Last verified: March 2026
Engineering apprenticeships are one of the most popular and well-paid apprenticeship routes in the UK. You earn while you train, get a recognised qualification, and can work your way up to chartered engineer status – all without university debt. Whether you’re interested in designing jet engines or wiring up power stations, there’s an engineering apprenticeship for it.
If you’re considering alternatives to university, engineering apprenticeships are one of the strongest options available. You’re employed from day one, paid a salary, and you come out the other side with real experience that employers actually value.
What is an engineering apprenticeship?
An engineering apprenticeship is a real job with an engineering employer, combined with structured off-the-job training. You split your time between working on real projects and studying for a qualification – usually at a college, training centre, or university (for degree apprenticeships).
- Available at Levels 2–7 (GCSE equivalent up to master’s degree)
- Typically 2–4 years depending on the level
- You’re employed from day one – paid a salary, not a student
- Your employer pays for all training and qualifications
- You can progress to chartered engineer status through the apprenticeship route
Types of engineering apprenticeships
Engineering is a broad field. Here are the main specialisms you can pursue through an apprenticeship:
Mechanical engineering
Designing, building, and maintaining machinery and mechanical systems. You could work on anything from car engines to factory production lines. Major employers include Rolls-Royce, JCB, Dyson, and BAE Systems.
Electrical and electronic engineering
Working with circuits, power systems, and electronics. This covers everything from national power grids to microchip design. Employers include Siemens, National Grid, and thousands of smaller firms.
Civil engineering
Building the infrastructure around us – roads, bridges, tunnels, buildings, and water systems. Large-scale projects like HS2 and new housing developments need civil engineers. Employers include Balfour Beatty, Kier, and Mott MacDonald.
Aerospace engineering
Designing, manufacturing, and maintaining aircraft and spacecraft. The UK has one of the largest aerospace industries in the world. Employers include Airbus, BAE Systems, and Rolls-Royce.
Chemical and process engineering
Working in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, food production, and energy. You’ll work with chemical processes at industrial scale – turning raw materials into useful products safely and efficiently.
Software and control engineering
Automation, robotics, and embedded systems. As manufacturing becomes more automated, demand for engineers who can programme and maintain robotic systems is growing fast. This sits between traditional engineering and IT apprenticeships.
Apprenticeship levels explained
Engineering apprenticeships are available at multiple levels. You don’t have to start at the bottom – where you enter depends on your existing qualifications.
Engineering apprenticeship levels
| Level | Equivalent to | Duration | Typical roles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 2 (Intermediate) | GCSEs | 12–18 months | Engineering operative, maintenance assistant |
| Level 3 (Advanced) | A-Levels | 2–3 years | Engineering technician, manufacturing technician |
| Level 4 (Higher) | Foundation degree | 2–3 years | Senior technician, project engineer |
| Level 6 (Degree) | Bachelor’s degree | 4–5 years | Design engineer, systems engineer |
| Level 7 (Master’s) | Master’s degree | 5–6 years | Chartered engineer, principal engineer |
If you’re interested in the degree-level route, read our guide to degree apprenticeships – you get a full degree without paying tuition fees.
Salary and pay
The national minimum apprentice wage is £6.40 per hour (2024/25 rate – check gov.uk for the current rate). But most engineering employers pay significantly more than this, especially the big names.
£0
Typical first-year salary
£0
After qualification
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Average qualified engineer
Be honest with yourself: the first year is lower than you’d earn in some other jobs. But it climbs quickly. By the time you’re qualified, you’ll be earning well above the national average – and you’ll have zero debt. If you reach chartered engineer status, salaries of £50,000–£70,000+ are realistic.
Wondering whether the university route pays better? Read our analysis of whether university is worth it.
Entry requirements
Requirements vary by level and employer, but here’s the general picture:
- Level 2: Usually 3+ GCSEs at grade 3–4, including maths and English
- Level 3: Usually 5 GCSEs at grade 4+, including maths and English (sometimes science)
- Level 6 (degree): A-Levels or completion of a Level 3 apprenticeship, often needs maths + a science subject
Not all employers are the same. Some of the biggest firms (Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems) run highly competitive schemes with tough selection processes. Smaller companies can be more flexible on formal qualifications – they’re often looking for practical aptitude and genuine enthusiasm.
If you’re not sure you have the right qualifications, apply anyway. The worst they can say is no. Many employers value attitude and potential over grades.
How to apply
There are several ways to find engineering apprenticeships:
- Find an Apprenticeship (gov.uk) – the government’s official search tool. Filter by “engineering” and your location.
- Employer websites directly – companies like Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Siemens, and Airbus have dedicated apprenticeship pages on their careers sites.
- UCAS – for degree apprenticeships (Level 6+), some are listed on UCAS alongside traditional university courses.
The application process usually involves an online application, aptitude or assessment tests, an interview (often including practical tasks), and then an offer. Large employers typically open applications 12 months ahead – so if you want to start in September, start looking the previous September.
Tips for standing out
- Show genuine interest in engineering – mention projects, hobbies, or things you’ve built or fixed
- Research the employer before your interview – know what they make and why it matters
- Be ready for practical assessments – some employers test your ability to follow instructions, work with your hands, and solve problems
- If you’re applying for degree apprenticeships, you may need a personal statement
Engineering apprenticeship vs engineering degree
This is the big question. Both routes can lead to the same destination – a qualified, chartered engineer. But the journey is different. Here’s how they compare:
| Factor | Engineering apprenticeship | Engineering degree |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3–5 years | 3–4 years |
| Cost to you | Free (you earn) | ~£9,250/yr tuition |
| Work experience | Full-time from day 1 | Placement year (if offered) |
| Qualification | NVQ + professional registration | BEng/MEng degree |
| Salary at 21 | £25,000–£35,000 | £0 (graduating) |
| Route to chartered | Yes (via work experience) | Yes (via further experience) |
Neither route is objectively better. If you want hands-on experience and to earn straight away, the apprenticeship makes more sense. If you want the breadth of a traditional university education and the student experience, the degree route has its own advantages. You can also consider a degree apprenticeship – which gives you both. Engineering T-Levels are another option worth exploring if you want to test the waters before committing.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to start your engineering career?
Explore all apprenticeship options or search for live vacancies on gov.uk.
James Adams
Career and Education Founder
James Adams is a Career and Education Founder who also runs Tech Educators, an award-winning digital training provider based in Norfolk. He has direct experience delivering Skills Bootcamps, apprenticeships, and corporate training, and holds an Executive MBA (Distinction) from the University of East Anglia. He created Leaving School to give young people honest, independent guidance on every route available after school.