Engineering Apprenticeships
Train Operatives & Technicians Across Key Specialisms
Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship
Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard
Role Profile
Engineering Operatives carry out a range of routine engineering activities working independently or as part of a team. They support manufacturing and engineering businesses by preparing, operating, and maintaining equipment, following technical documentation, and applying health, safety, and environmental practices. Their work contributes to producing reliable products and services while supporting continuous improvement in quality and efficiency.
Typical Duration
8 months
Course Content
Apprentices develop knowledge, skills, and behaviours in:
Health, safety and environment: Understanding and following regulations, using PPE, maintaining safe work practices, and disposing of waste responsibly.
Engineering and manufacturing principles: Recognising industry processes, materials, and basic production methods.
Tools, equipment and machinery: Preparing, using, maintaining and storing tools correctly for a range of engineering tasks.
Technical information: Reading and interpreting drawings, job specifications and quality standards.
Workplace preparation: Planning, organising and maintaining a clean and efficient workspace.
Quality and inspection: Carrying out simple checks and ensuring products meet required specifications.
Communication and teamwork: Working with supervisors and colleagues to complete engineering and manufacturing tasks effectively.
Sustainability: Understanding environmental impacts and contributing to efficient, low-waste practices.
Pathways (Specialist Options)
As a foundation standard, this apprenticeship provides a broad base across engineering and manufacturing disciplines.
Learners may go on to specialise in areas such as:
Maintenance
Mechanical
Fabrication and Welding
Electrical/Electronic
Technical Support
Materials Processing and Finishing
Typical Job Roles
Servicing and Maintenance Operative
Machine Setter / Operative
Mechanical Engineering Operative
Fabricator
Engineering Fitter
Multi-disciplined Engineering Operative
Materials Processing and Finishing Operative
Technical Support Operative
End Point Assessment (EPA)
Knowledge Test – assessing understanding of engineering and manufacturing principles, health and safety, and sustainability.
Practical Assessment – demonstrating competence through observed tasks, projects, or a portfolio of evidence.
Both elements must be passed to achieve the apprenticeship.
Additional Information and Requirements
The apprentice must normally be age 16 to 21 at the start of their apprenticeship.
Employers may set their own entry requirements.
Funding Information
Funding Band: £4.500
Non-levy Employer Contribution: £225 (5%)
Government funding support may be available depending on apprentice age and employer size.
Under DfE Apprenticeship funding Rules 25/26 the employer qualifies for up to £2,000 per foundation apprentice, subject to retention and progression.
Progression Routes
Apprentices can progress to:
Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeships in engineering, manufacturing, or maintenance
Skilled operative roles within engineering and manufacturing environments
Further education or technical training pathways in related disciplines
Engineering Operative
Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard
Role Profile
Engineering Operatives carry out a range of routine engineering activities working independently or as part of a team. They support manufacturing and engineering businesses by preparing, operating, and maintaining equipment, following technical documentation, and applying health, safety, and environmental practices. Their work contributes to producing reliable products and services while supporting continuous improvement in quality and efficiency.
Typical Duration
12 to 18 months
Course Content
Apprentices develop knowledge, skills, and behaviours in:
• Health, safety and environment: working safely, identifying hazards, and complying with statutory regulations.
- Technical information: reading and interpreting engineering data, drawings, and specifications.
- Tools and equipment: selecting, preparing, and using the correct tools, machines, and materials.
- Quality and efficiency: meeting production standards, identifying and preventing defects, and contributing to continuous improvement.
- Teamwork and communication: working effectively with colleagues, supervisors, and other departments.
Pathways (Specialist Options)
Apprentices will specialise in one of the following areas:
Maintenance: fault finding, repairing, testing, and maintaining engineering systems.
Mechanical: assembling and dismantling components, using machinery and hand tools, joining and securing parts.
Fabrication: cutting, forming, shaping, and joining metal materials into products.
Technical Support: preparing and operating equipment, inspecting components, quality assurance, and documentation.
Electrical/Electronic: assembling, testing, and maintaining electrical or electronic circuits and equipment.
