About apprenticeships

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprentices are employed by a company to undertake training both on and off the job, normally on a day release basis. You will learn the job specific skills you need to progress in your career as well as gaining nationally recognised qualifications. All this while earning at least £95 a week.

Engineering apprentices usually last at least two years but the length can vary depending on what you are doing as well as you and your employers needs.

What do you get out of an apprenticeship?

By choosing an apprenticeship you will get:

A salary
Paid holidays
Training
Job specific skills
Qualifications – both nationally recognised work based qualifications such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and key skills such as communication and working with others

The qualification you gain will depend on what type of apprenticeship you undertake: an apprenticeship; advanced apprenticeship; or a higher apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

You work towards work-based learning qualifications such as NVQ level 2 or key skills.

Advanced Apprenticeships

You work towards work-based learning qualifications such as an NVQ level 3, key skills and in most cases a certificate such as a BTEC.

Higher Apprenticeships

You work towards work based learning qualifications such as NVQ level 4, key skills and in some cases you can get a foundation degree.

Apprenticeships in Scotland

If you do a Modern Apprenticeship in Scotland you will most likely get an SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) level 3 or even an SVQ level 4 plus core skills certification although the exact qualification you get will depend on the type of apprenticeship you do.

If you gain an NVQ level 3 or similar during your advanced apprenticeship you may also be eligible to become a professional Engineering Technician (EngTech). Learn more about this professional registration and how it can benefit your career.

Who can apply?

Anyone over the age of 16 can start an apprenticeship. You can be a school leaver or you may have been working for a number of years and fancy a career change.

There may be entry requirements for some levels of apprenticeship. Look at our routes into engineering map to find out more and learn about some of the popular routes you can take into the engineering world.