Is a Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship Right for You?
Day-to-Day Work
You'll design, build, test, and fix mechanical equipment and systems. This could include engines, machines, tools, or entire production lines. Work involves hands-on tasks, problem-solving, and often teamwork on projects.
Quick Decision Points
✓ If you enjoy understanding how things work and fixing problems
✓ If you're good with both your hands and your mind
✓ If you like the mix of practical work and technical thinking
✓ If you enjoy seeing physical results from your work
✗ If you don't enjoy practical or technical subjects
✗ If you prefer creative work with no technical elements
✗ If you want to avoid hands-on work or physical tasks
Pay
Apprentice: £15,000-£19,000
Qualified engineer (after 3-4 years): £25,000-£35,000
Experienced (5+ years): £35,000-£50,000+
Career Paths
Path 1: Technical Specialist
Apprentice → Engineer → Senior Engineer → Technical Specialist/Expert (£45,000-£60,000) Focus on becoming the go-to expert for specific systems or technologies
Path 2: Management Route
Apprentice → Engineer → Team Leader → Engineering Manager → Operations Director (£60,000-£90,000+) Lead teams and eventually manage entire engineering departments or operations
Path 3: Design & Innovation
Apprentice → Engineer → Design Engineer → R&D Engineer → Principal Designer (£50,000-£70,000+) Create new products, improve existing designs, and drive innovation
How to Get In
Need good grades in Math, Physics/Science subjects
Apply for mechanical engineering apprenticeships
College courses in engineering can help
Mechanical hobbies or experience will make you stand out
Employer Profiles
Briggs is an engineering company that maintains, repairs, and services a wide range of heavy machinery, with their core business focusing on forklift trucks. They employ mechanical engineers to work on everything from small pallet trucks to massive 48-tonne container handlers, as well as supporting equipment for companies like BT, Openreach, and Scottish Water.
Scottish Water is a public utility company that manages the water and wastewater infrastructure throughout Scotland, maintaining over 60,000 miles of pipes and numerous treatment facilities. They employ mechanical engineers to design, install, and maintain the complex pumping systems, treatment equipment, and distribution networks that ensure safe drinking water delivery and effective wastewater processing across the country.
Spirit AeroSystems is a global aerospace manufacturer that designs and builds complex parts including fuselages, wings, and propulsion systems for commercial and defense aircraft. They employ mechanical engineers to develop, test, and optimise critical aircraft components, working with advanced materials and precision manufacturing techniques.