Engineering Apprenticeships and Apprenticeship Units
Short of skilled operatives, fitters or maintenance technicians? Train new starters through funded engineering apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 3, or upskill your existing workforce in as little as 1 to 16 weeks with apprenticeship units in fitting, welding and battery manufacturing.
Engineering training at High Ridge Training, in short
- Full apprenticeships: the Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation apprenticeship (ages 16 to 21), Level 2 Engineering Operative, Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician and Level 3 Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer.
- Apprenticeship units: short Level 2 programmes for employed staff aged 19+ in Mechanical Fitting and Assembly, Electrical Fitting and Assembly, Battery Manufacturing and Welding (Mechanised). Each takes 1 to 16 weeks and ends with a skills test, not an end-point assessment.
- Funding: for units starting from 1 August 2026, non-levy employers pay nothing towards training costs up to the funding rate. Full apprenticeships are fully funded for non-levy employers with apprentices under 25.
- Delivery: workplace-based learning with tutor-led technical training and remote support, so staff stay productive while they train.
Two ways to close your engineering skills gap
Recruit and train through a full apprenticeship
- Bring in new starters or develop staff moving into a new role
- From an 8-month foundation programme to a Level 3 maintenance technician
- Funded through your levy account or government co-investment
- Independent end-point assessment confirms occupational competence
Target one critical skill with an apprenticeship unit
- For employed staff aged 19+ who need a specific new skill
- 1 to 16 weeks, built around your shift patterns
- Skills test plus employer sign-off, no end-point assessment
- Fully funded for non-levy employers up to the funding rate
Engineering apprenticeships
Each card gives you the essentials. Open the programme page for content, end-point assessment and entry requirements.
Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship
For new starters aged 16 to 21. A first step into engineering, with exposure to production, mechanical, electrical, maintenance, machining, fabrication and assembly work.
- Duration8 months
- Off-the-job training187 hours
- AssessmentIntegrated, no separate EPA period
- Added valueSOE Apprentice Membership and Health and Safety CPD
Engineering Operative Apprenticeship
For operatives in maintenance, mechanical, electrical and electronic, fabrication, materials processing or technical support roles. Six specialist pathways.
- Duration13 months (fast track 9)
- Off-the-job training300 hours
- EPAPractical observation and professional discussion
- Added valueSOE Membership and Manual Handling CPD
Engineering Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship
For technicians carrying out planned, preventative and reactive maintenance. Choose an electrical, mechanical or control and instrumentation discipline.
- Duration32 months (fast track 13)
- Off-the-job training744 hours
- EPAObservation, interview and multiple-choice test
- Added valueIMechE Affiliate Membership and Asbestos Awareness CPD
Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer Apprenticeship
For multi-skilled engineers keeping food processing, manufacturing and packaging lines running, across mechanical, electrical and fluid power systems.
- Duration46 months (fast track 18)
- Off-the-job training1,066 hours
- IncludesLevel 3 Diploma in Food and Drink Engineering Maintenance
- Added valueIMechE membership, EngTech aligned, Food Allergen Awareness CPD
Fast track routes are subject to prior learning, experience and employer agreement in line with apprenticeship funding rules.
Short engineering apprenticeship units for existing staff
Apprenticeship units are short, funded programmes that upskill employees aged 19+ in one critical skill. Learners pass a skills test, then you confirm their competence in the workplace.
Mechanical Fitting and Assembly
Engineering drawings, measuring and marking out, tolerances and fits, fastening, joint integrity and fault finding.
- Duration1 to 16 weeks
- Guided training70 hours minimum
- Typical rolesMechanical Assembler, Fitter, Maintenance Operative
Electrical Fitting and Assembly
Electrical drawings, cabling, wiring and terminating, fitting components, testing and fault finding.
- Duration1 to 16 weeks
- Guided training70 hours minimum
- Typical rolesElectrical Assembler, Panel Wirer, Assembly Technician
Battery Manufacturing
Safe battery manufacturing processes, specifications, tools and machinery, first-line maintenance, quality and continuous improvement.
- Duration1 to 16 weeks
- Guided training70 hours minimum
- Typical rolesBattery Manufacturing Operative, EV Manufacturing Technician
Welding (Mechanised)
For existing welders moving to mechanised processes, including submerged arc, tractor-mounted MIG/MAG and FCAW, and orbital TIG. Includes ISO 14732 welding operator approval.
- Duration1 to 16 weeks
- Guided training90 hours minimum
- EntryLevel 1 Award in Welding or equivalent experience
Which engineering programme solves your problem?
| Your challenge | Recommended programme | Why it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Hiring school or college leavers with no engineering experience | Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation | 8 months, for ages 16 to 21, with broad exposure before they specialise |
| Operatives doing the job without a recognised qualification | Level 2 Engineering Operative | Six pathways matched to real operative roles, with two Ofqual-regulated qualifications |
| Not enough maintenance technicians to keep plant running | Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician | Grows technicians in electrical, mechanical or C&I maintenance and fault finding |
| Breakdowns on food or drink production lines | Level 3 Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer | Multi-skilled engineers who understand food safety and processing machinery |
| Staff need one new assembly or wiring skill, fast | Mechanical or Electrical Fitting and Assembly unit | 1 to 16 weeks, focused on a single critical skill |
| Welders who need to move onto mechanised or automated welding | Welding (Mechanised) unit | Builds on existing welding experience, with ISO 14732 approval |
| Expanding into battery or EV production | Battery Manufacturing unit | Safe processes, quality and first-line maintenance for battery lines |
Engineering career pathway
Apprentices can progress step by step from their first role to technician and beyond. Units can be added at any stage to build a specific skill.
