Apprenticeships offer a route into the world of engineering that’s built around real skills and hands-on projects. At MTC Training, a significant number of aspiring engineers follow this pathway every year.
But what do apprenticeships involve in practice? What are the benefits for learners and employers? And how can you apply? We answer your questions and provide insights to help you decide if an engineering apprenticeship is right for you.
What is an apprenticeship?
Unlike classroom-only routes, an apprenticeship introduces you to skilled employment from the outset – combining study, training and recognised qualifications with real, paid work. At MTC Training, this means learning in environments that mirror industry and building real practical skills while earning a wage.
For this reason, apprenticeships are becoming an increasingly popular career pathway. The UK government reported over 46,000 apprenticeship completions in 2025/26 so far – a 22% rise on the same period last year. It also found that only 28.1% of new starters were under-19s, the rest being adults, highlighting how apprenticeships are a valuable career route for anyone who has left full-time education.
How engineering apprenticeships work in real manufacturing environments
Starting an engineering apprenticeship at MTC Training, you’ll develop your skills through hands-on projects in real-life environments, regularly working with the tools and technologies that are used across modern manufacturing. Over time, this approach builds both technical ability and the confidence to apply knowledge under live conditions – something we find employers continue to prioritise.
During our programmes, learning is typically split across structured study, training in our advanced facilities, and paid employment within an engineering or manufacturing organisation.
As part of the training and study element of an apprenticeship with us, you’ll be working on tasks alongside our expert trainers – people who are helping to drive progress in the industry. You’ll also benefit from exposure to a wide range of machine tools and emerging and advanced technologies.
“Engineering competence is built by doing, not observing. When apprentices work with real equipment in live manufacturing environments, they develop the confidence, problem-solving ability and professional judgement that simply can’t be replicated in a classroom alone. That hands-on exposure is what turns technical knowledge into real engineering capability to support industry and close the skills gap.” - James Wagstaff, Centre Head and Curriculum Manager
As your skills develop, so does your responsibility. Working for your employer in the paid part of your apprenticeship, you may begin by supporting tasks such as preparing materials or assisting with builds, before progressing to more independent work, problem-solving and contributing to improvement activities.
Apprenticeship levels in engineering and advanced manufacturing explained
Like other UK apprenticeships, engineering apprenticeships are available at a range of levels, each designed to develop different skills, responsibilities and qualifications. Understanding what each level represents can help employers, parents and prospective apprentices identify the most suitable route based on existing experience and career goals. Below we focus on Levels 2 to 5, outlining what learners can expect at each stage.
Level 2 (Intermediate)
- Approx. equivalent educational level: GCSEs
- Typical completion time: 12-18 months
- Examples of Apprenticeship programmes: Engineering Operative, Nuclear Operative, Nuclear Health Physics, Lean Manufacturing Operative
Level 3 (Advanced)
- Approx. equivalent educational level: A-Level
- Typical completion time: 18 – 48 months
- Examples of Apprenticeship programmes: Mechatronics Maintenance Technician, Machining Technician, Engineering Manufacturing Support Technician, Engineering Fitter, Engineering Maintenance Technician
Level 4 (Higher)
- Approx. equivalent educational level: Higher National Certificate
- Typical completion time: 18 – 48 months
- Examples of Apprenticeship programmes: Automation and Controls Engineering Technician
Level 5 (Higher)
- Approx. equivalent educational level: Higher National Certificate
- Typical completion time: 36 months
- Examples of Apprenticeship programmes: Nuclear Technician
At MTC Training, we currently deliver Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships. These programmes build foundations and knowledge in key engineering disciplines such as machining, maintenance and assembly. Find out more about our apprenticeship opportunities and what they involve.
Engineering apprenticeships vs university
It’s a question that the majority of aspiring engineers will ask themselves. Should I go to university, or should I follow the apprenticeship route? There’s no one-size fits all – the answer depends on how you prefer to learn and where you want your career to start.
Structure
Apprenticeship
- Mix of study and paid work
- Up to 3 years depending on apprenticeship level
University
- Full-time study
- Can include "Sandwich" Years or Industrial Placements
- Typically 3-4 years
Cost
Apprenticeship
- No tuition fees (these are covered by your employer / the UK government covers)
- Earn £8k+ salary
University
- Tuition fees are thousands of pounds
- Loans typically required
Experience
Apprenticeship
- Early hands-on training
- Involvement in real industry projects
University
- Focus on theory early on
- Some hands-on workshops
- Optional longer work placements later on
Qualification
Apprenticeship
- From Level 2 NVQ to Master’s degree or equivalent, depending on apprenticeship level
University
- Bachelor's or Master’s Degree
Flexibility
Apprenticeship
- Structured career pathway
University
- Broader exploration and easier career pivots
Typically, the apprenticeship route best suits those who wish to earn while they learn, to gain real experience, and to understand how engineering works in practice from the outset. Often with apprenticeships, career pathways are also clearer and there’s faster progression into full-time roles. By contrast, university provides a broader academic foundation and more time to explore different specialisms before committing to a specific direction. This option suits those looking for a more theory-led route with the flexibility to specialise later.
If you’re interested in starting an apprenticeship, explore the opportunities we have on offer:
Level 2 Engineering Apprenticeships
Level 2 Nuclear Apprenticeships
Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeships
Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician (EMT)
How engineering apprenticeships are funded in the UK
Apprenticeships are free for learners, and for employers, they are far more accessible than most would expect.
Large employers with an annual payroll exceeding £3 million contribute to an Apprenticeship Levy at a rate of 0.5%. These payments go into a dedicated online account, which they can draw down to cover programme costs. Learn how the MTC Training can support you in utilising your Apprenticeship Levy.