Materials, Processing & Finishing: treating, finishing, and preparing materials or products to meet required specifications.
Typical Job Roles
Engineering Operative
Maintenance Operative
Mechanical Engineering Operative
Electrical/Electronic Operative
Fabricator
Technical Support Operative
Materials Processing/Finishing Operative
End Point Assessment (EPA)
Practical Observation (demonstration of core and specialist skills).
Professional Discussion (supported by a reflective portfolio of evidence).
Both elements must be passed to achieve the apprenticeship.
Additional Information and Requirements
Apprentices must achieve English and maths at Level 1 (if not already held) and attempt Level 2 before EPA.
Employers may set their own entry requirements.
Funding Information
Funding Band: £10,000
Non-levy Employer Contribution: £500 (5%)
Government funding support may be available depending on apprentice age and employer size.
Progression Routes
Apprentices can progress to:
Level 3 Engineering Technician apprenticeships
Specialist technical roles in maintenance, fabrication, mechanical, or electrical engineering
- Higher education pathways in engineering and related fields
Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician
Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard
Role Profile
Engineering Maintenance Technicians working under this Standard are employed in a variety of industries where engineering plant, equipment and systems are used — such as manufacturing, processing, utilities, energy, transport and chemical sectors.
Their core role is to maintain the safe, efficient and reliable operation of engineering plant, equipment and systems within a single discipline (mechanical, electrical or instrumentation/control). They work to industry standards, regulations and organisational procedures to inspect, service, fault-find, repair, replace and optimise equipment.
Typical Duration
36 to 42 months
Course Content
Apprentices will develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to carry out planned and reactive maintenance safely and efficiently within a single engineering discipline.
They will learn to:
Follow health, safety and environmental requirements, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
Apply engineering principles to maintain, fault-find and repair plant, equipment and systems.
Use hand tools, measuring devices and test equipment correctly and safely.
Carry out inspections, preventative maintenance, and component replacements to reduce downtime.
Record and communicate technical information clearly to colleagues and supervisors.
Work effectively as part of a team to ensure plant and equipment reliability and performance.
Pathways (Specialist Options)
Apprentices will specialise in one of the following areas:
Mechanical Maintenance Technician – maintaining and repairing mechanical components such as pumps, valves and gearboxes.
Electrical Maintenance Technician – maintaining, testing and commissioning electrical systems, motors and power supplies.
Control & Instrumentation Maintenance Technician – monitoring, testing and maintaining process control and instrumentation systems.
Typical Job Roles
Engineering Maintenance Technician
Mechanical Maintenance Technician
Mechanical Craftsperson
Electrical Engineering Maintenance Technician
Control & Instrumentation Maintenance Technician
End Point Assessment (EPA)
Practical Observation – the apprentice is observed completing real work tasks, showing their ability to apply skills safely and effectively.
Professional Interview – a structured discussion supported by evidence from their portfolio, assessing knowledge, understanding, and professional behaviours.
Knowledge Test – a written or online test assessing core engineering and maintenance principles.
All elements must be passed to achieve the apprenticeship.
Additional Information and Requirements
Apprentices must achieve English and maths at Level 1 (if not already held) and attempt Level 2 before EPA.
Employers may set their own entry requirements.
Funding Information
Funding Band: £27,000
Non-levy Employer Contribution: £1,350 (5%)
Additional funding support may be available depending on apprentice age and employer size.
Progression Routes
Level 4/5 engineering technician or advanced maintenance roles.
Specialist roles in engineering maintenance, reliability engineering, maintenance management.
Professional registration (e.g., EngTech) via professional engineering institutions for eligible apprentices.
Electrical Fitting and Assembly Apprenticeship
Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard
Role Profile
Engineering Operatives carry out a range of routine engineering activities working independently or as part of a team. They support manufacturing and engineering businesses by preparing, operating, and maintaining equipment, following technical documentation, and applying health, safety, and environmental practices. Their work contributes to producing reliable products and services while supporting continuous improvement in quality and efficiency.
