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Engineering degree apprenticeships
Check out STEM degree apprenticeships for information on the general structure and application process of these programmes.
Engineering degree apprenticeships are an excellent choice for those entering the field, as they combine academic study with practical, hands-on experience. This learning style is well-suited to engineering where on-the-job learning is so important.
In this article, we will outline the various engineering degree apprenticeships available and the companies that offer them. The list we provide is not exhaustive, so we encourage you to also look at our article on how to find the right degree apprenticeship.
Keep in mind…
Applications are typically made directly to employers rather than universities. While university websites can help identify available programmes, you will need to find and apply to the employers offering the apprenticeships.
1. Mechanical engineering apprenticeships
Mechanical engineering degree apprenticeships focus on designing, developing, and maintaining mechanical systems and machinery across various industries.
The section below categorises mechanical engineering degree apprenticeship providers into two key areas: automotive engineering, which involves working on vehicle systems and components, and aerospace engineering, which focuses on the design and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft systems.
Automotive engineering apprenticeships
An automotive engineering degree apprenticeship involves working on the design, development, and maintenance of vehicles and their components. You can gain hands-on experience with everything from engine systems and transmissions to vehicle electronics and safety systems.
Providers of automotive engineering degree apprenticeships include:
- Jaguar Land Rover: Automotive design, manufacturing, and testing
- Rolls-Royce Motor Cars: A wide range of degree apprenticeships, covering mechanical, nuclear, aerospace and electrical fields in luxury vehicles
- BMW Group: Including technical degree apprenticeships focusing on automotive production and innovation
Aerospace engineering apprenticeships
An aerospace engineering degree apprenticeship involves working on the design, development, and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft. You can gain practical experience in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and structural analysis.
Providers of aerospace engineering degree apprenticeships include:
- Airbus: Aircraft design and manufacturing in the commercial industry
- Leonardo: Helicopter and avionics systems
- Ministry of Defense: Military aviation technology and aircraft maintenance, with multiple partner employers in defence
2. Electrical engineering apprenticeships
An electrical engineering degree apprenticeship focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining electrical systems and components. You can gain hands-on experience in areas such as circuit design, power systems, and electronics.
Providers of electrical engineering degree apprenticeships include:
- Johnson Controls: Electrical design in large projects involving security systems
- Siemens: Various electrical engineering roles in transportation, buildings and grids
3. Civil engineering apprenticeships
A civil engineering degree apprenticeship involves working on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure projects such as bridges, roads, and buildings. You can gain practical experience in project management, structural analysis, and site surveying.
Providers of civil engineering degree apprenticeships include:
- Balfour Beatty: Large-scale infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges and railways
- Transport for London (TfL): Design and maintenance of London’s transportation infrastructure
- Thames Water: Design, construction and maintenance of water supply and wastewater systems
- Kier Group: Designing, planning and managing construction projects
4. Structural engineering apprenticeships
A structural engineering degree apprenticeship focuses on designing and analysing the strength and stability of structures such as buildings, bridges, and towers. These are less common than civil engineering degree apprenticeships with considerable overlap.
Providers of structural engineering degree apprenticeships include:
- Arup: Design and analysis of cities, including buildings, bridges and other infrastructure with a focus on sustainability
- AECOM: Structural design, analysis and project management in buildings, highways, rail electrification and water engineering
- Ryder: Greater focus on architecture, engineering design, and construction, with the potential to earn architectural qualifications rather than engineering ones
5. Chemical engineering apprenticeships
A chemical engineering degree apprenticeship involves working on the design, optimisation, and operation of chemical processes and manufacturing systems. You’ll gain practical experience in areas such as process engineering and chemical reactions, contributing to the development of products and solutions across various industries.
Providers of chemical engineering degree apprenticeships include:
- Croda: Create and sell speciality chemicals
- Johnson Matthey: Metals chemistry, catalysts and process engineering
- GlaxoSmithKline (GSK): Pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, research and development of new drugs (technically a laboratory science degree apprenticeships, but with significant overlap in chemical engineering)
My path to an engineering degree apprenticeship: A case study
– Lydia, Third Year Engineering Degree Apprentice –
“I’m Lydia, an Undergraduate Engineer in my third year at The Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology. Throughout secondary school, I always knew I wanted to pursue a degree, but felt rushed to make choices that didn’t fully suit me. My school’s career talks were purely academic and didn’t interest me, but with encouragement from teachers, family, and friends, I explored different paths.
I took four A Levels, the subjects that I gained the most enjoyment from: maths, product design, IT and geography. I’m currently the only undergraduate across 4 cohorts without A Level Physics. I’ve always been interested in problem-solving, product design, and understanding how things work, though I never linked these interests to engineering because I assumed physics was essential.
I first considered a degree apprenticeship with Jaguar Land Rover, inspired by my passion for the automotive industry. Fortunate to have a neighbour at the company, I completed three weeks of work experience where I was able to explore a range of areas. Some aspects I knew I would enjoy and others I did not know were a part of the process. I later discovered The Dyson Institute’s degree apprenticeship through my parents, who heard about it on the radio. Despite my doubts about not having physics, I applied, maintained a positive mindset, and successfully progressed through each stage. Here I am!”
Engineering degree apprenticeships encompass a wide range of fields, including mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, and chemical engineering. Engineering degree apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn, gain hands-on experience and get a degree qualification. If you’re deciding between a university education and a degree apprenticeship, check out our article on university vs degree apprenticeships for a detailed comparison.
Next in this guide we will explore degree apprenticeship opportunities in mathematics.
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