Careers
The National Manufacturing Institute Scotland is a team of world-leading academic researchers, industry experts, and business professionals working together to transform manufacturing in Scotland by working with companies of all sizes from across the manufacturing world.
We’re always looking for the best and brightest talent to join us in breaking down barriers to help manufacturers achieve their full potential.
Salary Type: £24,547 per annum
FTE: 35 hours/week
Contract Type: Fixed Term (24 months)
Closing Date: 28/05/2026
The University of Strathclyde has a long history of working with industry to deliver strong business growth from access to research and innovation expertise. The latest major initiative continuing to deliver on this track record is through the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS).
As a magnet for innovation in advanced manufacturing, the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) group of specialist R&D centres, supports manufacturing, engineering and associated tech businesses of all sizes, to thrive domestically and internationally through accelerating productivity, embracing new digital technologies and achieving net-zero targets.
We turn smart ideas into reality and deliver ground-breaking research.
Coming from diverse backgrounds and disciplines, our passionate team works alongside industry, academia, and the public sector to solve problems, train the workforce of the future and generate the creative ideas that will transform manufacturing.
Ultimately, we are growing the economy, developing a vibrant and skilled talent pool and helping create prosperous, sustainable communities.
The Opportunity
NMIS seeks to recruit a Modern Apprentice in Business Development Systems. This is an exciting opportunity to learn and develop in a fast-paced, rewarding environment. As a Modern Apprentice (Business Development Systems), you will follow documented procedures and undertake a broad range of activities to assist the NMIS Membership Engagement Manager and Business Development Process Managers in their day-to-day activity, gradually taking over responsibility for elements of data-gathering and reporting. You will assist in capturing and tracking all enquiries coming into the centre, liaising with Business Development Leads to provide regular status updates, data-gathering, relevant company information for inclusion in database and associated analysis of data for management reports.
To be considered for this role, you will have a minimum of 4 Nat 5’s at A, B and C (or equivalent) which must include English, Mathematics and either and Administration or Computing subject. You will be motivated and enthusiastic with good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well as part of a team. You should be able to demonstrate excellent attention to detail and above average IT skills, including a knowledge of Microsoft office suite of packages.
The Modern Apprentice programme is co-ordinated within the University and gives the successful candidate and opportunity to "earn and learn” as they will achieve an SQA qualification during the 2-year programme.
Please note that this post is located within the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland Group facilities within the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) in Renfrewshire (near Glasgow airport). The Innovation District has limited public transport services.
Formal interviews for this post will be held in June 2026.
Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Abid Hussain, Senior BD Systems Manager (abid.hussain@strath.ac.uk).
Salary: £24, 547.00 per annum
FTE: 1 (35 Hours)
Term: Fixed for 24 months
Closing Date: 10 May 2026
To work as part of an engineering team, reporting through the Lead Engineer (WAAM / DED), you will be responsible for supporting NMIS workshop activities in relation to delivering industrial and academic research programmes. The apprentice role will focus on the operation of NMIS workshop equipment and related manufacturing and research activities within the Digital Factory environment. Apprentices will also work towards SVQ Level 5 & 7 and HNC units, completing apprenticeship logbooks alongside on-the-job training.
This is a hands-on apprenticeship within an advanced manufacturing environment, offering exposure to cutting-edge additive manufacturing technologies and workshop operations. The role provides the opportunity to develop practical engineering skills while contributing to real industrial and academic research projects, with scope to specialise in later stages of the programme.
Main activities and responsibilities include carrying out tasks using WAAM / DED equipment to manufacture custom parts; operating equipment and machinery across the NMIS Digital Factory workshop; correct use of hand tools to produce components and parts for a range of customer and research projects; reading and interpreting geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) drawings; assisting with maintenance and Planned Preventative Maintenance of workshop equipment; and using relevant equipment and software including Microsoft Word, Excel, CAD/CAM software and SolidWorks. You will apply a broad range of manufacturing, mechanical, digital, and material science best practice within a research-led environment.
You will be expected to maintain high standards of health and safety at all times, demonstrating safe working practices within the Digital Factory workshop and contributing to a well-organised and compliant working environment. The role also includes undertaking structured training and attending college courses as part of the modern apprenticeship programme, both onsite and offsite at relevant training providers, including college attendance.
This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a career in advanced manufacturing and engineering, combining practical workshop experience with formal study and structured skills development in a world-class research environment.
Candidates should demonstrate strong problem-solving and analytical skills, a clear interest in engineering, and a willingness to take a hands-on approach to a variety of workshop-based tasks. Experience or awareness of CAD software and general workshop equipment is desirable, as is basic IT competence. Strong communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively as part of a team and interact with colleagues at different levels. Applicants must also show a willingness to learn new skills and undertake training, including travel to alternative sites where required.
Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Steven Halavage WAAM Cell Lead Technician, (steven.halavage@strath.ac.uk).