Engineering and manufacturing

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:

A day in the life of an Engineering Apprentice

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:

  • are good at problem-solving
  • are a logical thinker
  • have good attention to detail
  • are creative

Find employers offering engineering apprenticeships

Find popular employers in the sector, including BAE systems, the Dyson Institute of Technology, and Jaguar Land Rover, to name a few.

Find your perfect employer

FAQs about engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships

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.

Search for engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships

Want to see what vacancies are out there or ready to apply? Search for your perfect apprenticeship.

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