With positions available in industries from motor racing to infrastructure, an engineering apprenticeship offers the opportunity to learn from those at the forefront of innovation.
Hannah – Engineering Degree Apprentice, Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology
What’s an apprenticeship in engineering?
Almost everything you use and see on a day-to-day basis came to life because of an engineer, so the engineering industry offers the potential to develop practical and valuable skills in a wide range of sectors.
Whilst technology continues to advance rapidly, and the population of the world continues to grow, there are no shortages of opportunities to excel in a sector which will always be in demand.
Whether your vision is to be at the forefront of innovation or to contribute to a greener, safer world, there will be exciting opportunities to do so with an engineering apprenticeship.
Ben Redpath – Level 7 Nuclear Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. EDF
“I think I’ve always had a mechanical mind and a huge fascination with taking things apart and putting them back together again. I get a lot of satisfaction from understanding how things work. That’s really important as an Engineering Apprentice because that inquisitive and problem-solving side is a lot of what engineering is."
Chris Hunt – Learning and Development Manager, MEH Alliance
“Engineering has an ageing workforce with so many of our engineers reaching retirement age. Now is the time for the industry to recruit new talent so all the knowledge and expertise that currently exists can be passed on to the next generation of engineers.”
Facts and stats
Average salary
Salaries vary depending on the type of engineering you choose. For example, the average salary in mechanical engineering is £42k after qualifying1.
Diversity and inclusivity
There has been a 25.7% increase in women in engineering occupations since 20162.
Popularity
52,000 people started apprenticeships in engineering and manufacturing technologies in 2019/203.
Industry growth
19% of all businesses in the UK fall within the engineering category4.
Roles
There’s a range of different types of engineering, including mechanical, nuclear and civil engineering, all offering apprenticeships.
Employment
Around 5.7 million employees work in engineering enterprises across the UK5.
Who would suit an engineering apprenticeship?
Engineers are problems solvers who combine maths and science with logical skills, and an element of creativity, to develop new or improved products, machinery or infrastructure. Communication skills and the ability to collaborate are important as engineers often work on projects as part of a wider team.
Engineers are essential in almost every sector and as such there are numerous large organisations offering engineering apprenticeships, such as BAE Systems, GSK, Rolls-Royce and even the Ministry of Defence. However, there are many small and medium-sized businesses who also provide opportunities to experience exciting careers in engineering.
If you have a curious mind and an aptitude for problem solving, an engineering apprenticeship will provide you with the practical hands-on experience needed to develop your skills whilst at the same time providing the recognised qualifications required to excel in your chosen field.
Halimah Ershad – Level 6 Engineering Degree Apprentice, Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology
“If anyone tells you that engineering isn’t for women, they’re wrong. Engineering isn’t just about fixing things. It takes creativity, problem solving and fresh ideas, which can come from anyone. It’s a great time to join the industry, whatever your background.”
Discover employers offering apprenticeships
Liking the sound of an apprenticeship but not sure where to beging looking? Get to know leading brands and the range of aprenticeships they offer. Ecverything from finance to engineering, and data analysis to project management.
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Pros
- You work with and learn from engineers with years of industry experience.
- Companies are actively looking for fresh ideas and new ways of thinking.
- The industry actively promotes diversity and inclusivity.
Cons
- It takes more time commitment than study alone at university.
- It’s competitive in some of the larger companies.
- It can take time to progress up through a company.
Why choose an engineering apprenticeship?
With a huge skill shortage and an ageing workforce in the industry, there is a demand for skilled engineers. For new and talented individuals, there’s never been a better time to start in a career that will contribute to the delivery of priority projects across the UK.
Working here, I can see there’s a big drive to upskill people to become engineers.
Ben Redpath, Apprentice at EDF
Companies work alongside training providers to develop and deliver industry-recognised qualifications so that apprentices gain meaningful experience in real-world scenarios, while gaining the knowledge and skills to meet the demands of the future.
Employers offer their apprentices lots of support, meaning you can usually expect career coaching, regular feedback and the support of your colleagues as you build your skills and knowledge in engineering.
It’s a well-paid sector and the opportunities for progression are vast.
Chris Hunt, Employer at MEH Alliance
Industry top tips
Watch our top tips on how to get into engineering from Hannah, an apprentice at Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology.
How do you start an apprenticeship?
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What qualifications do I need to become an engineering apprentice?
Each apprenticeship vacancy will show the entry requirements and qualities the employer is looking for, but for higher and degree apprenticeships, they generally ask for GCSEs in English and Maths and at least three A levels or equivalent or other Level 3 qualifications such as BTEC Nationals. Having A levels in maths and a relevant STEM subject is sometimes a requirement.
In Scotland, you may need either three or more National 4s or 5s, or Scottish Highers depending on the type of apprenticeship you're applying for.
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Where can I find apprenticeships?
You can use our Career Finder to look for apprenticeships in engineering and the UK Government website also advertises all apprenticeships currently open for applications. Universities and colleges will often advertise vacancies and careers advisers can also point you in the right direction.
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How do I apply for an apprenticeship?
You’ll need to apply directly with employers who are offering apprenticeships, and vacancies appear throughout the year with their own deadlines and start dates.
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What can I expect when I apply?
Each employer will be different, but generally there are a few different parts in the recruitment process to prepare for. You’ll need to prepare a written application and attend an interview either face-to-face or via an online platform. Assessment days are common in the industry and sometimes psychometric tests are used so the employers can assess whether an apprenticeship is right for you.
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When do apprenticeships start?
Vacancies with larger firms often start appearing from September, but most start to be advertised from January or February onwards. Smaller businesses might start recruiting a month or two before the job starts, so if you hope to start work in August or September, start looking at the beginning of the year.
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How long do apprenticeships last?
Apprenticeship programmes will vary in length depending on the level you choose but a typical Level 5 degree apprenticeship will take three-four years to complete, whereas a typical Level 2 or 3 apprenticeship will take around 18 months.
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