Engineering Apprenticeships

Can you get an apprenticeship in engineering?

YES! You have to be age 16+ and can start work as soon as you’ve finished your GCSE’s. There are many apprenticeships in engineering to choose from, leading to careers such as:

Mechanical Engineering

• What it involves: Designing, building, and testing mechanical systems like engines, machines, and tools.

• What you'll do: Working with CAD software, assembling components, testing machines, and maintaining mechanical systems.

Electrical Engineering

• What it involves: Dealing with electricity, circuits, power generation, and electronic systems.

• What you'll do: Installing wiring systems, testing electrical components, fault finding, and learning about renewable energy systems.

Civil Engineering

• What it involves: Designing and constructing infrastructure like roads, bridges, tunnels, and buildings.

• What you'll do: Surveying sites, preparing construction drawings, assisting with site management, and using design software.

Chemical Engineering

• What it involves: Turning raw materials into usable products using chemical processes.

• What you'll do: Working in labs, monitoring reactions, assisting in the production of fuels, plastics, food, and cosmetics.

Software Engineering

• What it involves: Designing, building, and maintaining software applications and systems.

• What you'll do: Coding, testing software, fixing bugs, learning about development frameworks and programming languages.

Aerospace Engineering

• What it involves: Designing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and related systems.

• What you'll do: Helping with design, testing components, analysing performance, and working on flight systems.

Automotive Engineering

• What it involves: Developing cars, trucks, and other vehicles, focusing on performance, safety, and design.

• What you'll do: Assisting with vehicle testing, engine tuning, design improvements, diagnostics, and manufacturing processes.

How does an engineering apprenticeship work?

An apprentice engineer studies for a nationally-recognised qualification, while obtaining relevant, paid work experience in the engineering industry. Apprentices will work for at least 30 hours a week for 30 weeks a year. That time will be split between learning practical work skills and studying.

Entrants must be at least 16 years old and out of full-time education. Aside from this, entry requirements depend on the employer and the type of apprenticeship you apply for, so it’s a good idea to check the information on our job pages. We’ll go into more detail about this further down.

Here’s what an apprentice said about their programme with GE Aerospace:

How long is an engineering apprenticeship?

Engineering apprenticeships vary in length and can take anything from 12 months to five years to complete. It all depends on your level.

Intermediate apprenticeships, for instance, usually last for a year, whereas higher apprenticeships can last around four to five years.

The structure of your programme will vary depending on your employer and the scheme you’re on. But whoever you work for, your time will be split between learning vocational skills and working towards a professional qualification.

What GCSEs and A-levels do you need for an engineering apprenticeship?

Every apprenticeship level will have different requirements. To make it easy, we put it all together in a table for you:

All of the above will depend on the employer and the specific role though, so make sure to check their requirements before applying. 

Some companies will ask for a GCSE in science or design technology for their programme. Also, if you wish to do a higher or degree apprenticeship, it’s a good idea to study a maths or science A-level to help you stand out. Though not all employers will ask for this, so best to double-check. 

Can you do an engineering apprenticeship without GCSEs?

You can 100% do an apprenticeship without GCSEs. So if you didn’t get the exam results you’d hoped for and feel like the Earth is sinking beneath your very feet, don’t worry. You’ve got options.

While there are many apprenticeship levels, the ones that typically don’t ask for qualifications are Level 2 apprenticeships. They last between one and two years and give you a work or knowledge-based qualification such as a level 2 NVQ or a BTEC. This is the equivalent to 2 GCSEs.

So you'll be able to take that first step on the career ladder towards becoming an engineer.

How much do you get paid for an engineering apprenticeship?

Engineering apprentices receive the same benefits as regular employees, including a full salary, holidays, and other perks.

As an apprentice engineer, you’ll be taking home bucket loads of cash. However, the amount you’ll get paid will depend on your age and the type of apprenticeship you’re doing. Below, we have listed the average salary for engineering apprentices at different levels:

At the very least, your salary will be determined by the National Minimum Wage. But many employers pay much more than this. You'll likely find salary data on each of our job listings.

How to apply for an engineering apprenticeship

Engineering apprenticeship jobs go live on our website all year round. We host apprenticeships at every level and of every engineering type, so you're sure to find the right one for you.

But, do note that the best time to start searching is in September, the year before you want to start your apprenticeship.

Make sure you’re ready for the apprenticeship application process. Perfect your CV and cover letter writing so you can progress to the next stage, as well as brush up on your interview techniques.