Apprenticeships

Does the ECITB employ apprentices or offer apprenticeships directly?

The ECITB does not employ apprentices or recruit on behalf of employers in the industry.

Engineering construction apprentices are employed by an engineering construction company from the beginning of their apprenticeship. The employer, sometimes working with a college or training provider, manages the recruitment and application process.

The ECITB supports apprenticeship training across the engineering construction industry and may provide grant support to eligible employers.

To explore available routes:

• Visit the ECITB apprenticeships page.
• Visit the Skills England apprentice search page.
• Search the Government’s apprenticeship vacancy service.
• Contact engineering construction employers in your area.
• Contact local colleges and engineering training providers, as some recruit apprentices on behalf of employers.

How do I apply for an engineering construction apprenticeship?

Applications must normally be made directly to the recruiting employer or the training organisation managing recruitment for that employer.

The ECITB does not recruit apprentices on behalf of the engineering construction industry in Great Britain.

We recommend that you:

1. Search the Government apprenticeship vacancy service.
2. Check the careers pages of engineering construction employers.
3. Contact relevant colleges and training providers in your region.
4. Prepare an up-to-date CV and evidence of your qualifications.

Recruitment arrangements and entry requirements vary between employers. Applications for some September intakes may open many months in advance, so candidates should check regularly and apply as early as possible.

Where can I find welding, pipefitting, rigging, mechanical, electrical or instrumentation apprenticeships?

The availability of individual apprenticeship disciplines depends on employer demand, location and the training provision available in each region.

The ECITB does not maintain a permanent list of live vacancies for every occupation. Candidates should:

• Search current apprenticeship vacancy services.
• Check the careers pages of employers working in engineering construction.
• Contact colleges and engineering training providers who provide the apprenticeships (these can be found on the Skills England apprentice search webiste).

Common engineering construction career areas include welding, pipefitting, mechanical fitting and maintenance, rigging, electrical installation, instrumentation and control, design and drafting, project controls and related technical disciplines.

Please note that not every occupation or programme is available in every region.

What qualifications or grades do I need for an apprenticeship?

Entry requirements are set by the employer and apprenticeship provider and will vary depending on the occupation and apprenticeship level.

Employers may consider:

• English and mathematics qualifications.
• Relevant science, engineering or technical subjects.
• Practical aptitude.
• Communication and teamwork.
• Reliability and willingness to learn.
• Ability to travel to the workplace and training location.

Some employers may ask applicants to complete aptitude tests, interviews, practical assessments or medical and fitness assessments.

Candidates should check the vacancy information carefully or contact the employer or training provider responsible for recruitment.

How does an apprenticeship work?

An apprentice is employed and paid while completing a structured programme of workplace learning, off-the-job training and assessment.

Training arrangements vary. An apprentice may attend a college or training centre through:

• Day release.
• Block release.
• Extended periods of initial off-the-job training.
• A combination of workplace and training-provider delivery.

The programme will normally include an occupational qualification or apprenticeship standard and practical evidence gathered in the workplace.

The employer and training provider can confirm the precise delivery model for an individual apprenticeship.

Can a parent apply for an apprenticeship on behalf of their child?

Parents and carers can help a young person research opportunities, prepare applications and understand the available routes. However, the prospective apprentice will normally need to submit their own application and participate directly in the recruitment process.

Young people should be encouraged to:

• Create their own CV.
• Register for apprenticeship vacancy alerts.
• Attend careers events and employer open days.
• Contact colleges and training providers.
• Apply directly for suitable vacancies.

Applications should not be delayed until the end of a college or Scholarship programme, as some employer recruitment windows close several months before the proposed start date.

What should I do if my apprenticeship employment ends before I complete my qualification?

Contact your training provider immediately.

The available options will depend on:

• The apprenticeship rules applying in your nation.
• How much of the programme has been completed.
• The qualification or standard being followed.
• Whether another employer can be found.
• The time limits associated with funding or assessment.
• Whether any completed units or evidence can be retained.

The ECITB may be able to help where the apprentice was employed by an ECITB in-scope company or was completing an ECITB-supported programme. However, the ECITB cannot guarantee alternative employment or continued funding.

When contacting the ECITB or training provider, include:

• Apprentice name and contact information.
• Employer name.
• Training provider.
• Apprenticeship title and discipline.
• Start date.
• Expected completion date.
• Qualifications or units completed.
• Date employment ended.
• Any deadlines already provided.

Can I pay privately to complete an unfinished apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship cannot normally be completed simply by paying privately, because occupational competence must usually be demonstrated through appropriate workplace activity and assessment.

There may be alternative options, such as:

• Completing an outstanding qualification outside the apprenticeship.
• Transferring to another employer.
• Recognition of previously completed units or evidence.
• Completing technical training separately.
• Returning to an apprenticeship at a later date.

The training provider and awarding organisation must review the individual’s evidence and advise what can be retained or completed.

Who should answer questions about my college course and progression to an apprenticeship?

Questions about the content of a college programme, qualification registration, progression arrangements or whether a future employer will enrol a learner on an additional qualification should normally be directed to the college or training provider.

They will be able to confirm:

• The qualification currently being undertaken.
• What it does and does not include.
• Progression routes.
• Whether workplace assessment is required.
• Whether further qualifications would form part of a future apprenticeship.

A future employer will determine which apprenticeship and qualifications are appropriate for the role being offered.