Make a difference to the world - Vocational and apprenticeship routes into engineering
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Make a difference
to the world
ship
Vocational and apprentice
routes into engineering
Why choose
engineering
Engineering can be found
? What is an engineer?
Someone who works with others to design, create or improve a product, a way
of doing something, or part of our environment. Engineers are trained in a practical
way, using maths and science to solve problems in a specific branch of
Could you see yourself working engineering. They can take a vocational, apprenticeship or academic route into
everywhere – from the devices
with others to: engineering, or a combination of these routes. Engineering technicians often work
we use and the buildings we live
with engineers to solve practical engineering problems and are usually trained
Protect the environment? in to the power we consume and
through a vocational or apprenticeship route.
Develop cutting edge sports equipm
ent? the food we eat. Engineers use
their skills to improve the design,
Improve living conditions for people There are many opportunities for people Whichever route you choose you’ll find
performance and efficiency of who want to get into engineering yourself being rewarded, challenged
around the world?
just about everything we use through practical, work-based routes. and stimulated, with highly valued,
Manufacture the next generation today and to change the way There are also other routes into transferable skills that will equip you
of smartphones and tablets? we do things in the future. engineering, which are explained on for the future.
er the Tomorrow’s Engineers website:
If so, engineering could be the care www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk
for you. Vocational qualifications/Tech Leve
Have a look at the Engineering ls
at University booklet: are work-related qualifications, whic
eering h
s to cho ose engin www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/ can be taken full-time at school or
college
Fiv e reason nd they e
arn university (as a pathway to work or universit
y)
a re in d e ma nd a or part-time, during an apprentices
ers hip.
1) Engine Vocational qualifications include: BTEC
n ey
good mo ind almos
t Apprenticeships combin
e on-the-job
Diplomas, City & Guilds, EAL NVQ
ng is beh vocational s and
2) En g in e e ri
thin k o f training with studying for SVQs, HNCs, HNDs, and others.
g you can a de gree
every thin tered eng
ineers qualifications, or eve n
a ll y re g is
sion at universit y.
3) Profes h status in
society
have a hig ve, practi
cal
g in e e rs are creati
4) En ing Engineer
ard-think
and forw if ference
make a d
?
in e e rs “The best thing about an Apprenticeship is being able to work out what your strengths
w
5) En g
to the wo
rld
u kno are before making a formal decision on a career. I worked in eight different areas
Did yo
learning lots of varied skills, before making my final decision.
as an Through my Apprenticeship, my leadership, management and
gistered
p ro fe s s ionally re T e c h nician communication skills increased and my confidence greatly
c a n b ecome (En g Te c h), ICT improved. I now use these attributes in my current role.”
Yo u ician ) or
ng Techn eer (IEng
Engineeri corporated Engin le tt e rs after you
r
Jenny Westworth, 25
c h), In ), w it h d.
(ICT Te er (CEng e worl
d Engine all over th Manufacturing Engineer, BAE Systems
Chartere h are recognised Completed an Advanced Aerospace Engineering Apprenticeship
hic
name, w Studying for a degree in Manufacturing Systems Engineering and working
towards becoming a Chartered Engineer (CEng).
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/apprenticeships
Engineering industries Energy Utilities
and examples of job role Helping power homes, offices, hospitals and schools
s and developing ways of generating sustainable energy.
• Renewable Energy Engineer
• Water Process Technician
Aerospace
Food and Drink
Designing and testing aviation systems, developing cutting
edge defence technology and enabling space exploration.
• Aerospace Manufacturing Fitter
• Aerospace/Mechanical Engineer Maintaining, testing and developing the machines
and equipment used in food production,
packaging and distributing food and drink.
• Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer
Automotive • Electronics/Manufacturing Engineer
Creating the next generation of vehicles,
powered in new and efficient ways.
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Product Design and Development Technician
Land Based Engineering
Repairing and improving the mechanical equipment used in agriculture,
horticulture and construction, e.g. sprayers, tractors and mini diggers.
Built Environment • Land Based Engineering Technician
• Agricultural Engineer
Constructing new buildings, equipping them with the power and
communications systems they need in order to become habitable.
