Engineering apprenticeships are a great way to get into engineering without a university degree. However, many people are apprehensive because they don’t know what is involved in an apprenticeship. Of course, every engineering apprenticeship is tailored to the business you’ll be working in, so no two are alike. However, there are some commonalities between all apprenticeships. 
An apprenticeship is a training programme based upon learning the skills required for a job. Whilst training towards gaining a nationally recognised qualification. Engineering apprenticeships are available to new and existing employees. Normally with funding available for the business who is training the apprentice. It can take between one and four years to complete the course depending on previous knowledge and experience.
An apprenticeship will generally consist of the following components:
- A minimum of 30 hours per week paid employment;
- A knowledge based element;
- A competency based element;
- Transferable or functional skills;
- A module on employment rights and responsibilities.
Here’s what to expect when you’re training to be an engineer!
Shadowing
The advantage of engineer training on an apprenticeship. Is that it’s conducted on real work being done by a real company. So you’ll spend a lot of time shadowing the existing engineers in the firm. They will talk you through different aspects of their work. And wherever possible you’ll gradually join in, performing some of the work yourself.
Supervised Work
You will gradually start conducting some work on your own, and taking responsibility for your own part in various projects. You will work closely with the other engineers. Who will give you all the instruction you need to do your work. There will always be someone close by in case you have any questions or need feedback.
Studying During Engineering Apprenticeships
As well as practical work, engineering apprenticeships involve some desk or classroom-based study. Depending on where you do your apprenticeship, you may do this in-house alongside other apprentices and trainees. Or, you may spend one or two days each week at a local college or university. Alternatively, you might study in blocks of one or two weeks at a time.
Assessment
Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll have regular meetings with a buddy or supervisor to make sure you are up to speed on everything you need to know. Your skills and knowledge will be assessed. Which will usually be through a combination of coursework, written essays, written exams, and practical exams.
Payment
Yes, you do get paid while you are training! You will usually receive at least the National Minimum Wage while training. In which case the amount you get paid will depend on your age, and the length of time you have been training. However, many employers choose to pay more than the minimum wage. Especially after the first year.
Interested in Engineering Apprenticeships?
TTE is a training provider. This means we are able to work with you to help decide if an apprenticeship is the right path to take. Both from the point of view of the business and the apprentice. We will explain the way apprenticeships will work in your instance, if funding is available, and agree a training plan with your apprentice. If you are interested in applying for an apprenticeship. Fill in the contact form below and we can get the help, support or guidance you need.
TTE can also assist with the recruitment of an apprentice. Or help transition current staff into starting an apprenticeships. We will also be ensuring that national quality standards are met, and that the training is being delivered and integrated correctly with the work being performed.
More information on a career in engineering can be found here.