Typical Duration
8 months
Course Content
Learners will develop the knowledge and practical skills required to safely assemble, install, and check electrical components and systems in line with workplace procedures and industry standards.
Topics may include:
Health, Safety and Compliance
Working safely with electrical systems and components
Safe isolation procedures and risk awareness
Understanding relevant regulations and workplace policies
Technical Understanding
Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and wiring diagrams
Identifying electrical components, symbols, and specifications
Selecting appropriate tools, materials, and equipment
Assembly and Installation Skills
Electrical fitting and mechanical assembly techniques
Wiring, routing, and terminating cables and connectors
Installing switches, sensors, motors, and control devices
Testing and Fault Finding
Carrying out inspection and basic electrical testing
Identifying faults and supporting corrective actions
Ensuring systems meet operational and safety requirements
Quality and Work Standards
Following quality control processes and documentation
Recording work accurately in line with company procedures
Maintaining a clean and organised work environment
Pathways (Specialist Options)
Learners may progress into or align their skills with one of the following specialist areas, depending on their role and workplace requirements:
Mechanical Maintenance Technician
Supporting the maintenance and repair of mechanical systems, including pumps, valves, and gearboxes.Electrical Maintenance Technician
Maintaining, testing, and commissioning electrical systems, including motors, control panels, and power supplies.Control and Instrumentation Technician
Assisting with the monitoring, testing, and maintenance of process control and instrumentation systems.
Typical Job Roles
Learners may move into positions such as:
Engineering Maintenance Technician – maintaining and improving equipment to ensure efficient production operations
Mechanical Maintenance Technician – servicing and repairing mechanical systems including pumps, valves, and gearboxes
Mechanical Craftsperson – carrying out hands-on assembly, fitting, and mechanical installation tasks
Electrical Engineering Maintenance Technician – maintaining electrical systems, control panels, and plant equipment
Control & Instrumentation Maintenance Technician – supporting the monitoring and maintenance of automated and process control systems
End Point Assessment (EPA)
Assessment methods may include:
Practical Skills Assessment – observation of the learner completing electrical fitting and assembly tasks to required standards
Workplace Validation – employer confirmation that skills are consistently applied in the job role
Knowledge Check – short written, verbal, or online assessment to confirm understanding of key principles
Professional Discussion (where appropriate) – a structured conversation to review learning, decision-making, and workplace application
All assessment activities are designed to reflect real working conditions and ensure learners are competent, confident, and job-ready.
Additional Information and Requirements
Apprentices will typically be aged 16 or over at the start of their apprenticeship. While many learners begin between ages 16–21, there is no upper age limit.
Employers may set their own entry requirements depending on the role, but these often include:
A basic level of numeracy and literacy
An interest in engineering or manufacturing
A positive attitude towards health, safety, and practical work
Funding Information
Funding Band: £4,500
Non-levy Employer Contribution: £225 (5%)
Government funding support is available and may vary depending on the apprentice’s age and the size of the employer.
Under current Department for Education (DfE) apprenticeship funding rules, employers may be eligible for additional financial incentives, including up to £2,000 per foundation apprentice, subject to eligibility, retention, and progression criteria.
Progression Routes
On completion, apprentices can progress into further training or more advanced roles within the engineering sector.
Typical progression options include:
Level 2 or Level 3 Apprenticeships in engineering, manufacturing, or maintenance
Skilled operative roles within engineering and production environments
Further education or technical training in specialist areas such as electrical, mechanical, or control systems
Mechanical Fitting and Assembly Apprenticeship
Level 2 Apprenticeship Standard
Role Profile
The Mechanical Fitting and Assembly Apprenticeship Unit is a short, flexible training programme designed for employed adults aged 19+ who need to build practical mechanical assembly skills quickly. It helps employers close skills gaps, improve productivity, and strengthen quality standards across engineering and manufacturing operations.
This unit is ideal for employees working in production, assembly, maintenance, fabrication, or engineering support roles who need the knowledge and hands-on skills to safely fit, assemble, align, and check mechanical components and systems.