The Precision-Engineered CV: Land Your Robotics Dream Job in the UK & Europe.
PART 1 - APPRENTICESHIP APPLICATIONS
A couple of recent headlines by the prominent Indian Businessman Anand Mahandra and Jim Farley the Ford Motors CEO, has brought in to the open how the USA especially but not exclusively are very short of skilled tradespeople.
Society is busy debating how the “AI Revolution” will wipe out the White Collar jobs but not recognizing a much more critical crisis in the jobs market is looming with the shortage of trained skilled “Blue Collar ” workers. Even in the UK and Europe falling levels of manufacturing capacity and an ageing workforce has led to a shortage of skilled workers and furthermore the mentors that teach them. It is with this information in mind that young people should be considering a career firstly as an Apprentice, and what a better place to seek an apprenticeship than in field of Robotics & Automation and then after training Robotics Technician or after further training Designer or Developer, the future would be very bright, its a fantastic career path. Robotics and Automation is a highly sought-after field. If we assume that most of the manufacturing base is to become Robotic & Automated then you will need these skills in the industry…….
BUILD IT……….. INSTALL IT……….. MAINTAIN IT………… REPAIR IT
Seeking out an Apprenticeship in the UK
For a young person seeking an apprenticeship, their CV (or resume) needs to focus on potential, enthusiasm, relevant skills, and hands-on experience, rather than just formal work history (they probably have none or very little) so the other skills are what a potential employer will scrutinise first.
CV Structure for a Robotics/Automation Apprenticeship
A strong CV for an apprenticeship should be concise (ideally one page) and include the following sections:
1. Contact Information
Must-Haves: Full Name, Phone Number, Professional Email Address, Location (City/Region).
Good-to-Haves: Link to a LinkedIn profile or, even better, a personal portfolio/website showing off projects (e.g., GitHub, a simple Wix site, etc.)
2. Personal Profile/Summary
This is a short (2-4 line) paragraph right at the top. It should immediately state their goal and highlight their greatest relevant strengths. Example: “Highly motivated and practical student seeking a Robotics and Automation apprenticeship. Possesses a strong foundational knowledge of Arduino/Raspberry Pi programming and hands-on experience in CAD modeling and circuit assembly, driven by a passion for engineering mechanical and control systems.”
3. Education and Qualifications
Focus: List the most recent and highest qualifications first (e.g., High School, College, Vocational Certificates).
Key Detail: Don’t just list the qualification. Highlight relevant subjects and, if grades were good, include them (especially in Math, Physics, Computing, and Design/Technology).
Example:
A-Levels (or equivalent): Mathematics (A*), Physics (A), Computer Science (B).
Relevant Coursework: Mentioning a specific project or module related to control systems, manufacturing, or mechanics.
4 Technical Skills (The most important section )
This is where you list all the relevant skills you possess, even if they were learned outside of a formal classroom. Use bullet points and clear technical terms.
Programming: Python, C++, Java, Ladder Logic (PLCs), Microcontrollers (Arduino/Raspberry Pi).
Hardware/Electronics: Circuit assembly, Soldering, Breadboarding, Reading schematics, Sensor integration, Motors/Actuators.
Software/Design: CAD/CAM (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, AutoCAD), Simulation software, Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets.
5. Projects and Hands-On Experience
Since formal work experience may be limited, this section is crucial to prove practical capability. This is the core of their application. Describe 2-3 significant projects using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) if possible. If you have any experience of the STEM learning project it is advisable to state between the upper section or here in this section.
Examples:
Building a line-following robot using Arduino.
Designing and 3D-printing a custom enclosure for an electronic device.
Creating a home automation system (e.g., controlling lights with Raspberry Pi).
Repairing a complex household appliance.
Focus on: The technical challenge, the tools/software used, and the outcome (e.g., “Learned to troubleshoot complex electrical faults,” “Improved the speed ” or “Modelled the components using SolidWorks for fabrication”).
6. Work Experience and Volunteering (If any)
List any part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering. Even non-technical jobs are valuable if you stress transferable soft skills (see below).
Focus on: Punctuality, teamwork, following instructions, attention to detail, and problem-solving.
- While technical skills get you the interview, the following soft skills and mindsets get you the job. Stress these in the Personal Profile and under the Project/Work Experience sections :
Strengths to Stress (The Soft Skills & Mindset)
1. Practical/Hands-On Aptitude
Keywords: Tinkerer, Maker, Practical Problem-Solver, Resourceful, Dexterity.
Why: Apprenticeships are about doing. Employers want to know you enjoy getting your hands dirty, assembling things, troubleshooting physical systems, and are comfortable with tool
2. Logical Problem-Solving
Keywords: Analytical, Detail-Oriented, Systematic, Troubleshooting.
Why: Robotics is about diagnosing and fixing complex systems. Stress any experience where you systematically identified and solved a problem (even a bug in code or a fault in a circuit)
3. Eagerness to Learn & Initiative
Keywords: Motivated, Self-Directed Learner, Proactive, High Initiative.
