What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship combines paid employment with structured training and study. You’ll spend time learning the theory behind your role while building practical experience in the workplace.
Engineering construction apprenticeships typically last between two and four years and are designed to equip you with the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours employers are looking for.
Earn a salary from day one
Get paid while you train and develop your skills.
Gain recognised qualifications
Achieve industry-recognised qualifications alongside practical experience.
Learn from experienced professionals
Work alongside skilled engineers and technicians on real projects.
Build a long-term career
Many apprentices go on to become supervisors, engineers, project managers and more.
Full profile details
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.
How much will I get paid?
One of the biggest benefits of an engineering construction apprenticeship is that you’ll get paid while you train. Rather than choosing between education and work, an apprenticeship allows you to do both, earning a salary, gaining recognised qualifications and building experience that can set you apart from day one.
Salaries vary between employers, locations and apprenticeship programmes, but many engineering construction employers offer competitive starting salaries alongside qualifications, training and career development opportunities.
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.
More apprenticeship FAQ's
Here are the answers to some more frequently asked questions.
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.
What engineering construction apprenticeships are available?
Full profile details
Rigging
As a rigging apprentice, you’ll learn how to safely lift, move and position heavy equipment and materials used on major engineering and construction projects. Working alongside experienced riggers, you’ll develop practical skills in lifting operations, load movement, safety procedures and site planning, helping to ensure complex projects are completed safely and efficiently.
Hear from a rigging apprentice
Hear from 5 apprentice riggers completing their final year assessments at Altrad.
Welding
Welders in the engineering construction industry are responsible for the joining together of metal, or sometimes thermoplastic, components and assemblies in either pipe or plate form.
Welders are required to read and interpret welding specifications to establish the correct process to be used, select the correct material and welding equipment and the required preparation of the material for welding.
The welding process may be performed manually or may be performed by specialist equipment.
Each welding operation carries a varying level of complexity which demands a great deal of skill, focus and attention to detail.
Welders can progress in their careers to become supervisors, overseeing large teams working on hugely important infrastructure projects.
Hear from a welding apprentice
Welding apprentice Jack Beaty Jack reveals the value of hands-on learning.
Mechanical Fitting
A Mechanical Fitter within the engineering construction industry is responsible for the assembly, installation, maintenance and testing of complex machinery and mechanisms.
Some of the key equipment you will use and encounter as a Mechanical Fitter include engines, pumps, transmission systems, power transmission systems, turbines, hydraulic and pneumatic actuators and systems.
Being a Mechanical Fitter requires a high degree of skill and craft to meet the specifications within design drawings.
Mechanical Fitters work across engineering construction sites, fabrication areas, repair and maintenance sites, petro-chemical installations, mining facilities and offshore platforms.
Hear from an engineering construction apprentice
Fletcher Brown, Mechanical Engineering Apprentice at FieldCore, shares what his apprenticeship involves, his experience so far and advice to other prospective apprentices.
Meet Fletcher
Instrument and Controls
Instrument & Control Technicians are responsible for the installation, dismantling, maintenance and repair of instrumentation systems and system components.
These systems can be electronic, electro-mechanical or pneumatic technology which may be used to indicate, record and control a wide variety of equipment, plant and machinery.
Instrument and Control Technician have the ability to locate and identify faults quickly and restore plant and equipment to working condition.
Hear from an Instrument and Control apprentice
You don’t need your entire career planned out from day one.
Chris Humphrey began his career as an Instrument and controls apprentice and is now a Senior Project Manager, demonstrating how an apprenticeship can create the foundation for a long and successful career.
Instrumentation & control engineer Kyle Marshall tells us about journey into the engineering construction industry.
Pipefitting
Pipefitters are responsible for the positioning, assembly, fabrication, maintenance and repairs of piping systems.
Engineering construction industry piping systems may carry water, steam, chemicals or fuel which may be used in cooling, heating, lubricating and other processes.
Pipefitters are also responsible for determining which method of jointing is required within the piping system and must ensure the integrity of joints that are made.
In the offshore industry the pipefitter is often required to have additional training to operate in this unique environment.
Hear from an engineering construction apprentice
Meet the apprentices at APPLUS UK.
Electrical Installation
Electrical apprentices in engineering construction install and maintain electrical systems that power engineering and construction projects.
Hear from an Electrical Installation apprentice
Electrical installation apprentice Jamie Owen tells us why patience is key to success.
Design and Draughting
Design and Draughting apprentices create technical drawings and designs that help bring engineering projects to life.
Hear from a Design and Draughting apprentice
“The apprenticeship route is a no brainer. It gives you a qualification, work experience and you get paid!”
Meet Henry, Design and Draughting apprentice at FETL.
Plus lots more
Engineering construction offers a wide range of apprenticeship opportunities beyond the roles featured here. From rigging, project controls and non-destructive testing to design, planning and specialist engineering disciplines, there are pathways to suit different interests, strengths and career ambitions. Whatever route you choose, you’ll develop valuable skills, gain recognised qualifications and build the foundations for a rewarding long-term career.
Discover more about apprenticeships
Watch apprenticeships at IntelectWatch apprenticeships at Studley Engineering
Watch apprenticeships at NUVIA
What is it like to be an apprentice?
No two days are exactly the same. As an engineering construction apprentice, you’ll split your time between learning new skills, gaining qualifications and working alongside experienced professionals on real projects. You’ll be part of a team from day one, developing practical skills, building your confidence and taking on increasing responsibility as your knowledge grows. It’s a hands-on route into industry that allows you to earn a salary, learn from experts and see the impact of your work first hand.
Don’t just take our word for it. Hear directly from apprentices and former apprentices about their experiences, career journeys and advice for anyone considering an engineering construction apprenticeship.
What could a typical day look like?
What could a typical day look like?
Explore a day in the life of Welding and Fabrication apprentices Michael and Harry and Pipefitting and Welding apprentice Jake.
Meet Michael, Harry and Jake
Does it matter that I don't have many qualifications?
Does it matter that I don't have many qualifications?
When Greg Brown began his apprenticeship with APPTUS, he didn’t have many qualifications. Today, his achievements show just how far talent, determination and the right opportunity can take you.
Meet Greg
Could an apprenticeship be my route to retrain?
Rachel Frieslick shares her story of retraining later in life and how an ECITB-supported apprenticeship helped her go from baker to mechanical technician.
Read Rachel's story
Are apprenticeships important for the future?
Electrical technician Dan Taylor has found that good things come to those who wait
Meet Dan Taylor
What sort of experiences can I expect?
Mechanical designer apprentice, Cailey Miller explains that effort is key to unlocking opportunity.
Meet Cailey Miller
Is an apprenticeship right for me?
Is an apprenticeship right for me?
APTUS apprentice Jessica explains why she chose an apprenticeship.
Meet JessicaHow do I apply for an apprenticeship?
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. Apprenticeship opportunities are advertised by employers throughout the year. You can search vacancies and apply directly to employers through apprenticeship websites and careers pages.
Information for employers
Engineering apprenticeships provide a mixture of off-the-job learning and on-the-job practical work experience. This gives you the assurance that apprentices are receiving the skills and knowledge that your business needs. Demand for skilled workers is set to increase over the coming years. Engineering construction apprenticeships are a critical way of developing new talent.
Apprenticeship support for employersOther career pathways to explore...
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