Funding generated by this levy doesn’t only benefit large employers – small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can also use these funds to pay up to 5% of the cost of their apprenticeship training, while the Government covers the remaining amount. In many cases, this SME contribution may also be reduced or removed entirely – particularly for some businesses and younger apprentices under recent rule changes. However, employers may need to contribute extra when the total cost of training exceeds the government’s “funding band maximum”. This is a funding cap set by the government for each apprenticeship level and job role.
Many of the SMEs we work with pay little to nothing towards the cost of apprenticeship training. And while employers are still responsible for paying the apprentice’s salary, funding support is available, with contributions covering the first year. Delivered in partnership with Lloyds, our SME Apprentice Support Service helps businesses understand their options, access available funding and manage their apprenticeship needs with confidence.
Who engineering apprenticeships are designed for
Engineering apprenticeships are for anyone who prefers learning by doing while earning a salary. They suit a wide range of ages and backgrounds, including:
- School leavers and young people who are interested in how things work, enjoy problem-solving, and want a practical alternative to full-time study.
- Adults switching careers who already have some work experience but want to retrain in a technical field while continuing to earn a wage.
- Existing employees aiming to move into more skilled or specialised roles within their organisation.
Whether in engineering or an alternative field, to start an apprenticeship you’ll need to be aged 16+, living in England, and not currently in full time education.
Addressing the UK engineering skills gap
According to the Office for National Statistics, there are currently 49,000 job vacancies going unfilled across manufacturing roles. Many employers are facing the same challenge: experienced engineers are leaving the workforce faster than new talent is coming in.
Research from the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) highlights how apprenticeships are helping businesses to bridge that skills gap. Through combining training in our advanced facilities with work experience, they:
- Retain expertise through cross-generational knowledge transfer
- Offer clear development plans that help to engage younger talent
- Introduce new skills to develop a workforce that’s resilient to emerging automation, digital manufacturing and data-driven processes.
At MTC Training, we support businesses to build teams that combine experienced engineers with new apprentices who are being trained in both traditional techniques and advanced digital processes – helping these organisations to stay competitive as the industry evolves.
Engineering apprenticeship career outcomes and progression
Consistently among the fastest-growing apprenticeship sectors, engineering apprenticeships are increasingly recognised as a smart, structured route into secure, high-demand careers.
At MTC Training, our apprenticeships have an achievement rate of 80.4% – the national average is 65.4%. An achievement rate is the percentage of apprentices who successfully complete their apprenticeship programme. That means at MTC Training and throughout the UK, the majority of learners meet the required standard and qualify for their roles.
Following programme completion, progression often moves quickly too, with apprentices stepping into jobs such as maintenance engineer, manufacturing technician or quality specialist. At MTC Training, most of our apprentices continue working for and progressing with their employer once their programme is finished. This demonstrates strong employer confidence in apprentices as future talent and is reflected by government data, which found around 59% of businesses retain more than half of their apprentices.
Why employers choose MTC Training for engineering apprenticeships
At MTC Training, we have a proven track record in delivering future-ready talent that’s equipped with both foundational skills and experience in cutting-edge technologies. With access to state-of-the-art facilities in Coventry, Oxfordshire, Liverpool, and Tyneside, we ensure our nuclear, engineering and maintenance apprentices are prepared for Industry 4.0 demands.
Employers also benefit from SME support through our Lloyds partnership, which provides funding assistance for the duration of an apprenticeship, additional salary support and free access to our training courses to raise awareness of new and disruptive technologies.
Our Apprenticeship + programme expands on our standard apprenticeships with additional upskilling, enrichment, and pathways to HNC or higher levels. Current courses support those looking for Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician, Machining Technician, and Mechatronics Maintenance Technician roles.
Looking to hire an apprentice? Explore our Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician (EMT) apprenticeships and Level 2 programmes.
How to apply for an engineering apprenticeship
To become an apprentice with MTC, you can complete one of the following options:
- Submit our apprenticeship application form
- Apply for our opportunities on the UK Government website
- Apply for any of our current apprenticeship vacancies
Successful candidates are invited to an interview where you will also experience our facilities first-hand, meet the team, and demonstrate how you approach problem solving and teamwork.
From there, candidates will have the opportunity to apply for specific roles with our employer partners. Those who are selected by our employer partners will secure their place on one of our programmes.
FAQs
Can’t find an answer to your question below? Take a look at our additional frequently asked questions, and our FAQs for parents and carers.
What is an engineering apprenticeship and how does it work?
An engineering apprenticeship combines paid work with structured training and industry-recognised qualifications. Apprentices gain technical skills in areas like maintenance or manufacturing while applying their training in a real work environment and gaining experience with the tools, systems and processes used across industry.
What apprenticeship levels are available in engineering and manufacturing?
Levels include: Level 2 (GCSE equivalent), Level 3 (A-level equivalent), Levels 4-5 (foundation degree equivalent), and Levels 6-7 (bachelor's/master's degree apprenticeships). MTC Training currently offers apprenticeships at Levels 2 and 3:
Level 2 Engineering Apprenticeships
Level 2 Nuclear Apprenticeships
Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeships
Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician (EMT)
How long does an engineering apprenticeship take to complete?
Engineering apprenticeships last 12-18 months (Level 2), 18-48 months (Level 3), or 2-3 years (higher/degree levels), depending on the standard and prior qualifications.
How much do engineering apprentices get paid in the UK?
Apprentices earn at least the National Minimum Wage (£8/hour for under-19s or first-year over-19s as of April 2026), rising as apprentices get older and their capabilities grow.
How are engineering apprenticeships funded for employers and apprentices?
Training costs are covered through government funding and the Apprenticeship Levy, meaning apprentices don’t pay fees. Employers use levy funds and/or receive government support, making apprenticeships a practical and cost-effective route to developing talent.