Life & Industrial Sciences
• Construction Technician
• Civil/Building Services Engineer
Working in production teams to assemble, maintain
and fix the equipment used in healthcare, testing
Digital Industries chemicals and using new processes.
• Science Manufacturing Technician
Responding to cyber security issues, developing apps, installing new software. • Chemical Engineer
• Cyber Intrusion Analyst
• Network Engineer
Rail Design
Electrotechnical Transforming the rail network by designing, developing and testing
track, signalling, electrification, telecoms and overhead line.
• Railway Engineering Design Technician
Installing and maintaining electrotechnical systems found in power
• Electrical/Mechanical/Civil Engineer
generation, buildings and infrastructure (e.g. railway tracks).
• Installation Electrician
• Electrical Engineer These are some of the Government’s new apprenticeship standards developed by engineering companies and professional bodies
as part of the Trailblazer initiative. For a full list of apprenticeship standards, go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk/standards
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/apprenticeships
Are there different levels of apprenticeships?
What is an apprenticeship? You must be at least 16 years old to apply for an apprenticeship.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, apprenticeships exist at three levels:
• Intermediate Apprenticeships (same level as GCSEs/Standard Grades): Level 2
• Advanced Apprenticeships (same level as A levels/IB/SB/Highers): Level 3
Apprenticeships are all about earning while you learn and investing in your future.
Apprentices work towards nationally recognised qualifications – generally at college, but • Higher Apprenticeships (same level as HND/degrees): Levels 4+
sometimes through E-learning and webinars – and spend the rest of their time developing Higher Apprenticeships often incorporate a Foundation Degree or Bachelor’s Degree
technical skills and ‘on-the-job’ knowledge with an employer in their chosen industry. (BEng or BSc).
Once you complete your apprenticeship, it is likely that you will stay with your existing In Scotland, apprenticeships are known as Modern Apprenticeships, which involve
employer and progress from apprentice to professional technician or engineer. The skills and training on-the-job and studying towards Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs)
qualifications you achieve during an apprenticeship are transferable and they can help you from SCQF 5 upwards. Technical Apprenticeships (SCQF 8-9) and Professional
throughout your career. Apprenticeships (SCQF 10-12) are also available.
You’ll be supported throughout your apprenticeship and encouraged to take on varied tasks
and pick up new skills, giving you the opportunity to prove yourself to your employer.
Your employer will have spent time and money training you, so they’ll want to keep you.
know?
Apprentice Engineer Did you ch)
ns (EngTe
“As an apprentice you need to be driven. You learn a lot of e e ri n g Technicia re per year
d Engin £25,000
mo
stuff from the ground up that you perhaps wouldn’t learn at Registere ra ge, over e.
n a v e W a g
university. There are lots of advantages to being an apprentice, earn, o ti o n a l M inimum
Na
for example, you get to start earning money, and your than the
employer is paying for your education, which is great. You’re
also learning the precise skills that you need for the job you’re
training for, which puts you in a fantastic position.”
How much does an apprentice earn?
Jennie Treen, 22
Apprentice Traffic Maintenance Engineer, Transport for London
Working towards BTEC Level 3 in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Engineering employers tend to pay apprentices quite a bit more than the national
minimum apprentice wage. Have a look at current apprenticeship vacancies
to get an idea of typical earnings in the field you’re interested in at
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/apprenticeships
How long do apprenticeships last? It’s worth remembering that your employer is investing heavily in your career
development by funding your training and education. When you weigh this up
•
Apprenticeships generally take between two and four years to complete, against the cost of university, you can see why many people are considering the
depending on the level, the industry and the job role. apprenticeship route.
•
Higher Apprenticeships/Professional Apprenticeships usually take four to six
years to complete.
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/apprenticeships
What qualifications does an apprentice get? Search for apprenticeships
Apprenticeships incorporate work-based qualifications (e.g. NVQs and SVQs), If you live in England: www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Technical Qualifications (e.g. Diplomas), maths, English, ICT and other learning If you live in Scotland: www.myworldofwork.co.uk/modernapprenticeships
modules. The general term for these qualifications is vocational qualifications If you live in Wales: www.careerswales.com/en
or Tech Levels, explained in more detail over the page. If you live in Northern Ireland: www.nidirect.gov.uk/apprenticeships
You can also search for engineering apprenticeship vacancies at
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/apprenticeships
Where will it lead me?
