Systems Design Engineer Review
at AESSEAL plc
Degree Apprenticeship
Mechanical Engineering
Rotherham
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
My role involves the design and development of mechanical seal support systems, these can range from standard systems to more bespoke systems involving regular customer discussions and analysis of specifications. In addition to this, i often find myself resolving problems on the manufacturing stage of production such as testing and assembly.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I have really enjoyed my programme and the link between my degree and job. There was a very good balance between work and my degree by going to the AMRC training centre each Thursday.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have gained significant experience of CAD both from a design and development context, this allows me to clearly outline what is being offered and also speeding up product manufacture. I also am able to conduct pressure tests and fix any potential leaks or faulty areas myself.
My customer service skills have also improved through my regular liaising and ensuring my designs are aligned to customer expectations, this is done through both email chains and regular teams meetings.
My customer service skills have also improved through my regular liaising and ensuring my designs are aligned to customer expectations, this is done through both email chains and regular teams meetings.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Very well organised, every Thursday throughout my course was my degree day, also if there was any additional days to be there this would be informed well in advance.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I recieved excellent support from my employer, this ranges both from my day to day work tasks to anything i might have been struggling with degree wise. There is always someone in my company to assist with problems and everybody is very approachable regarding this.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
The support recieved is good, regular reviews both of the degree side and apprenticeship side took place to ensure i have all the necessary support and assistance to complete work to the best of my ability.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
At the beginning of the apprenticeship i undertook extensive CAD training, this underpinned my knowledge allowing for all the essential aspects to be learned prior to completing live jobs and customer orders. Degree modules such as engineering science, materials engineering/science and engineering mathematics continuously assist me with problems i may encounter at work.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
I have been involved in different events such as GUTS in Rotherham allowing me to discuss apprenticeships with potential future apprentices and also network with other engineers where i could learn and share my knowledge and experiences.
My work also has occasional social activities such as meals which allows networking within the company.
My work also has occasional social activities such as meals which allows networking within the company.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AESSEAL plc to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The amount of support and assistance given to me as an apprentice is simply fantastic, any question i may have either regarding work or my course is listened to and assisted where possible. I have also had so many opportunities to expand my job role from a design engineer and assist in other areas of the company such as manufacture, testing and more customer facing tasks such as discussing specifications.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AESSEAL plc?
My main tip would be to attend our apprenticeship open days, these allow for you to have an extensive tour of the site, meet some of our current apprentices and also get extra advice regarding application for an AESSEAL apprenticeship through training providers such as the AMRC Training Centre and the RNN Group.
