Looking for engineering apprenticeships? If so, you’ve come to the right place. If you’re looking to gain hands-on experience while gaining invaluable skills and a nationally recognised qualification then an engineering apprenticeship can offer you just that! Plus there’s so much you can do in the engineering field, from electrical to mechanical and aircraft engineering, let’s explore your options.
What are engineering apprenticeships?
Engineering apprenticeships combine academic study with on the job training, enabling you to gain a nationally recognised qualification. You will spend 80% of your time learning on the job in an engineering environment and the other 20% will be spent with your training provider, college or university. Typically, you will be allocated one day a week of study time or you may be expected to take a study block for a full week or month. This will all depend on your employer and the training institution.
What are the entry requirements for an engineering apprenticeship?
The entry requirements for an engineering apprenticeship will vary on your level of experience, previous academic background and the level of apprenticeship you are applying for. Take a look at the levels of engineering apprenticeships available:
Level 2 engineering apprenticeships
A Level 2 engineering apprenticeship is equivalent to 5 GCSE passes. They are typically taken by school leavers and will help you to gain an understanding of engineering. Apprenticeships available at level 2 include:
- Engineering operative
- Rail engineering operative
- Aviation maintenance mechanic
- Autocare technician
- Bicycle mechanic
Level 3 engineering apprenticeships
A Level 3 engineering apprenticeship is equivalent to 2 A Levels. They are typically taken by school leavers, college leavers or those who have completed a level 2 apprenticeship. These apprenticeships include:
- Engineering technician
- Engineering design and draughtsperson
- Bus and coach engineering technician
- Maintenance and operations engineering technician
- Engineering fitter
- Rail engineering technician
- Heritage engineering technician
- Utility engineering technician
- Non-destructive testing engineering technician
- Leisure and entertainment engineering technician
- Non-destructive testing engineering technician
- Lift truck and powered access engineering technician
- Marine engineer
- Food and drink maintenance engineer
Level 4 / Level 5 engineering apprenticeships
Level 4 and 5 apprenticeships are equivalent to a foundation degree and above. They are typically taken by students who have completed A-Levels, BTEC, Level 3 apprenticeship or equivalent. These Level 4 or 5 engineering apprenticeships include:
- Road transport engineering manager
- Rail engineering advanced technician
- Engineering manufacturing technician
- Electrical power networks engineer
- Automation and controls engineering technician
- Rail & rail systems engineer
- Electrical power protection and plant commissioning engineer
- Food & drink engineer
- Aircraft maintenance certifying engineer
Level 6 / 7 engineering degree apprenticeships
Level 6 and 7, also known as engineering degree apprenticeships, are equivalent to a bachelors or masters degree. They are typically taken by students who have completed A-Levels, Foundation Degree, Bachelors Degree or apprenticeship equivalent. Level 6 / 7 apprenticeships include:
- Through life engineering services specialist
- Postgraduate engineer
- Product design and development engineer
- Rail and rail systems senior engineer
- Systems engineer
- Process automation engineer
- Aerospace engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Power engineer
- Non-destructive testing engineer
- Science industry process / plant engineer
- Electronic systems principal engineer
- Food & drink advanced engineer
- Electrical / electronic technical support engineer
- Nuclear scientist and nuclear engineer
- Control / technical support engineer
- Aerospace software development engineer
- Embedded electronic systems design and development engineer
- Tool process design engineer
- Materials process engineer
What types of engineering careers can I do?
