10 reasons to check out engineering apprenticeships this National Apprenticeship Week

Now in its 17th year of celebrating apprenticeship careers, National Apprenticeship Week is with us once again. Taking place from 5-11^th February, this year’s celebration looks to highlight ‘skills for life’ by empowering employers who can help apprentices develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career.

One key sector where apprentices can expect to gain skills for life is the engineering sector. From aerospace and race cars to life-saving medical devices and innovative environmental solutions, working in engineering can put you at the forefront of many different and interesting careers.

In Partnership with National Apprenticeship Week, we’ve put together our top ten reasons to explore engineering apprenticeships this year.

1. Job stability

The UK engineering sector is enjoying a boom in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down. Qualified engineers are in high demand, and engineering qualifications are recognised globally. This means that an Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) is eligible for jobs overseas, as well as in the UK.

And there’s plenty of work in the UK. According to a survey by EngineeringUK, 124,000 engineers and technicians a year are required nationwide. This doesn’t include 79,000 mixed-application occupations where engineering skills are combined with other disciplines.

2. Apprenticeships for every level

One of the major appeals of an apprenticeship is that they match different levels of qualifications and experience.

Apprentice levels are as follows:

• Level 2 (intermediate) – equivalent to five GCSEs (grades nine to four)
• Level 3 (advanced) – equivalent to two A-levels
• Levels 4 and 5 (higher) – equivalent to a foundation degree
• Levels 6 and 7 (degree) – equivalent to a full bachelor’s and/or master’s degree

You can find engineering apprenticeships for school leavers (level 2) all the way up to degree level, where you can earn a bachelor’s or even a master’s degree in engineering.

3. Relatively few entry requirements

Whether you are hoping to begin an engineering apprenticeship straight from school, after college, or as a change of career, there are many opportunities open to you.

Although different apprenticeship providers will have specific requirements, the basics are:

• You must be 16 or older
• Not in full-time education
• Eligible to work in the UK

Usually, you will require GCSEs or A Levels (or equivalent) depending on the level of apprenticeship, in English, Maths and at least one related subject such as a high mark in a science or technology.

For most engineering apprenticeships, there is no maximum age, so it can also be an excellent option for those looking to change their career.

4. Jobs with high-profile UK companies

Completing an apprenticeship with a company in the UK doesn’t guarantee you a job at the end of it, however, recent statistics from Reed suggest that over 85% of apprentices are offered jobs/promotions upon the completion of their programme.

Even if you are one of the unlucky few not to receive a job offer, completing an apprenticeship will vastly increase your desirability to other employers.

Transport for London, EDF Limited, the RAF, the British Army, Swegon UK, BAE Systems, Diagon, Alton Towers Resort and Portable Foods are just a few of the UK companies offering engineering apprenticeship positions at the time of writing.

5. Earn as you learn

One of the deciding factors between applying for an apprenticeship or applying to college or university is budget. Can you delay earning a steady wage while you study at university?

With an apprenticeship, you earn a fair wage from day one, with many schemes paying apprentices well over the national minimum wage.

6. No student loans

If you do decide to go to university, chances are you will graduate with some debt to pay off in the form of student loans.

With an apprenticeship, your course costs are paid by the UK Government and your employer. Not only will you earn at least the minimum wage for your age group, but you’ll also have no course costs to cover.

This means when you complete your apprenticeship, you have the necessary qualifications and experience to be a highly desirable employee and no loans to pay back.

7. Gain real world hands-on experience

If you learn by doing (kinetic learning) or are a visual learner, an apprenticeship in a practical discipline such as engineering may be a good fit. Although classroom learning is involved, it’s usually an 80/20 split in favour of hands-on experience and learning on the job.

You will work alongside senior members of your team, picking up the tricks of the trade and increasing your knowledge and capabilities. As you progress through your apprenticeship, you will likely be given more responsibilities, enabling you to demonstrate your skills.

Support is provided at every step, with mentorship and networking opportunities helping you build your contacts in the industry.

8. High earning potential

Engineers are among the top five earners in the UK.

Engineering apprentices usually start at around £18,000 – £19,000 a year, depending on the level of apprenticeship, their age, their location, and the company they work for.

Once you are qualified, you can expect this figure to rise significantly.

The UK starting salary for an engineer is around £24,000, while the average engineering salary in the UK is approximately £48,000. That’s +64% higher than the UK’s national average salary.

With such a high demand for engineers, the most senior, and specialists, can expect to make up to £150,000 a year.

9. Variety

Engineering is an umbrella term that encompasses many disciplines and industries.

Most lower-level apprenticeship schemes offer a broad knowledge of technical engineering principles.

The skills and knowledge learned are usually transferable to other roles, allowing you to be selective and agile with what and where you work.

10. Job satisfaction

In a 2022 survey from Benchmarking site Emolument, Engineering came third in professions with high job satisfaction, behind Human Resources and Technology and Telecoms.

The combination of real-world impact, job security, high salaries, and the ability to continue to grow and learn in your chosen field are just a few reasons engineers tend to be happy in their work.

So, what are you waiting for?

If you are the type of person who wonders how everything works and likes taking things apart to find the answers, engineering could be the ideal occupation for you.