Foundation apprenticeship
Broad engineering skills for ages 16 to 21.
Engineering Operative
Competent operative in a chosen pathway.
Maintenance Technician
Electrical, mechanical or C&I maintenance.
Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer
Multi-skilled engineering in food production.
Level 4+ and EngTech
Senior technician, reliability or team leader roles.
Why manufacturers train with High Ridge Training
Less downtime
Maintenance and fault-finding skills mean fewer breakdowns and faster recovery when they happen.
Grow your own engineers
Develop skilled people in-house instead of competing for scarce technicians.
Safer working
Health, safety, isolation and safe systems of work are built into every programme.
One adviser, start to finish
Your dedicated High Ridge adviser handles funding, enrolment and progress reviews.
How engineering training is funded
| Employer type | Full apprenticeships | Apprenticeship units | Extra support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-levy employer | Fully funded for apprentices aged under 25. You contribute 5% for apprentices aged 25 and over. | Fully funded up to the funding rate, for any eligible learner aged 19+. | £2,000 hiring payment for eligible apprentices aged 16 to 24 starting from 1 October 2026. |
| Levy-paying employer | Paid from your apprenticeship service account. If funds run out, you contribute 25% for new starts. | Paid from your account. If funds run out: fully funded for ages 19 to 24, 75% government funded for 25+. | Additional payments may apply depending on apprentice age. |
Rates reflect the 2026 to 2027 apprenticeship and apprenticeship unit funding rules for starts from 1 August 2026. Up to £2,000 may also be available for eligible foundation apprenticeships, subject to conditions. Costs above the funding rate are paid by the employer. We confirm exactly what applies to you before anyone enrols.
How it works for employers
Free consultation
Tell us about the roles and skills gaps. We recommend an apprenticeship or unit for each person.
Funding check
We confirm eligibility and what, if anything, your organisation contributes.
Plan around production
We agree off-the-job training and practical activities that fit your shifts and equipment.
Assess and sign off
Regular reviews through to the skills test or independent end-point assessment.
Engineering apprenticeships: frequently asked questions
What engineering apprenticeships do you offer?
We deliver the Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation apprenticeship, Level 2 Engineering Operative, Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician and Level 3 Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer apprenticeships, plus Level 2 apprenticeship units in mechanical fitting, electrical fitting, battery manufacturing and mechanised welding.
What is an apprenticeship unit?
An apprenticeship unit is a short, funded training programme that upskills an existing employee aged 19 or over in one critical skill. It usually takes 1 to 16 weeks. There is no end-point assessment: the learner passes a skills test and the employer confirms their competence in the workplace.
Should I choose a full apprenticeship or an apprenticeship unit?
Choose a full apprenticeship to train someone into a whole occupation, such as an engineering operative or maintenance technician. Choose an apprenticeship unit when an experienced employee needs one specific skill quickly, such as mechanised welding or electrical fitting.
How much does an engineering apprenticeship cost a small manufacturer?
Under the 2026 to 2027 funding rules, non-levy employers pay nothing towards training for apprentices aged under 25 and contribute 5% for apprentices aged 25 and over. Eligible non-levy employers can also receive a £2,000 hiring payment for apprentices aged 16 to 24 starting from 1 October 2026. See information for employers.
Are apprenticeship units free for employers?
For units starting from 1 August 2026, non-levy employers pay nothing towards training and assessment up to the funding rate. Levy payers use their account; if funds run out, units are fully funded for learners aged 19 to 24 and 75% funded for learners aged 25 and over.
Who is the Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation apprenticeship for?
It is for new starters aged 16 to 21 employed in an engineering or manufacturing environment. It lasts 8 months with 187 hours of off-the-job training and leads into the Level 2 Engineering Operative or Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician apprenticeship.
How long does the Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician apprenticeship take?
The standard route is 32 months on-programme, or 13 months on the fast track for apprentices with relevant prior learning and experience, followed by an end-point assessment period of around 4 months.
Can existing employees do an engineering apprenticeship?
Yes. Existing staff can start a full apprenticeship if it gives them substantial new skills, and apprenticeship units are designed specifically for upskilling the current workforce.
How much time away from production is needed?
Full apprenticeships include protected off-the-job training within paid hours: 187 hours for the Foundation, 300 for Engineering Operative, 744 for Maintenance Technician and 1,066 for Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer. Units need 70 to 90 guided hours. Much of this is workplace-based and planned around your shifts.
What do I need for the Welding (Mechanised) unit?
The learner must be employed, aged 19 or over, and hold a Level 1 Award in Welding or have equivalent industry experience. The unit includes ISO 14732 welding operator approval.
Ready to close your engineering skills gap?
Speak to a High Ridge Training adviser. We will match each person to the right apprenticeship or unit and confirm funding before anyone enrols.
Or call 0330 236 9118