Are you interested in the mechanics of Formula 1 cars? Maybe you’re interested in how planes fly or how rollercoasters are built? Engineering includes designing, testing and building machines and structures.
What is an engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship in engineering is a hands-on, work-based route into your chosen career. You will gain the qualifications and skills to become an engineer or manufacturer, while earning a salary and not paying tuition fees.
You could be building smart cities, working in robotics, or working with pyrotechnics on film sets.
Career opportunities from an engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship
An apprenticeship in the industry can lead to a range of careers, including a:
Listen to our brand new podcast all about degree apprenticeships in engineering. Find out about funding, what day-to-day life is like, making friends, and more from our expert panel.
Hannah is an engineering degree apprentice at the Dyson Institute of Technology.
£18,771
Average salary for an engineering apprentice in the UK
According to Glassdoor, correct as of December 2022
Popular sector
Engineering and manufacturing was one of the most popular apprenticeship sectors in the UK in 2021/22
GOV.UK, correct as of November 2022
Over 80,000
Number of people starting an engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship in 2021/22
GOV.UK, correct as of November 2022
Ben Redpath, nuclear engineer degree apprentice at EDF
As well as the hands-on experience, an apprenticeship is a great opportunity to meet brilliant engineers with years of experience behind them. They’re always willing to pass on their knowledge and experience to help you develop and see things from other perspectives.
Chris Hunt, Learning and Development Manager at MEH Alliance
There’s no doubt that choosing an engineering apprenticeship will require hard work, commitment, effort. and time. The benefits far outweigh the challenges though, with it being a sector that’s well paid and with a vast range of career progression opportunities.
Pros
Every day is different.
You’ll learn from experienced engineers.
It’s a well-paid sector.
Considerations
Roles can be competitive.
You’ll need to manage work and study.
You’ll have lots of responsibility.
Who would suit an engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship?
You might be interested in an engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship if you:
are fascinated by how things work
like the idea of a practical, hands-on role
want to be involved in innovation
You might be a good fit for an engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship if you:
FAQs about engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships
How do engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships work?
An apprenticeship is an opportunity to work and study at the same time. You spend most of your time doing on-the-job training, and the rest is spent working towards a qualification. You get paid a salary and get dedicated study time throughout the week.
Apprenticeships are available at a range of levels depending on the type you do.
How long is an apprenticeship in the sector?
The length of your apprenticeship depends on the level you’re taking. For example, a degree apprenticeship could take three to six years, whereas an advanced apprenticeship could take one to two years.
What qualifications do you need?
Entry requirements are different depending on the role. Each company will have different requirements. For a degree apprenticeship in engineering, you will likely need to have taken STEM subjects at A level (or equivalent).
Remember, it’s not all about qualifications. To succeed in the role, you’ll need soft skills like analytical thinking, flexibility, and problem-solving.
What is the salary for an apprentice in the sector?
The salary varies depending on the role you’re interested in, and every employer will pay differently. You will be paid at least the minimum wage of £4.81 per hour, but many employers offer more than this. You’ll need to have a look at some vacancies to get an idea of salary.
Halimah Ershad, engineering degree apprentice at Dyson
I really wanted to be hands-on, working on a live engineering project from day one, so the apprenticeship was a really good fit. There’s a perception that apprentices just make the coffee, but that’s simply not true. From the very start you’re an employee, just like everyone else, doing the same work and applying the knowledge you’re learning.
