Which Universities Offer Engineering Apprenticeships After Graduation?

Engineering apprenticeships give graduates another route into technical careers. They combine workplace learning with structured university study. Some routes suit school leavers, while others suit existing employees and graduates. Universities now offer options across civil, manufacturing, electrical and systems engineering. However, availability differs by university, employer and apprenticeship level.

This blog explains the main options of engineering apprenticeships for graduates, including entry requirements, cost and career progression.

Are Engineering Apprenticeships Open to University Graduates?

Yes, graduates can apply for suitable engineering apprenticeships vacancies. Your existing degree does not automatically prevent you from becoming an apprentice. However, funding rules can affect your eligibility. Some programs provide a new qualification, while others develop specialist skills. Employers may also ask for relevant academic or workplace experience. So it is recommended to check the requirements before submitting your application.

What Is a Graduate Engineering Apprenticeship?

Graduate engineering apprenticeships combine employment with structured professional development. You work for an employer while studying with a university. The qualification depends on the apprenticeship standard and program. Some routes lead to a bachelor’s-level qualification. Others lead to postgraduate qualifications, including a master’s degree.

What Is the Difference Between a Degree Apprenticeship and a Graduate Apprenticeship?

Engineering degree apprenticeships allow you to study for a degree as part of your apprenticeship, which means you can gain a qualification while working towards another job. Graduate apprenticeships can be a good option for those with existing qualifications or those working at the moment, but the definition can vary from one nation in the UK to another, and from one provider to another.

It’s important to look at the qualification, level and eligibility criteria before applying, as your current degree could have an impact.

Which Universities Offer Engineering Apprenticeships After Graduation in the UK?

There are several UK universities that provide engineering apprenticeships opportunities. However, each university provides a different range of possible subjects, levels and study formats. According to Experts of UK Assignment Help current data, these are the universities that provide engineering apprenticeships after graduation.

University of Portsmouth

The University of Portsmouth offers a number of different pathways for engineering apprenticeships. These are generally available in courses such as mechanical and manufacturing engineering. In addition, it delivers civil engineering degree apprenticeships at the establishment.

University of Exeter

The University of Exeter offers a number of different options for engineering apprenticeships. Courses are available in civil, manufacturing and electro-mechanical engineering. Apprentices work alongside their employment duties and university studies.

University of Chichester

The University of Chichester offers a range of technical engineering apprenticeships, including the electrical, electronic and manufacturing engineering courses. A student enrolling on any of these programs undertakes academic studies while working for an employer. If students couldn’t manage the workload with academics, they can go for options like to buy engineering assignment, to divide their burden.

Kingston University

Kingston University participates in the Civil Engineering BEng Degree Apprenticeship, a program that allows learners to gain university-level skills and work-related experience in civil engineering. The scheme enables students to progress to Incorporated Engineer status.

UCL

UCL offers postgraduate apprenticeships for those interested in specialising in a particular field of engineering. The university’s Systems Engineering Master’s Degree Apprenticeship is a postgraduate-level program that leads to an MSc qualification.

University of Dundee

The University of Dundee offers postgraduate engineering apprenticeships. They specialise in the study of engineering, design and manufacturing. They also offer civil engineering courses, as well as a range of apprenticeships.

Other Universities to Consider

Some students ask what are the other engineer apprenticeship near me, so some universities may offer engineering apprenticeships throughout the year. Vacancies are likely to depend on employer partnerships in the area, as well as the popularity of the course.

Best Engineering Apprenticeship Universities for Different Career Goals

Your career goals should shape your search for a university. The top-rated engineering apprenticeship universities are:

• Civil Engineering degrees can be pursued at Portsmouth, Exeter and Kingston.
• Manufacturing students could consider Portsmouth, Exeter and Chichester
• Systems Engineering graduates might be interested in a postgraduate route at UCL
• Dundee offers a range of graduate engineering courses.

You should be aware that the choice between engineering degree apprenticeships could depend upon the final qualification, so you should always check accreditation and progression opportunities for the course you are considering.

Engineering Subjects Available Through Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships cover a broad range of disciplines within engineering in the UK. These include:

• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Systems Engineering

Choosing one particular specialism will then define the possible universities and employers that you can apply to.

Levels Of Engineering Degree Apprenticeships

Also, there are different engineering degree apprenticeships levels that students need to know, along with the subjects:

• Level 2 engineering apprenticeships usually offer intermediate-level technical skills.
• Level 3 engineering apprenticeships offer advanced technical skills.
• Level 4 engineering apprenticeships offer higher-level technical skills.
• Level 5 engineering apprenticeships offer further higher-level technical skills.
• Level 6 engineer apprenticeship can be at bachelor’s degree level.
• Level 7 engineer apprenticeship can be at the level of a master’s degree.

Entry Requirements for Engineering Apprenticeship

Entry requirements will vary depending on the university, employers and level of apprenticeship. Typical requirements can include:

• Appropriate GCSEs, for example in English and mathematics.
• A levels or equivalents for certain routes.
• Appropriate science or technical subjects for some forms of engineering.
• Current employment for some graduate apprenticeship routes.
• Appropriate academic qualifications for higher-level apprenticeships.
• Right to work and any required residency if applicable.
• Appropriate workplace/professional experience for some apprenticeships.
• The specific recruitment requirements of the employer.
• Any specific academic conditions from the university.
• Eligibility for the funding and the apprenticeship itself.

Can You Apply for an Engineering Apprenticeship After Earning a degree?

