Engineering degree apprenticeships are an excellent choice for those entering the field of engineering, combining 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
Automotive engineer working with machines to improve the car’s functionality

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
Civil engineers and architects looking at plans.

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)

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.

  • Copy URL Copy URL

Comments

Be the first to leave a comment