What Is a Good Apprenticeship to Do in Engineering?

Choosing the right apprenticeship can change your life-not just your job, but your future. If you’re wondering what’s a good apprenticeship to do, the answer isn’t about prestige or paychecks alone. It’s about finding work that matches your hands, your mind, and your long-term goals. For many, that means engineering. Not the abstract kind you see in movies, but the real, grease-under-your-nails, problem-solving kind that keeps cities running, machines working, and planes flying.

Engineering Apprenticeships Are Real Jobs With Real Pay

One of the biggest myths about apprenticeships is that they’re just training with no income. That’s not true. In the UK, engineering apprentices start earning from day one. The average starting wage is around £18,000 to £22,000 a year. By year three, many earn over £25,000-sometimes more, depending on the company and location. And unlike university, you graduate with zero student debt and a nationally recognized qualification.

Companies like Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, Siemens, and even local manufacturers hire apprentices every year. They don’t just want bright students-they want people who can fix things, think on their feet, and show up on time. You’ll be working alongside experienced engineers, learning how to read blueprints, operate CNC machines, weld steel, and troubleshoot hydraulic systems-all while getting paid.

What Types of Engineering Apprenticeships Exist?

Not all engineering is the same. There are several paths you can take, each with its own focus and future. Here are the most common and respected ones:

• Mechanical Engineering - You’ll work with moving parts: engines, turbines, robots, and manufacturing equipment. This is one of the most versatile paths-you can end up in automotive, aerospace, or even medical device design.
• Electrical Engineering - Focuses on power systems, wiring, control panels, and automation. You’ll learn how to install and maintain electrical systems in factories, hospitals, and data centers.
• Electronics Engineering - Deals with circuits, microchips, sensors, and embedded systems. If you like gadgets and want to work on drones, robotics, or smart devices, this is your track.
• Manufacturing Engineering - You’ll optimize production lines, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. This role is critical in modern factories where speed and precision matter.
• Civil Engineering (Construction-Based) - Not just about bridges and roads. You’ll learn site surveying, concrete work, structural inspection, and project planning. Many apprentices end up managing small construction crews.

Each of these has a clear progression. After your apprenticeship, you can become a qualified technician, then an engineer, and eventually a project lead or even start your own business.

Why Engineering Apprenticeships Beat University for Many People

University isn’t the only path to a good career-and for engineering, it’s often not the best one. A three-year engineering degree costs upwards of £27,000 in tuition alone, plus living expenses. Then you graduate with a piece of paper and no real-world experience. Many employers still require you to do an internship anyway.

An apprenticeship gives you all that experience upfront. You’re not just learning theory-you’re applying it. You learn how to fix a broken pump, not just draw one on paper. You learn how to talk to clients, read safety codes, and meet deadlines. Employers value that. A 2024 survey by the Institute of Engineering and Technology found that 87% of engineering firms prefer hiring apprentices over new graduates because they’re ready to contribute from day one.

Plus, apprenticeships are flexible. You can start at 16, 18, or even 25. There’s no upper age limit. If you’ve worked in retail or warehousing and want a change, engineering apprenticeships welcome career switchers.

What Skills Do You Need to Succeed?

You don’t need to be a math genius. But you do need to be comfortable with numbers, measurements, and problem-solving. Here’s what actually matters:

• Attention to detail - A 0.5mm error in a turbine part can cause a shutdown. Precision matters.
• Hand-eye coordination - Whether you’re soldering a circuit board or aligning a gear, your hands need to work with your eyes.
• Patience - Some repairs take hours. Some projects take months. You can’t rush quality.
• Willingness to learn - Technology changes fast. Today’s CNC machine might be outdated in five years. You need to keep learning.
• Reliability - Employers need people who show up, stay focused, and follow safety rules. This is non-negotiable.

You don’t need to have done advanced math in school. Many apprentices start with GCSEs in maths and science at grade 4 or above. Some programs accept lower grades if you show enthusiasm and a strong work ethic.

Where to Find Engineering Apprenticeships

You won’t find them by just Googling “engineering jobs.” You need to know where to look.

• Government Apprenticeship Service - The official UK site lists hundreds of live openings with verified employers.
• Company websites - Big names like Airbus, Jaguar Land Rover, and National Grid post apprenticeships directly. Don’t wait for job boards-check their careers pages monthly.
• Local colleges and training providers - Many partner with manufacturers to run apprenticeship programs. Ask about “employer-led” programs-they’re more likely to lead to a job.
• Trade unions and industry groups - The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB) and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers have apprenticeship directories.

Apply early. Most apprenticeships open in January for a September start. Some have waiting lists. If you miss the deadline, don’t give up-many companies accept applications year-round for rolling intakes.

What Happens After the Apprenticeship?

Finishing your apprenticeship is just the beginning. You’ll earn a Level 3 or Level 4 qualification-equivalent to A-levels or a foundation degree. From there, you have options:

• Stay with your employer - Most apprentices are offered full-time roles. Many get promoted within two years.
• Move to a higher-level apprenticeship - Go from Level 3 to Level 4 (Higher Apprenticeship) or even Level 6 (Degree Apprenticeship) while working.
• Specialize - Become a robotics technician, automation specialist, or quality control engineer.
• Start your own business - Many former apprentices open repair shops, maintenance firms, or engineering consultancies.

Salaries after apprenticeship? Entry-level engineering technicians earn £28,000-£35,000. With experience, you can hit £45,000-£60,000. Senior engineers in aerospace or energy can earn over £70,000.

Who Should Avoid Engineering Apprenticeships?

It’s not for everyone. If you hate getting dirty, dislike working with tools, or can’t stand repetitive tasks, this isn’t the path for you. Engineering apprenticeships aren’t about sitting at a desk all day. You’ll be on your feet, in noisy factories, in freezing warehouses, or under hot machinery.

If you’re looking for a 9-to-5 office job with no physical demands, go for something else. But if you like solving puzzles with your hands, taking pride in building something that lasts, and being part of a team that keeps things running-then this is one of the best apprenticeships you can do.

Final Thought: It’s Not Just a Job. It’s a Craft.

Engineering apprenticeships are more than training programs. They’re the modern version of an old-school trade. You learn from masters. You earn your place through hard work. You build things that matter.

There’s dignity in this work. You don’t need a fancy title to feel proud. When your name is on the maintenance log for a hospital’s life-support system, or when your wiring keeps a school’s lights on during winter, you know you made a difference.

That’s what makes it a good apprenticeship-not the salary, not the prestige-but the fact that you’re building something real-and people depend on it.

If you’re ready to stop wondering and start doing, the next step is simple: visit the Government’s Find an Apprenticeship website, search for “engineering,” and apply to three programs this week. Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity-start with the first one that feels right.