Once you have completed your apprenticeship, you might decide to:
Did you know? ly
remain with your employer – or within the industry – as an engineering technician In the meantime you could app
or engineer (depending on the level of apprenticeship you have done). Sometimes you can apply for for a full-tim e voc atio nal cou rse at
employers,
continue your professional development. For example, if you have just completed apprenticeships directly with a loca l coll ege and pro gre ss ont o
ugh
an Advanced (Level 3) Apprenticeship, you could progress onto a Higher/ either on their websites or thro an apprenticeship eith er dur ing
personal connection s.
Professional Apprenticeship, which may involve studying towards a degree. or after your course.
university
ork towards achieving professional registration as an Engineering or ICT
w Just like applying for a job or If you have your heart set on
e a few atte mp ts
Technician, Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer. place, it may tak university, it’s worth bearing
in
’re sho rtlis ted for an ships
or all of the above!
before you
ask for mind that Higher Apprentice
interview. Don’t be afraid to often incorporate deg ree s.
you imp rov e.
Registered technicians and engineers are allowed to use the globally recognised letters feedback to help
EngTech, ICTTech, IEng or CEng after their name. If you become professionally registered
your career opportunities and earning potential can improve.
Engineering Employer
“Balfour Beatty really values its app
rentices – from civil, mechanical and
engineering to highways maintenance railway
and construction operations – we give
our apprentices the platform to deve
Look out for the foll lop their technical skills, personal lear
ning
owing logos skills, and knowledge of the industry.
and many apprentices go on to stud
Apprentices are paid a competitive
salary
Find out if your apprentic y part-time degrees with the compan
eship or qualifications and achieve higher levels of qualifica y
are approved at www.e tions and responsibility.”
ngc.org.uk/techdb Kelly Anderson, Director of Resourcin
g and Development, Balfour Beatty
Traineeships
How do you apply for an apprenticeship? Traineeships are for young people over the age of 16 who are not yet
ready to start an apprenticeship. They last between six weeks and six
Applying for an apprenticeship is a lot like applying for a job. It’s important to start by months and provide the young person with work preparation training,
listing your interests and asking people who know you well to help you identify your maths, English and work experience with an employer.
strengths. Important factors to consider when researching apprenticeships include More information on how to search and apply for traineeships
location, learning methods, pay, level, qualifications awarded and opportunities for can be found at www.apprenticeships.org.uk
progression. Find out more at www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/16-19
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/apprenticeships
Vocational qualifications
Vocational qualifications in engineering and related subjects
NVQs/SVQs in
clude:
Diplomas include: • Automotive En
gineerin g
What is an • Aircraft Maintenance • Domestic Plum
bing an d Heating
What are vocational FE College? • Aeronautical Engineering • Electrical and Ele
ctr onic Engineering
qualifications? Further education colleg
es offer a range
• Bench Joinery • Marine Enginee
of qualifications, including ng rin g
Vocational qualifications, also known A levels, • Blacksmithing and Metalworki • Materials Proc
Highers, vocational qualifi essing and Finish
as Tech Levels, are work-related cations ronment ing
qualifications that prepare you for
and specialist work-rela
ted courses. • Construction and the Built Envi • Mechanical M
If you’re doing an appre anufacturing Engin
a career. Vocational qualifications link nticeship you • Civil Engineering eering
are likely to do the studyi • Welding
your learning to real life problems. ng part of gy
They are well regarded by employers,
the apprenticeship at an
FE college. • Engineering Design & Technolo
Studying for an apprentic
who help design the qualifications,
be done through a learnin
eship can also • Environmental Sustainability
and by the engineering profession. g provider.
