Information for apprentices

Are you thinking about applying for an apprenticeship in engineering?

Are you an engineering apprentice working and studying to develop the skills you need to kick-start your career?

As an engineering apprentice, you will be developing vital knowledge, skills, behaviours and work experience to help you to succeed in the world of engineering. In a field with a looming skills shortage, your training will be invaluable and will open doors to vast career opportunities.

Apprenticeships can be recognised by Licensed Professional Engineering Institutions (PEIs) on behalf of the Engineering Council as delivering some or all of the knowledge and understanding and/or competences required for professional registration of the following:

Find out more about our Accreditation for Higher Education programmes!

What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn. During an apprenticeship you may typically work towards nationally recognised qualifications, either at college, university or through block release or e-learning and webinars. The rest of your time is spent developing technical skills and ‘on-the-job’ knowledge with an employer in your industry.

You may well also gain industry specific certificates that will demonstrate your broader knowledge and skills. Your development, during an apprenticeship, provides a good platform for your future career. You can see what apprenticeships are available through the government's 'Find an apprenticeship' search.

Before you apply for an apprenticeship

They type of apprenticeship you can apply for will depend upon which country you live in. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, they exist at three levels:

Intermediate Apprenticeship
- Equivalent level as GCSEs/Scottish Standard Grades): Level 2
Advanced Apprenticeship
- Equivalent level as A levels/IB/SB/Scottish Highers): Level 3
Higher Apprenticeship (including Degree Apprenticeships)
- Can include Higher National Certificates and Diplomas, Foundation Degrees, undergraduate and post graduate degrees/degrees: Levels 4+

In Scotland they are known as Modern Apprenticeships, which involve on-the-job training and studying towards Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) from SCQF 5 upwards. Technical Apprenticeships (SCQF 8-9) and Professional Apprenticeships (SCQF 10-12) are also available.

Whichever you choose it is worth keeping professional registration with the Engineering Council in mind. You should try to find an apprenticeship that has been recognised (approved or accredited by a Licensed PEI against Engineering Council standards) or contains a recognised qualification.

This is because recognised apprenticeships and qualifications deliver some or all of the knowledge and understanding (learning outcomes) and/or competence required for professional registration. This will make applying for professional registration more straightforward later.

During your apprenticeship

Once you’ve begun your apprenticeship, you should join a relevant Licensed PEI, where you might be offered either free or reduced rate membership. Becoming a member of a PEI looks great on your CV and can provide you with connections and resources to help you to get the most from your Apprenticeship.

Some Licensed PEIs provide an online tool for recording training and professional development whilst you are developing your skills and applying your knowledge in the workplace. Keeping this up to date will help you when you are ready to apply for professional registration.

Once you have completed your apprenticeship

Once you complete your apprenticeship or training scheme, you should be eligible for professional registration. If you have undertaken an Advanced Apprenticeship, you are likely to be able to apply for the following registration statuses:

Some Higher Apprenticeships can also lead to the following registration statuses (your Licensed PEIs can advise on this):

However, if you aren’t already a member of a Licensed PEI, now is the perfect time to search for the right one for you!

Join a Licensed PEI now!

Joining a Licensed PEI will provide you with tailored advice, mentoring and guidance on the application process for professional registration. Choosing the appropriate Licensed PEI can provide you with networking and professional development opportunities and access to up-to-date industry news and information.

How we will support your journey

The Engineering Council is committed to supporting apprenticeships that lead to professional registration.

We are involved with a number of key initiatives to ensure that engineering apprenticeship outcomes are aligned with the standards of professional competence and commitment, set out in two key documents:

To support you in the development and assessment of engineering apprenticeships that meet the profession’s requirements, we have developed a standard known as Approval and Accreditation of Qualifications and Apprenticeships (AAQA).

Recognition is awarded to apprenticeships that provide the necessary education and initial professional development for professional registration as:

CEng
IEng
EngTech
ICTTech

Trailblazer Apprenticeships

Since the introduction of ‘Trailblazer’ apprenticeship standards, the Engineering Council and the Licensed PEI have welcomed the requirement for all new engineering related apprenticeship standards to align with the Engineering Council’s core standards documents relating to underpinning knowledge and to the standard of competence and commitment for registration:

Licensed PEIs are supporting relevant Trailblazer teams to ensure that the new apprenticeship standards being developed meet the requirements for professional registration with the Engineering Council. This demonstrates the standard of UK engineering both nationally and around the world.

Those engaged in the establishment of Trailblazer teams and the development of apprenticeships are encouraged to seek early engagement with a Licensed PEI and refer to the relevant standard(s). This is essential to ensure that the apprenticeships will later be eligible for recognition.

Note that this does not necessarily mean that these are recognised for the purposes of professional registration. Recognised qualifications and programmes are listed on our Course Search Database.