The programme runs for either 13 months (standard route) or 9 months (fast track) on-programme, followed by a 3-month End-Point Assessment period.

Fast Track is subject to prior learning, experience and employer agreement in line with apprenticeship funding rules.

In addition to the core knowledge, skills and behaviours required by all Engineering Operatives, each apprentice develops competence within one of six specialist job-role pathways. The pathway must reflect the apprentice's actual job role and is agreed according to their role, employer requirements and the opportunities available within the workplace.

Maintenance: for apprentices involved in mechanical, electrical, electronic or fluid power maintenance, developing maintenance planning, diagnostic and fault-finding techniques, testing, repairing or replacing components and restoring equipment to a serviceable condition.

Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering: for apprentices producing engineering components, sub-assemblies or completed assemblies, including planning operations, setting work-holding devices, operating equipment and carrying out quality checks.

Electrical and Electronic Engineering: for apprentices carrying out electrical and electronic assembly, wiring and testing, including working with different cable types and following safe isolation and reinstatement procedures.

Fabrication: for apprentices shaping, preparing, joining and fabricating engineering materials and components to specification.

Materials, Processing or Finishing: for apprentices involved in materials preparation, processing or engineering finishing operations, including planning, set-up and quality checks.

Technical Support: for apprentices providing technical support, including preparing equipment, carrying out technical operations and checking quality and accuracy.

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. Depending on their pathway, they may work with machinery, equipment, components, engineering systems, fabrication processes or technical support activities.

Typical job roles include Engineering Operative, Maintenance Operative, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Operative, Fabricator and Materials Processing Operative, Technical Support Operative and Materials Processing or Finishing Operative.

As part of the apprenticeship, all apprentices must achieve mandatory, Ofqual-regulated engineering qualifications at Level 2:

• Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Skills)
• Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations (Knowledge)

The exact qualification pathway and units undertaken will reflect the apprentice's occupational role and selected engineering pathway.

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
• Structured off-the-job training
• Practical engineering training and assessment
• Tutor-led technical workshops
• Development within the apprentice's selected specialist pathway
• Level 2 Engineering Operations Skills Diploma delivery and assessment
• Level 2 Engineering Operations Knowledge Certificate delivery and assessment
• Professional discussions and reflective practice
• Workplace observations and evidence gathering
• End-Point Assessment preparation

Apprentices must complete a minimum of 300 off-the-job training hours. Employers must provide protected time during working hours for this training and sufficient opportunities for apprentices to develop and demonstrate both the core engineering requirements and the specialist requirements of their selected pathway.

Apprentices develop the professional behaviours expected within engineering and manufacturing, including:

• Personal responsibility and resilience
• Effective teamwork
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Focus on quality and problem-solving
• Continuous personal and professional development

Before entering End-Point Assessment, apprentices must:

• Achieve Level 1 English and Maths and work towards Level 2 (if required in line with current apprenticeship funding rules)
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard
• Demonstrate the specialist knowledge and skills associated with their selected occupational pathway
• Achieve the Level 2 Diploma in Engineering Operations (Skills)
• Achieve the Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations (Knowledge)
• Complete a minimum of 300 off-the-job training hours
• Compile a portfolio of evidence
• Be confirmed as occupationally competent by their employer

The EPA is conducted by an independent End-Point Assessment Organisation and typically includes:

• Practical Skills Observation
• Professional Discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence

The apprentice must successfully pass the EPA to achieve the full apprenticeship standard.

Individual English and Maths requirements will be identified during the initial assessment and enrolment process. Apprentices also need:

• Employment within a suitable engineering or manufacturing role
• A job role that aligns with one of the six Engineering Operative specialist pathways
• Access to appropriate engineering activities, tools, equipment and workplace resources
• Sufficient workplace opportunities to develop and demonstrate both core and pathway-specific competence
• Willingness to work safely and follow engineering procedures
• Motivation to develop within the engineering and manufacturing sector

As part of initial assessment, High Ridge Training will work with the apprentice and employer to identify the most appropriate specialist pathway. Learners aged 16 to 21 who are new to the sector may also consider the Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship.

On successful completion, apprentices may progress into more specialist engineering responsibilities or further apprenticeship training, including:

• Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician
• Level 3 Metal Fabricator
• Level 3 Pipe or Plate Welder
• Engineering maintenance
• Mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering
• Manufacturing engineering, machining and manufacturing
• Fabrication and welding
• Engineering operations and continuous improvement

Career progression opportunities may include:

• Engineering Operative
• Manufacturing Operative
• Mechanical Engineering Operative
• Maintenance Operative
• Assembly Operative
• Production Operative
• Fabrication or Welding Operative
• Engineering Technician

With further training and occupational experience, apprentices can progress into more specialist technician, maintenance, supervisory and engineering roles.

• Develop practical engineering skills within a real workplace environment
• Build technical knowledge relevant to engineering and manufacturing
• Gain experience using engineering tools, equipment and technical information
• Strengthen problem-solving and quality awareness
• Develop safe and effective working practices
• Gain an industry-recognised apprenticeship and Level 2 engineering qualifications
• Build a strong foundation for progression into specialist engineering roles

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

Professional Membership: Society of Operations Engineers (SOE)

Apprentices are supported to access appropriate professional membership with the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), connecting their apprenticeship development with the wider professional engineering community. Professional membership helps apprentices to:

• Begin developing their professional identity within engineering
• Engage with a recognised professional engineering community
• Access professional development resources and industry information
• Build awareness of engineering standards and professional practice
• Develop an understanding of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Accredited CPD: Manual Handling Training

Apprentices also complete an accredited CPD course in Manual Handling, particularly relevant where apprentices regularly work with tools, materials, components and equipment. The training supports apprentices to:

• Understand the principles of safe manual handling
• Recognise common manual handling hazards and associated risks
• Apply safer lifting, carrying and movement techniques
• Understand the importance of assessing loads and tasks before handling
• Contribute to safer working practices within their organisation

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

The full Engineering Operative apprenticeship standard (ST0537) is published on Skills England. You can also contact our team for advice on eligibility, funding and start dates.