Why: Apprenticeships require rapid learning. Show you don’t wait to be told what to study, but actively seek out new knowledge (e.g., “Learned Python through online tutorials to complete the project,” “Took a welding class in my own time”).
4. Attention to Detail and Safety
Keywords: Meticulous, Safety-Conscious, Precise.
Why: Precision is paramount in automation and robotics. Stress accuracy in assembly, programming, and an understanding of safety protocols when working with machinery or electricity.
5. Teamwork and Communication
Keywords: Collaborative, Effective Communicator, Works well in a team.
Why: Engineers and technicians rarely work alone. Mention group projects and any experience working with others toward a common technical goal. If you have played any Team Sports it is worth pointing out as some recruiters appreciate this, even better if you have captained the side as this shows leadership skill.
Further Tips
Use strong verbs in reply to ” What did you do ” ? for example LED,CREATED,IMPROVED, BUILT, MANAGED, DEVELOPED
- Try to keep each line short, remember Recruiters Skim rather than Study !
- It is recommended that you SAVE IT as a PDF file– it keeps your layout clean across all devices.
- Use and fix your bullet points, every bullet should answer a question.
In summary, the CV must answer this question for the employer:
“Does this candidate show enough raw, practical potential and genuine enthusiasm for us to invest in training them?”
So we have collected all our relevant and necessary information, we just have to put it all down in our CV then the next task is to land it on the desk or PC of the potential employer. So here are some hopefully useful Company and establishment names that may be helpful to you. There are numerous robotics and automation apprenticeship schemes available in the UK, offered by a wide range of employers, from major corporations like Rolls-Royce and Jaguar Land Rover to engineering consultancies, tech companies, and smaller specialized firms. These programs can be found through official apprenticeship search portals, employer websites, and job sites like Indeed, and they cover various skill levels and specializations, such as robotics engineering, maintenance. An apprenticeship as a mechanical or electrical is a very good place to start and you can expand later with your College training to specialise in Robotics.
Types of apprenticeships and roles
- These degree-level apprenticeships provide a comprehensive education in robotics, from mechanical and electrical engineering to AI and ethics, and are offered by universities and companies like Cranfield University.
- Focuses on maintaining, repairing, and servicing automated machinery, including robotics, often with an electrical or multi-skilled bias.
- A Level 4 apprenticeship that covers the technical aspects of automation and control systems.
- Some tech companies offer apprenticeships in RPA, which involves using software to automate business processes.
Where to find them, UK
- Official Apprenticeship Service:Use the government’s Find an apprenticeship service to search for specific roles and training providers. GOV.UK find an apprenticeship website, create an account to apply for roles.
- Employer Websites:Check the career pages of large companies in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and tech, such as Rolls-Royce, Jaguar Land Rover, and Siemens. Also the big Robot manufacturers like ABB, Fanuc, Kuka, Yaskawa plus Universal Robots have offices and service departments in the UK so look them up.
- Job Boards:Websites like Indeed have dedicated sections for apprenticeship and robotics-related roles.
- Groups like Automate UK are working to increase the number of apprenticeships in the sector.
- Universities:
Some universities offer their own degree apprenticeships in collaboration with industry partners.
EUROPEAN APPRENTICESHIPS
Robotics apprenticeships in Europe are available in various countries, Germany has very good schemes and has one of the top Robotics companies in KUKA, ABB is a Swedish/Swiss conglomerate and the Netherlands are very big into Mechatronics and offer all different levels of training. You can find opportunities by searching for positions like “robotics engineer,” “mechatronics,” or “automation technician” on professional networks like LinkedIn and job sites like Indeed. Additionally, the European Union’s Youth Guarantee and Erasmus+ programs may offer support and funding for apprenticeships abroad.( You will have to check after Brexit that you are eligible to take up an offer).
Where to find robotics apprenticeships in Europe
- Search job boards: Use sites like LinkedIn and Indeed and search for terms such as “robotics technician,” “mechatronics engineer,” or “automation engineer”.
- Look for large robotics companies: Major robotics manufacturers often have their own apprenticeship programs. For example, KUKA offers apprenticeships at its training centres.
- Explore dual study programs: Some programs, like the one at PERI, combine a bachelor’s degree in robotics with an integrated apprenticeship as a mechatronic engineer.
- Check national apprenticeship portals: Countries may have their own government-run apprenticeship services. For instance, the UK’s “Find an apprenticeship” service is a good place to start for UK-based positions.
- Use EU-level resources: The European Alliance for Apprenticeships (EAfA) and programs like Erasmus+ can help with finding and funding apprenticeships abroad.
RIGHT GOOD LUCK IN YOUR SEARCH, NEXT STAGE IS THE INTERVIEW (we cover that in a later post)
If you need help in structuring and writing a CV/Resume Professional help is available.