NDs
HNCs and H
Vocational qualifications include BTECs, • Land Based Technology
EAL NVQs and SVQs and City & Guilds. • Professional Sound Enginee
ring NCs) and
l Certificates (H
Higher Nationa ) are Level
plomas (HNDs
a UTC? • Refrigeration, Air Conditioning r N at io na l Di
ns usually
What is
Some people take Highe
and Heat Pump Systems d 5 vo ca tio nal qualificatio
a combination re 4 an ucation
Colleges a er or higher ed
of academic Technical integrate taken at a furth ent. They can
University lds. They • Software Development lst in employm
and vocational y e a r- o
d practica
l college or whi enticeship.
for 14-1 8
chnical an ith local ke n as part of an pr
ap
qualifications at m ic , te • Vehicle Technology also be ta e in different
aca d e ks w
nd have lin or university. Ds are availabl
school or sixth HNCs and HN
learning a p o ns ering, includin
g:
form college. and a s fields of engine
employers r young
Others choose suitable fo evelop the
They are t to d • Civil
to study ho wan ,
people w o rk in science ec trical
vocational
skills n e e d e d to w
o r • Electronic/El
facturing
qualifications full-time – often in ng, manu
engineeri ie s. • Mechanica
l
a further education (FE) college or y industr
technolog
a University Technical College (UTC).
Why choose vocational
Where will vo
routes into engineering? cational
qualifications
If you enjoy learning in a practical way lead me?
and you have an idea of the sort of job, Whether you choo
se a vocational the many vocational
industry or sector you want to work in, route, an academ These are just some of r
ic route, or a To find out what’s on offe
a vocational qualification – either combination of th
e two, you will qualifications available. Cs in you r area
es an d UT
taken at college or as part of your have the same fu at the schools, FE colleg
ture options open progress.com or search
apprenticeship – could be the route to you. You might
choose to apply have a look at www.ucas
ers’ own websites.
for you. for university, an ap
prenticeship, on the education provid
or in some cases,
full-time work.
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/apprenticeships
What
Choosing your options
At 14
At 16
next?
Employment, university
If you want to keep your options open
for engineering, including engineering If you have 5 GCSEs at A* to C
and professional registration
apprenticeships, then at 14 make sure you (or equivalent), including maths,
focus on maths and science – particularly science – particularly physics
physics – at GCSE. Engineers also need to be – and English, you can:
creative problem solvers with good technical Though some
• Take a Tech Level in engineering Employment universities
skills, so subjects like design & technology
and computing can also be useful.
or a related subject. These can At the end of your apprenticeship offer a degree
be combined with A levels/Highers you should be ready for full-time in general engineering,
ineer
At 14 you may choose to attend a
or equivalent. employment as a technician or eng most courses are in specific enginee
ring
University Technical College (UTC)
• Apply for an Advanced in your chosen field . disciplines such as civil, electrical or
the
or a Studio School. More information
Apprenticeship where you are
During your training you should get
to mechanical engineering to provide
likely to study for a Tech Level whilst ledg e relev ant to that field.
can be found at www.utcolleges.org know the indu stry, the com pan ies with in specialist know
developing your engineering skills
and www.studioschoolstrust.org who is likel y to need emp loye es.
through work. it and
Accredited Courses
• Take a Diploma/A levels/Higher
IB/SB, in maths, physics or
s/ University hich
g logo, w
At 18 engineering if you’re thinking Many apprenticeships involve working
tion, Look o u t fo r th e followin redited by
e is acc
include: of going on to study a degree towards a higher education qualifica shows th
at a degre cil:
Your options at 18 coul d be g C o u n
Higher (Level 4) in engineering. which effectively means you the Engin
ee ri n
• Applying for a ades, paid to go through university!
pendent on your gr
Apprenticeship, de de gr ee or ev en a • With slightly lower grades, you
rate a
which may incorpo -th e- job. could apply for a traineeship, There are many higher education
ilst learning on
master’s degree wh a
a Level 2 qualification or an
qualifications to choose from: HNC
s,
dy
rsity full time to stu Intermediate Apprenticeship. n Deg rees ; Bach elor
• Attending unive ch elo r’s degree HND s, Foun datio
, ba
foundation de gr ee
g/MSc) of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of
ster’s degree (MEn At 16, you may choose to attend
(BEng/BSc) or ma Engineering (BEng) and Master
a related subje ct. a FE college, sixth form or Accreditation is based on the quality
in engineering or of Engineering (MEng).
yment and studying University Technical College (UTC). of the course and whether it provides
• Full-time emplo the knowledge and skills needed for
while working. professional registration as:
• Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
Apprentice Engineer • Chartered Engineer (CEng).
