Applications for this job are now closed
We welcome applications from every part of the community, and we don’t discriminate against any gender identity. We’re especially interested to hear from underrepresented groups in the DfT such as gender diverse, BAME, LGBT+, and disabled candidates.
Have you recently graduated or are on course to graduate with a degree in an automotive engineering discipline with an aim to becoming a Chartered Engineer?
Are you looking for the next exciting step in your career and to work on challenging projects?
If this sounds like you we have a fantastic opportunity waiting here at the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA). We are pleased to offer the VCA Graduate Scheme, an exciting training programme involving a structured series of placements supported by a full timetable of formal and on-the-job training. We would love to build an enthusiastic student into a talented engineer armed with first-class knowledge and experience, giving you the chance to work with and learn from experts in the industry.
Our office locations are in Bristol and Nuneaton and there will be a business requirement for you to spend time in your designated office. This will be discussed further with your line manager on appointment. You will also be required to travel to different offices on occasion for work requirements and to visit key stakeholders. Overseas travel will also be an option so the successful candidate must have a willingness to travel in the role.
Job description
The VCA Graduate Scheme is a two-year training scheme leading to a permanent engineering position within one of two sections within the Agency. This will be as a Type Approval Engineer in European Operations or as a Regulatory Engineer in the Regulatory and Technology Group.
At present there is one role available in the Regulatory and Technology Group for a final position as a Regulatory Engineer.
This year VCA will be obtaining IET accreditation for the scheme and reflects our increasing focus on automated and connected vehicle systems. Our intent is that graduates will follow the same structured approach to their development as our existing graduate programme, tailored to an electrical discipline.
Following the completion of your first two years of development, subject to satisfactory performance, you will move into a permanent position within VCA.
Responsibilities
VCA graduates undertake a structured series of placements and projects, supported by a full timetable of formal and on-the-job training. The first two years will be aimed to help you find out about all the different areas within VCA to ensure you have a broad understanding of the organisation. You will also gain first-hand experience of the automotive industry through external placements with our scheme partners.
Highlights of the scheme include
- Going on placements with the various parts of VCA and the Department for Transport where you will be involved in running technical projects, in a variety of engineering, as well as understanding how legislation is produced and the impact it has on the agencies. There is also the opportunity to have a placement in one of VCA’s overseas offices
- Spending time on an industry placement, that may be a heavy vehicle or car manufacturers - providing you with an understanding of how vehicles are designed, how they are manufactured, and what systems are put in place to make sure they meet legislation
- You will experience vehicle testing laboratories – learning how vehicles are tested before they enter production, how they are instrumented, and how the work of VCA affects the running of these tests
- A significant amount of training will be available to provide you with the skills that you need to further develop yourself
Support will be given throughout the entire training period, both professionally and from an IET perspective. After approximately 4-5 years you should be ready to apply as a Chartered Engineer. During this time there will be further travel, both UK and overseas
About You
- Ability to use a combination of general and specialist electrical engineering knowledge and understanding to optimise the application of existing and emerging technology
- Ability to apply appropriate theoretical and practical methods to the analysis and solution of engineering problems
- Ability to provide technical and commercial leadership
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills
In addition to the above, you will also confidently demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and a personal dedication to professional standards, recognising obligations to society, the profession and the environment. You love to go above and beyond at work and overachieve where possible. As there will be a considerable amount of travel around the UK and visits overseas, you should also have the flexibility and willingness to travel.
Licences
Full UK Driving Licence
Qualifications
A 2:2 or higher (or expected) in an IET accredited degree (Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or any engineering discipline closely linked to those, including degrees with a focus on technologies relevant to connected or autonomous vehicles)
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- GSE: Government Science and Engineering Career Framework - Applying Knowledge
- GSE: Government Science and Engineering Career Framework - Developing/Maintaining Expertise
Benefits
The Vehicle Certification Agency is the designated UK Vehicle Type Approval Authority. We have over 30 years’ experience supporting industry by providing internationally recognised testing and certification for vehicles, their systems, and components.
We offer generous annual leave, attractive pension options, flexible working, inclusive working environments and much more to support a healthy work/life balance.
We offer career advancement opportunities for every level of capability, growing your knowledge and increasing your expertise, giving you unique opportunities that can’t be found anywhere elsewhere. VCA has a global presence, so you could find yourself in a fully supported overseas posting in one of our offices in: Europe, America, Japan, China, South Korea, Malaysia, India, or Australia.
Things you need to know
Security
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
We are closely monitoring the situation regarding the coronavirus, and will be following central Government advice as it is issued. There is therefore a risk that recruitment to this post may be subject to change at short notice. In addition, where appropriate, you may be invited to attend a video interview.
Please continue to follow the application process as normal and ensure that youcheck your emails regularly as all updates from us will be sent to you this way.
How to Apply
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV and personal statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
For your CV and personal statement, please tailor the evidence of your experience against the following criteria. Be sure to address the four points in your personal statement, using up to 1250 words:
- Experience of using engineering knowledge to optimise an application of existing or emerging technology (experience can be from any part of your life including work, studies or interests)
- Experience of communicating, interacting, and working with individuals and groups
- Experience of using a variety of different communication media both verbal and written
- Skills to organise own work, and to organise and control projects
- A willingness to travel
- A 2:2 or higher (or expected) in an IET accredited degree (Automotive Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or any engineering discipline closely linked to those, including degrees with a focus on technologies relevant to connected or autonomous vehicles)
