Course Overview

The Engineering Technician Apprenticeship is an excellent route into the engineering sector, combining paid employment with professional training to help you develop the technical knowledge, practical skills, and industry experience needed for a successful engineering career. Whether you're interested in manufacturing, aerospace, mechanical engineering, maintenance, or advanced engineering technologies, this apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for long-term progression.

During your apprenticeship, you will work alongside experienced engineers while studying at Weston College. In your first year, you will attend college full time to build your technical knowledge and practical skills before progressing to one day per week in college alongside your employment during the second year. This approach allows you to gain confidence in a professional engineering environment while applying your learning to real workplace projects.

Based at Weston College's South West Skills Campus, you will benefit from industry-standard engineering workshops, specialist laboratories, machining facilities, CAD suites, and advanced engineering equipment. You'll be taught by experienced engineering professionals who bring extensive industry expertise into the classroom, ensuring your training reflects current engineering practice.

As a member of Weston College's Engineering Career Excellence Hub, you'll benefit from employer networking opportunities, industry visits, guest speakers, recruitment events, and technical masterclasses. Our strong partnerships with leading engineering employers ensure you develop the skills, knowledge, and professional behaviours needed to succeed within this rapidly evolving industry.

What will I study?

During your apprenticeship, you will build core engineering knowledge before developing specialist skills relevant to your employer and chosen engineering discipline.

Topics may include:

• Engineering principles • Health, safety, and environmental practices • Engineering mathematics • Engineering materials • Mechanical engineering principles • CAD (Computer-Aided Design) • CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) • CNC machining • Turning and milling techniques • Hydraulic and pneumatic systems • Electrical and electronic engineering • Maintenance engineering • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) • Fabrication and welding • Composite materials • Quality assurance and inspection • Professional communication and teamwork

The specialist areas you study will vary depending on your employer and engineering pathway, allowing you to develop expertise that directly supports your career.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment takes place throughout the apprenticeship and concludes with an End-Point Assessment.

Assessment includes:

• Workplace observations • Practical assessments • Online knowledge tests • Assignments • Portfolio of evidence • Regular progress reviews

Your portfolio and End-Point Assessment will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviours you have developed throughout your apprenticeship.

Additional Information

Throughout your course, you will benefit from:

• Paid employment while completing your qualification • Membership of Weston College's Engineering Career Excellence Hub • Access to industry-standard engineering workshops and specialist laboratories • CAD suites and advanced manufacturing equipment • Training from experienced engineering professionals • Employer networking opportunities

• Industry visits and technical masterclasses • Guest lectures from engineering specialists • Career planning and progression support

Working alongside experienced engineers throughout your apprenticeship allows you to build valuable professional contacts while gaining practical experience that employers highly value.

Entry Requirements

• A minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English and maths

OR

• A relevant Level 2 qualification

You will also:

• Attend an interview • Be employed in a relevant engineering role

If you are not currently employed, Weston College can provide advice and support to help you find a suitable apprenticeship opportunity.

What can I do after this course?

Successful completion of this apprenticeship provides excellent opportunities for further study and career progression.

You could progress to:

• Higher Engineering Apprenticeships • Degree Apprenticeships • Engineering degrees at University Centre Weston, where appropriate • Higher National qualifications in Engineering • Specialist technical and management qualifications

Career opportunities include:

• Engineering Technician • Mechanical Engineering Technician • Manufacturing Technician • Aerospace Technician • Aircraft Fitter • Machinist • CNC Technician • Mechatronics Maintenance Technician • Technical Support Technician • Maintenance Engineer • Production Engineer • Quality Technician

With further qualifications and industry experience, you could progress into senior engineering, design engineering, project management, manufacturing leadership, or specialist technical roles.

What do I do now?

Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you'll be taken through to our application portal.

Want to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event.