“Engineers and technicians make a difference in the sense that
they build dreams! I’ve been interested in construction since I was degrees,
To find out more about engineering
ten, at about the time Canary Wharf was being built. I could see it neer ing at Univ ersity
have a look at the Engi
happening from my house. I enjoy seeing how big projects come Tom orro w’s Engi neer s web site
booklet on the
together, and watching people use them for years to come.”
w.to mor row seng inee rs.o rg.u k/university
ww
Zavier Peart-Lawrence, 21
Apprentice Civil Engineer – K10 Apprenticeships
Working for Balfour Beatty on the Olympic Park transformation project
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/apprenticeships
fessional Engineering Institutions Useful links
Pro
d professional registration www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk
an A one-stop-shop for engineering care
information and inspiration, including
ers
case studies, route maps, careers
.
resources, quizzes and useful links
While you are an apprentice or whilst you’re studying, you can become an apprentice 16-19
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/
or student member of a Professional Engineering Institution that relates to your field. Live apprentices hip vaca ncie s from
These institutions offer careers advice, newsletters, technical publications and other the National Apprenticeship Service; s):
University Technical Colleges (UTC
study resources, and in some cases, a mentor. Many provide access to networks information on different routes into www.utcolleges.org
and events where you could meet future employers. engineering; updates on schemes,
placements, awards, events and Studio Schools:
Professional Engineering Institution membership is also the first step in achieving professional
competitions for young people. www.studioschoolstrust.org
registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech), ICT Technician (ICTTech), Incorporated
Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
Find out more and apply for Further Education (FE) Colleges:
:
Professional registration is recognised around the world. The letters after your name apprenticeship opportunities here www.hotcourses.com
demonstrate knowledge, skills, expertise, competence developed by work place experience If you live in England:
and commitment to your chosen career. www.apprenticeships.org.uk Alternatives to University:
www.notgoingtouni.com
If you live in Scotland:
www.myworldofwork.co.uk/
University:
modernapprenticeships
Engineering Employer www.ucas.com
If you live in Wales:
www.careerswales.com/en www.unistats.com
“Apprentices are a vital part of our talent pipeline. Developing towards professional
Engineering Technicians (EngTech), they help ensure our networks and systems If you live in Northern Ireland: www.university.which.co.uk
hips
continue to provide safe sustainable energy to homes and businesses.” www.nidirect.gov.uk/apprentices www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk/
university
Tony Moloney, Head of Education & Skills, National Grid Explore your future career options:
rs
www.nationalcareersservice More about professional enginee
.direct.gov.uk and tech nicia ns and regi stra tion :
www.engc.org.uk
Post-14 and Post-16 course search:
www.engtechnow.com
www.ucasprogress.com
Apprentice Engineer
“College is just one aspect of our ongoing training, giving us a
foundation in electrical and electronic engineering. We also have
specialist design courses and extra training from senior staff, Engineering Employer
who task us with finding design solutions for scenarios that
have occurred in the past. This helps prepare me for the more “Royal Mail handles about 58 million mail items each day. Getting those items to your
challenging aspects of signalling, which is a prospect I relish.” door is a huge logistical challenge, the scope and complexity of which involves using
advanced technology. Engineering Technicians are vital to this process.”
Arjun Chauhan, 27
Apprentice Signalling Design Engineer, Siemens Rail & Automation James Baker MSc CEng FIET, Head of Engineering Maintenance, Royal Mail
Working towards EngTech registration
into engineering...
Getting
Apprenticeships
School
On-the-job
training
Sixth form
FE College
University
Degree
Work
‘Vocational and apprenticeship routes into engineering’ was produced by EngineeringUK,
The Institution of Civil Engineers, The Institution of Engineering and Technology and The
Institution of Mechanical Engineers, with advice from the Engineering Council and the
National Apprenticeship Service.
These organisations work in collaboration with support from the Royal Academy of
Engineering, to develop engineering careers materials for the Tomorrow’s Engineers
programme, which exists to inspire young people to consider engineering careers.
r information,
To order more copies of this booklet or for furthe
please visit the Tomorrow’s Engineers website:
www.tomorrowsengineers.org.uk
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