Engineering apprenticeships

Author
Daniel Higginbotham, Editor
Posted
March, 2024
Find an engineering apprenticeship

Available from college to university level, discover how engineering apprenticeships can open doors to a range of exciting and challenging careers

What engineering apprenticeships are available?

Programmes exist in:

Many engineering jobs require a degree, so to work in graduate engineering roles you'll usually need to complete a degree apprenticeship.

Which firms offer apprenticeships?

  • Airbus - includes degree apprenticeships in fields such as engineering, electrical/electronic engineering and mechanical engineering.
  • Amey - its apprenticeships focus on rail design, civil engineering, data science, environmental practitioner and chartered surveying.
  • Arup - recruits over 100 apprentices a year, with schemes covering building services, civil and structural engineering and rail design.
  • Babcock - intermediate/advanced, higher and degree apprenticeships are available in a number of areas including electrical, mechanical and process.
  • BAE Systems - from intermediate to degree level, engineering apprenticeships include electrical, maintenance, mechanical and software.
  • British Sugar - process, mechanical and electrical engineering apprenticeships are available at advanced level.
  • Jaguar Land Rover - a four-year Level 6 applied professional engineering degree apprenticeship.
  • MBDA - four-year apprenticeships in engineering, software and manufacturing.
  • Nestlé - a Level 3 advanced apprenticeship in engineering and manufacturing.
  • Network Rail - choose from a range of Level 3 rail engineering and infrastructure programmes.
  • Rolls-Royce - a range of manufacturing, materials, electrical and electronic degree apprenticeships are on offer.
  • Stagecoach - four-year engineering apprenticeships are available from the bus and coach company.
  • TUI Group - become a qualified engineer with an aircraft engineering apprenticeship.
  • Unilever - engineering apprenticeships from the Level 2 technician up to the Level 6 product design development programme.

In addition to the bigger names, many small businesses offer apprenticeships, as they can ensure that everything their apprentices learn will directly benefit their organisation. The workload depends on the specific employer, but you could be doing anything from operating machines in factories to installing telecoms systems.

Engineers are essential in almost all sectors, so don't miss out on opportunities in less obvious industries by researching the companies you're interested in to see if they offer any relevant schemes.

For instance, if you have a particular interest in the nuclear energy industry, read about nuclear engineering courses, which includes a focus on degree apprenticeships. You can also explore other engineering courses.

Who are they aimed at?

The level of the apprenticeship will determine who can apply. For example, Level 2 and Level 3 (intermediate and advanced) apprenticeships are usually aimed at school leavers. You'll need to be 16 or over, living in England and not in full-time education to be eligible to apply.

You'll find that higher and degree apprenticeships (Levels 4,5,6 and 7) are generally geared towards those with A-levels or those who've already completed an intermediate or advanced apprenticeship at college.

These apprenticeships are often presented as a viable alternative to university. They are also well suited to career changers.

For the majority of engineering apprenticeships, previous qualifications (usually GCSEs, A-levels for the higher levels) in maths, IT and science are required.

Manual dexterity, an interest in the technical side of operating machinery, good people and problem-solving skills, teamwork ability and an enquiring mind are also an advantage.

What's involved in an engineering apprenticeship?

The role will be focused on your specialist engineering area and so will differ depending on the nature of the business and the type of engineering the company's involved with. For example, the content of an aircraft engineering apprenticeship will be different from a software engineering apprenticeship.

Generally speaking, engineering apprentices take on an operator role, involving anything from installing telecommunications systems, assembling car engines, fitting and testing machinery, to demolishing buildings or checking commercial or RAF aircraft.

However, all programmes involve combining full-time employment with part-time study. You could be allocated one day a week to attend college or university, or study in scheduled blocks of a week or more.

Assessment methods depend on the apprenticeship, but it's likely that you'll be assessed through a combination of essays, coursework and practical and written exams.

To discover what engineering apprenticeships involve, visit Institute for Apprenticeships - Search the apprenticeship standards.

Am I eligible and how do I apply?

The entry requirements for these schemes will vary according to the level you're applying for. This may be a combination of qualifications or a set number of UCAS Tariff points - see how to apply for university.

For instance, Nestlé asks for at least 104 UCAS points for its higher and degree apprenticeship programmes.

Alternatively, to be eligible for Jaguar Land Rover's Level 6 Applied Professional Engineering degree apprenticeship, you'll need:

  • Level 5 or above in GCSE English language and maths
  • three additional GCSEs at Level 5 or higher
  • grade B in A-level maths
  • another A-level at grade C or above.

You apply for an apprenticeship as you would for any other job. Make sure you research the organisation thoroughly and be aware of what the apprenticeship involves. Be sure to tailor your application to each role - one size doesn't fit all.

A number of employers open applications in November, while others advertise their schemes early in the year (January to April) to start that September.

For instance, the closing date for apprenticeship schemes at BAE Systems is set for the end of February, with a start date in August or September.

Furthermore, some organisations advertise apprenticeship vacancies all year round. It differs from company to company, so do your research and watch for vacancies.

You'll normally apply for an apprenticeship through an online application form but check with the employer as methods can vary. You'll need to use relevant examples of any projects you've been involved with in your application.

For an engineering apprenticeship, you could refer to relevant school coursework in maths and science or any engineering-focused work experience you've undertaken. You'll likely need to write a cover letter or supporting statement to go with your application. For inspiration, see our example apprenticeship cover letter.

Certain organisations may ask you to sit situational judgement, numerical and psychometric tests as well as participate in an assessment centre as part of their recruitment process.

How much will I be paid?

All apprentices are paid the National Minimum Wage (NMW), which currently stands at £6.40 per hour (from April 2024) for apprentices under 19, and those aged over 19 who are in their first year.

If you're over 19 and have completed the first year of your apprenticeship, you must be paid the minimum wage for your age.

As an apprentice engineer you'll be paid for your normal working hours as well as for any training that's part of your scheme. You're entitled to at least 20 days paid holiday per year, plus bank holidays.

Individual employers determine salaries, but in most cases you'll be paid significantly more than the NMW.

Here are some examples of what you can expect from recruiters in 2024:

  • Babcock - between £10,000 and £30,000 per year depending on the level of apprenticeship, discipline and location.
  • Jaguar Land Rover - £20,300 for the Level 4 higher apprenticeship.
  • MBDA - £18,000, plus a £3,000 joining bonus.
  • Nestlé - salaries start from £17,085.
  • Rolls-Royce - £20,735 for Level 6 engineering apprentices.

Once qualified, starting salaries for engineering apprentices can reach up to £35,000.

As an apprentice you'll also be entitled to other benefits such as a pension scheme, access to wellbeing and support services and, in some instances, discounts.

Find out more

Written by Daniel Higginbotham, Editor

Prospects · March 2024

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