Yes, graduates can typically apply for suitable apprenticeship programmes, but funding eligibility can depend on existing qualifications. Your apprenticeship must normally give you new skills.

Employers may also prefer candidates with relevant professional experience, so you should always check a specific apprenticeship standard and its funding requirements.

Cost of Engineering Apprenticeships

Apprentices normally do not pay university tuition fees themselves, but employers normally fund eligible apprenticeship training in available funding arrangements.

For example, Exeter states that employers can cover eligible programme costs, which allows apprentices to study while employed, but funding arrangements can vary between programmes and locations.

Do Engineering Apprentices Get Paid?

Yes, engineering apprentices are employees who normally receive a salary as an employee. Pay can depend on age, employer, role and location, and some engineering employers can offer salaries above the legal minimum.

Your employment contract should include your salary and working conditions, and university study is part of the wider apprenticeship structure.

Time Duration of Engineering Apprenticeship

The duration is determined by the qualification and apprenticeship standard. The level 6 routes often take several years to finish. Exeter’s civil engineering course lasts for five years while Dundee lists a three- or four-year graduate engineering route. Postgraduate programmes can often take less time than an undergraduate route.

How to Find Engineering Apprenticeships After Graduation

To find engineering apprenticeships after graduation, follow the steps:

• The first step is to search through the university’s apprenticeship pages and the careers sites of employers. You can get reference from professional Assignment Help services as well.
• Also, the GOV.UK website lists a centralised search facility for apprenticeship vacancies.
• You can use filters for the area, qualification, and level, as well as engineering.
• Vacancy closing dates should also be reviewed, as recruitment periods can be short.

How to Apply for an Engineering Apprenticeship

Most applications are initiated by the prospective employer and not UCAS. An applicant is likely to go for:

• Online application forms
• Tests
• Interviews
• Assessment centres.

A number of universities offer the candidate an opportunity to assess their academic suitability for the chosen field of study. For preparation for the tests and interviews, services such as “engineering assignment help” can assist students.

What Qualifications Can You Gain?

The qualification level depends on the standard of the apprenticeship. Some of the qualifications that can be achieved through apprenticeships are:

• Certificates
• Foundation
• Degree
• Masters

Engineering apprenticeships at level 6 can enable one to gain a BEng or an equivalent degree. At level 7, one can achieve a master’s degree. It is important to check the attainment level before accepting an apprenticeship.

Can an Engineering Apprenticeship Lead to Chartered Engineer Status?

It is possible to achieve the status of a chartered engineer through an apprenticeship program. One will have to further his/her studies at the institution offering the apprenticeship. Kingston notes that their civil engineering apprenticeship provides the right accreditation for IEng, but that further studies may be required to achieve CEng.

Engineering Apprenticeship vs Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is primarily focused on higher-level academic studies. An apprenticeship combines further study with employment. If you have completed your studies and are considering which option to choose, it is important to explore both options.

It is necessary to assess your preferred learning style, financial requirements and career ambitions. UCL offer a systems engineering route which incorporates employment with the award of an MSc qualification.

Engineering Apprenticeship vs Graduate Scheme

A graduate scheme typically includes progression through the company, often by working in a variety of departments. An apprenticeship also includes training and assessment, but can also include the opportunity to obtain academic or professional qualifications.

It is important to compare the ongoing salary, training and qualifications offered, along with progression opportunities.

Pros and Cons of Engineering Apprenticeships After Graduation

Although there are multiple pros of engineering apprenticeships after graduation, we cannot ignore the fact that not every option is perfect. Here are some pros and cons of this approach:

Pros	Cons
A salary will be earned while obtaining work experience	Competition for available positions may be high
Technical skills will be developed in an occupational setting	It is necessary to obtain a work-life balance
Professional networks can be established in the industry sector	The employer can influence the learning experience
Tuition fees can be avoided	Funding restrictions can apply for some schemes

How to Choose the Right Engineering Apprenticeship

• For choosing the right engineering apprenticeships, you just have to follow simple steps:
• Begin by defining the field of engineering.
• Then, determine the level of apprenticeship and the end qualification.
• Check the training structure and the responsibilities within the company.
• Compare different universities’ syllabuses, evaluations and attendance procedures. If needed you can get help with engineering assignments and practice tests.
• Verify the professional accreditation if chartership is required for your specialism.
• Finally, check the salaries, work location and sponsorship before taking up a post.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can graduates start an apprenticeship?

Graduates can apply for suitable apprenticeship vacancies. Whether someone is eligible to join an apprenticeship depends on several factors, including the programme, employer and funding.

Do apprentices study every day?

Apprenticeships can have different study arrangements and depend on the programme. Some universities offer the equivalent of a weekly study day or use block release.

Can apprenticeships provide a master’s degree?

There are a number of courses at level 7 that can incorporate the opportunity for a student to gain a master’s qualification; for example, the UCL Systems Engineering route includes an MSc.

Do apprentices receive holiday entitlement?

Apprentices are employed, so they will receive employment benefits such as holiday entitlement, which will depend on their employment contract with their company.

Final Thoughts

Graduates have several routes into further engineering training through apprenticeship. Portsmouth, Exeter, Chichester, Kingston and Dundee are the universities offering different options to engineers. For students who are more interested in systems engineering, University College London offers a postgraduate course for systems engineering professionals.

The appropriate route is defined based on your previous degree and career choice. It is essential that you evaluate the employer, qualification, funding and professional accreditation before applying to a university.