenticeship training program using nationally recognised qualification, leading to an “Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Apprenticeship”. This apprenticeship is delivered by the local college.

The three year period will consist of:

• 
  
• Year 1: Full time College Study (Level 2 & 3)
  
• Year 2 & 3: Onsite shift-working* with one day release to college. This includes a rotation within different departments/functions.
  

*Shift work is dependent on age.

Apprentices are encouraged to enhance their studies by completing an HNC in Mechanical Engineering

Experience will include aspects of:

• 
  
• Maintenance Engineering & Planning
  
• Environmental & Energy Awareness
  
• H&S Working (IOSH)
  
• Continuous Improvement techniques
  

What you will need

You must have, as a minimum, 6 GCSE’s, grades A* - C or grade 4 – 9 including English Language, Maths and Science.

It is essential you have:

• 
  
• a genuine interest in Engineering and Manufacturing, showing a passion for this type of work.
  
• strong communication and listening skills
  
• qualities that will fit into our way of thinking; include passion, drive, enthusiasm, imagination and the ability to adapt to new challenges.
  

We are looking for innovative minds and skills that go beyond just pure academic ability in order to drive change and really make a difference.

We’re passionate about achievement, excellence and breakthrough thinking, and people at every level here have a thirst for development their knowledge. You’ll embrace change with enthusiasm, take ownership of issues and inspire others towards a culture of innovation.

What we can offer you

You will be eligible for a wide variety of benefits including:

• 
  
• Nationally recognised qualifications
  
• Employment opportunities and career progression
  
• Employee Assistance Programme
  
• Ongoing Tata Steel training, which has built a reputation as one of the best within the industry
  
• One of the UK’s leading defined contribution pension schemes (10% employer contribution / 6% employee contribution)
  
• Discounted shopping with various local and national retailers and services including Vodafone, Nandos, Virgin Holidays, Jaguar Land Rover, ASOS.
  
• Free onsite parking at all of our sites
  

Why us?

Tata Steel is one of the world’s top 10 steel producers. The combined group has an annual aggregate crude steel capacity of more than 33 million tonnes with approximately 80,000 employees across four continents. We’re part of the Tata Group, one of the largest, most diverse conglomerates in the world with businesses in the UK including Tata Steel, Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea.

Sustainabilityis at the very heart of what we do and we are dedicated to managing our operations responsibly and to continuouslyimprovingour performance. Innovating for tomorrow, making a positive impact today.