If you want to become an engineer, many disciplines that you could start a career in are often best suited to an apprenticeship. And there are some things that you NEED to know about apprenticeships, that a lot of people don’t get to hear.

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a real job with training (earn while you learn) and gain valuable qualifications as you go. If you are a full-time college student, or over 16 and not in full time education, you can apply.

You will study part-time at a college or training provider whilst you work at a company – learning the skills, knowledge and behaviours to become qualified for a role in that business.

Levels of apprenticeships

Intermediate (Level 2)
Equivalent to 5 GCSE Passes (normally takes 1-2 years)

Advanced (Level 3)
Equivalent to two A level passes (normally takes 2-3 years)

Higher (Level 4-5)
Leads to a Level 4 and above or Foundation Degree

Degree Apprenticeships (Level 6)
By combining higher level learning and employment, employers can develop their workforce and apprentices can gain a degree at the same time as building their career and earning a salary

But what about getting my degree?

Did you know that this is possible via an apprenticeship too? They are called ‘Degree Apprenticeships’.
Degree Apprenticeships are level 6, so follow on from ‘Higher Apprenticeships’ (level 4&5). Higher level apprenticeships work towards a qualification equivalent to a degree.

Many engineering & manufacturing employers offer progression onto Degree Apprenticeships, and as well as learning from the best at your place of work, your employer will fund the cost of your degree (no student debt!!). Winner, winner…

“We are casting our future” - Apprentice Testimonials

“The most enjoyable part of my apprenticeship has been learning so many different skills and being able to design running systems and come up with design changes to reduce scrap. Being involved gives me a sense of ownership and pride to say that I was one of the brains who got the initial concept of a part into a reality”

“I find it intriguing and there is always something new to solve each day. I am also not afraid to get stuck in and get my hands dirty. I would 100% recommend engineering apprenticeships in this industry - and Toolmaking, to other females”

“After completing a 5-year Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship, I would thoroughly recommend an Apprenticeship in the Castings industry, there is so much variety”

“I love seeing the things I work on come to life. There are so many clever people working here, so much more than I realised being made and so many interesting things to get involved in”

“Since joining Lestercast Ltd I’ve been able to learn while on the job as an Apprentice Engineer, and more recently as Methods Engineer. Today, I find myself developing manufacturing techniques for new and problematic castings via reverse engineering technology & utilising MAGMASOFT® simulation software”

How to get on to an apprenticeship

You will need to find an employer offering an apprenticeship or speak to a local college or training provider regarding their vacancies.

There are different levels of apprenticeships, with differing entry requirements (GCSE grades). Generally with most colleges or training providers you will need at least 3 GCSE’s at a minimum of grade 3 in English and Maths for a Level 2 Apprenticeship or at least 4 GCSE’s with a minimum of grade 4 in English and Maths for a Level 3 Apprenticeship.

Depending on the apprenticeship role, the level, or the employer, having GCSE’s in Science, D&T, Product Design or Engineering may also help increase your chances of successfully gaining an apprenticeship.

It is also possible to start a ‘Higher Apprenticeship’ following A-Levels (or equivalent Level 3 Apprenticeship or qualification). Degree Apprenticeships include foundation and masters degree level apprenticeships.

Interested in finding an apprenticeship?

One of the most important things to remember about apprenticeships is your choice of employer. It is important that you are interested in what they do, the roles they have and can see yourself working at the company longer term. Now that you know more about apprenticeships, find out more about local companies within cast metals engineering by clicking below.

Find local cast metals engineering companies