Benefits of engineering apprenticeships

With so many routes into engineering, you may be struggling to decide between an engineering apprenticeship or other qualification routes such as a degree. In this article, we’ll discuss both the long-term and short-term benefits of engineering apprenticeships.

What is an engineer?

An engineer is a person who designs and builds complex products, machines, systems, or structures. Engineers solve problems by using science, maths, and technology to figure out the best way to create new things or to improve a product. 

What engineering roles are there?

Engineers can work in many industries including food, automotive, rail, water and energy supply, construction and many more. Engineers often specialise in a specific branch such as civil, electrical, mechanical, and chemical engineering.

Engineering roles range from entry-level Operator roles to mid-level Engineering Technician roles to senior roles like Chief Engineer. 

I wanted to gain on-the-job experience while completing the engineering qualifications and coursework, and Total People seemed to offer this the best.

Total People Engineering Apprentice, working with Sodexo.

Benefits of engineering apprenticeships

Gain experience with employers & accelerate your career

With an engineering apprenticeship, you will spend up to 80% of your time working with a relevant employer in the engineering sector gaining first-hand experience and making valuable connections that can support your employment and career progression once you have achieved your qualification. Most employers recruit their apprentices as full-time staff once the apprenticeship has been completed since they have invested time and effort into developing the perfect skills for the business. 

Start with minimal entry requirements

Our engineering apprenticeships are Level 3 qualifications which are often more suitable than engineering degrees for those with lower A-level grades since the entry requirements are simply passing your GCSE grades. 

Earn while you learn

While an engineering apprenticeship lasts at least as long as a degree (three years), you have the added benefit of earning an apprenticeship wage while you learn and no tuition fees to pay – in fact, your qualification will be funded (at least in part) by the apprenticeship levy. 

Engineering is an increasingly competitive field to break into, so why not give yourself the advantage of a wage, hands-on experience, and industry connections by completing an apprenticeship. 

Take a look at our engineering apprenticeships to get your career started.