Apprenticeships are offered across a wide range of fields, from mechanical to electrical, there is so much that you can do! Whether you’re just starting out in your career and looking for an intermediate apprenticeship or you already have the know-how to succeed with an engineering degree apprenticeship, there are a wealth of opportunities, including:
Mechanical engineering apprenticeships
Mechanical engineering apprenticeship will see you involved with the research, development and production of products and processes. You could work across a range of industries, from designing elevators to steam and gas turbines. Other tasks include:
- Working with the latest technology and materials (you might even be developing these)
- Managing projects and resources, while taking into account health and safety
- Use modelling and computer-aided design (CAD)
- Monitor and commission plant and systems
- Create blueprints for designs
- Monitor and commission plant and systems
- Design and test aesthetics, functionality, and durability
To name a few employers you could work for in this sector, these include:
- MBDA
- EEF
- RAF
- Nestle
Electrical engineering apprenticeships
Electrical engineering apprenticeships will see you in a role which designs and develops new electrical equipment. Without electrical engineers, we would have no power in our homes, it’s unimaginable but true! Your daily tasks could include:
Dealing with electricity, electromagnetism and electronics, power, control systems, telecommunications and signal processing Identifying problems and fitting electrical systems, products, components Testing systems and finding faults Managing electrical rewires To name a few employers you could work for in this sector, these include:
- AECOM
- BT
- Siemens
- Sky
Aeronautical engineering apprenticeships
Aeronautical engineering apprenticeships involved the design, development, manufacturing and maintenance of military and civil aircraft. You will also be working on aeronautical components and associated systems. Other duties can include:
- Monitoring the design requirements and developments of the aircraft or fitting components
- Improving the performance and implementing the test and designs
- Testing, reviewing and identifying any faults then modifying and testing again
- Producing reports and manual documents
- Investigating the cause of a flight failure and crash
To name a few employers you could work for in this sector, these include:
- Virgin Atlantic
- Airbus
- RAF
- TUI
- BAE Systems
Civil engineering apprenticeships
As a civil engineer apprentice, you could be involved in various tasks but the ultimate goal is to protect, create and improve the environment. From planning, designing the construction of roads, bridges, railways to power plants, sewerage systems and airports. There is so much for you to do. Other tasks include:
- Plan, design and manage construction projects
- Involved in different fields such as structural, transportation and maritime
- Plan site requirements
- Analyse local survey data
- Create building plans and blueprints
- Monitor the build from start to finish
To name a few employers you could work for in this sector, these include:
- Institution of Civil Engineers
- Balfour Beatty
- Costain
- Highways England
What skills do you need for an engineering apprenticeship?
Although you don’t necessarily need any skills to start an engineering apprenticeship, due to these being gained as you gain hands-on experience and exposure to study time, there are a few skills which will prepare you for the role. These include:
- Creativity
- Problem solving
- Able to work well under pressure
- Teamwork
- Time management and the ability to meet deadlines
- Able to work independently
- Close attention to detail
- Good communication
Although you might not have any sector-specific skills, you’ll gain these during your apprenticeship, after all, that’s what they are designed to do and it certainly doesn’t mean you don’t have any skills. Think about all the transferable skills you’ve gained during school, college or university, from presenting to the class which requires you to have good communication to problem solving in maths.
Apprentice engineer salary
The apprentice engineer salary will vary depending on the employer, however, all apprentices in under 19 years old or apprentices aged 19 and over in their first year will be paid £5.28. If you’re aged 19 or over and in the second year of your engineering apprenticeship, you must be paid the national minimum wage for your age group. For example, if you’re 21 and in the second year of your apprenticeship, you must be paid a minimum of £9.18.
wage rate from April 2023
Upon completion of your apprenticeship, the salary for a qualified engineer will ultimately increase as you gain more experience within the sector and industry. It will vary depending on your knowledge and type of role but experienced engineering technicians can expect to earn around £39,000 and usually work a 41 hour week. By 2027, the sector is expected to grow by 1% and a further 43.2% is projected to be replaced due to retirement, this, in turn, will create an estimated 41,900 job opening by 2027.
Source: LMI Careerometer
How to find engineering apprenticeships near me
Wondering ‘how to find engineering apprenticeships near me?’ The good news is, you’ve come to the right place. You can use the Careermap Job Search tool to filter by location and industry. Make sure to read the job description and research the company so you understand what will be expected of you and what the apprenticeship can lead to.
Top Tip! Always tailor your application to the apprenticeship you are applying to. When it comes to applying for a job, one size doesn’t fill all.
As part of the application process, you might be required to evidence why you’re the right fit for the job. This will give you the opportunity to expand on the skills you’ve gained during education or if you’ve undertaken work experience which relates. Some organisations will also ask you to sit psychometric tests to show your competencies and you might be expected to attend an assessment centre. Employers all have different recruitment requirements so always check the specification prior to applying and make sure you fill out the application at a time where you won’t be rushed or distracted.
If you’re ready to start your career in engineering, head over to the Careermap Job Search, where you can find a range of opportunities from top employers like Network Rail, RAF, MBDA, Army, plus many more!
