The programme runs for 8 months and combines workplace experience with structured off-the-job training. There is no separate End-Point Assessment period.

The Level 2 Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship provides an exciting introduction to careers within the engineering and manufacturing sector. It is designed for young people aged between 16 and 21 who would benefit from a supported introduction to employment and the sector.

The programme combines practical workplace experience with structured technical learning, employability development and English and maths, and provides a strong starting point for progression into a more specialist engineering or manufacturing occupation.

Foundation Apprentices work alongside experienced colleagues while developing the fundamental skills, knowledge and professional behaviours required within engineering and manufacturing environments. During the programme, apprentices develop experience in areas such as:

• Following workplace health, safety and operating procedures
• Preparing and maintaining engineering work areas
• Selecting and using appropriate tools and equipment
• Understanding engineering drawings, specifications and technical information
• Completing practical engineering and manufacturing activities
• Checking work against required specifications
• Identifying and reporting faults or problems
• Working effectively as part of a team and communicating with colleagues and supervisors

The programme allows apprentices to build confidence and practical capability while developing an understanding of the different career pathways available within engineering and manufacturing.

Funding: Levy and non-levy employer funding available.

Find out how apprenticeship funding works for your organisation on our apprenticeships for employers page, or speak to our team.

Delivery Model: Workplace-based with structured technical training and remote learning support. Delivery includes:

• Workplace-based learning and experience
• Structured off-the-job training
• Practical engineering and manufacturing activities
• Tutor-led learning
• Technical knowledge development
• Employability skills development
• English and maths development
• Regular progress reviews and individual support
• Preparation for progression into further employment or apprenticeship training

Apprentices must complete a minimum of 187 off-the-job training hours during the programme. Employers must provide protected time during working hours for this training and suitable workplace opportunities for apprentices to develop and demonstrate the required knowledge, skills and behaviours.

The Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship does not have a separate End-Point Assessment period. Instead, apprentices develop and demonstrate the required technical knowledge and skills and employability skills and behaviours throughout the programme.

Assessment is integrated into the apprentice's training and development and may include:

• Practical activities and observations
• Workplace evidence
• Technical knowledge activities
• Tutor and employer feedback
• Professional discussions
• Progress reviews
• Demonstration of employability skills and behaviours

To successfully complete the Foundation Apprenticeship, the apprentice must demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills and behaviours set out within the programme requirements.

The Foundation Apprenticeship is designed for young people aged between 16 and 21. Apprentices must:

• Be employed in a suitable engineering or manufacturing environment
• Have opportunities to undertake relevant workplace activities
• Be interested in developing practical engineering and manufacturing skills
• Be willing to develop their English and maths alongside their technical learning
• Demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning and workplace development
• Be committed to safe working and professional standards

Employers must provide a supportive workplace environment and appropriate opportunities for the apprentice to develop the breadth of skills and experience required by the Foundation Apprenticeship.

Employers can enquire about recruiting a Foundation Apprentice.

The Foundation Apprenticeship is designed to help apprentices identify and progress towards a more specialist engineering or manufacturing career. Following successful completion, apprentices may progress into further employment or a more specialised apprenticeship, including areas such as:

• Level 2 Engineering Operative
• Level 2 Lean Manufacturing Operative
• Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician
• Engineering operations and engineering maintenance
• Mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering
• Manufacturing and production
• Machining, fabrication and welding
• Engineering support

Potential career pathways may include:

• Engineering Operative
• Manufacturing Operative
• Maintenance Operative
• Production Operative
• Mechanical Engineering Operative
• Electrical or Electronic Engineering Operative
• Fabrication Operative
• Machining Operative

• Gain real workplace experience within engineering and manufacturing
• Develop practical technical skills alongside experienced colleagues
• Explore different engineering and manufacturing career pathways
• Build essential employability skills and professional behaviours
• Strengthen English and maths within a practical occupational context
• Prepare for progression into further apprenticeship training or employment

Explore our engineering apprenticeships or read more about apprenticeships for employers.

Professional Membership: SOE Apprentice Membership

Apprentices are supported to access Apprentice Membership with the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), providing an early introduction to professional membership within the engineering sector. This helps apprentices to:

• Begin developing their professional identity within engineering
• Engage with a recognised professional engineering community
• Access professional development resources and industry information
• Increase their awareness of engineering careers and progression opportunities
• Build an understanding of continuing professional development

Accredited CPD: Health and Safety Training

Apprentices also complete an accredited CPD course in Health and Safety, particularly relevant within engineering and manufacturing environments where safe working practices are fundamental. The training supports apprentices to:

• Understand their responsibilities for health and safety at work
• Recognise common workplace hazards and risks
• Understand the importance of risk assessments and safe systems of work
• Develop awareness of accident and incident prevention
• Understand the importance of personal protective equipment
• Develop positive attitudes towards workplace safety

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all learners. Apprentices receive ongoing pastoral, academic and professional support throughout their programme.

The Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship (FA0006) is published on Skills England. You can also contact our team for advice on eligibility, funding and start dates.