Skip to main content

Engineering operative apprenticeships

Construction operatives n.e.c. > Civil Engineering Operative

Engineering and maintenance | Manufacturing

Engineering operative apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly


    • College

    You could take a college course, to learn some of the skills needed for this job. Relevant courses include: 

    • Level 2 Certificate in Engineering Operations 
    • Level 2 Diploma in Engineering 
    • Level 2 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering 
    You could also do a qualification aimed at a particular industry, for example a Level 2 Diploma in Introduction to Renewable Energy Engineering. You may need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent. 

    Apprenticeship
    You could start by doing an engineering operative Level 2 apprenticeship. You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent. 

    Direct Application
    You can apply directly for vacancies. It might help if you have a few GCSEs, especially in maths, English or design and technology. You'll usually work alongside an experienced member of staff to learn the skills to do the job. 

    Engineering operative apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools 
    • knowledge of engineering science and technology 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • analytical thinking skills 
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • maths knowledge 
    • the ability to work well with others
    • the ability to use your initiative
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to have a good level of fitness

    Engineering operative apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    Your day-to-day duties may include: 

    • building up components and sub-assemblies into finished electrical or mechanical products 
    • fitting parts to machinery and equipment 
    • cutting and shaping parts and tools 
    • operating machine tools, like lathes, grinders and borers 
    • using moulding machines 
    • setting and operating hand-controlled or computer-controlled machines 
    • applying finishes and surface coatings to products 
    • moving raw materials and finished products around the workplace 
    • using forklift trucks, hoists or trolleys
    Working environment
    You could work in a factory, on a construction site or in a workshop. Your working environment may be dusty, hot and physically demanding. You may need to wear protective clothing.

    Career path and progression - Engineering operative apprenticeships

    With further training, you could progress to a skilled craft-level job, and then on to technician level.

    Similar occupations







    You might be interested in these opportunities.

    Autocare Technician Apprentice Level 2 - Renault - Croydon

    • Automotive
    • 256.00 p/w
    • Intermediate Level 2
    • Coulsdon

    Surrey
    Autocare Technician Apprentice Level 2 - Renault - Croydon

    Are you eager to work on one of the most diverse and exciting model ranges in the automotive industry?At Renault, we are driven by a passion for innovation that excites, and our technicians have the opportunity to work on vehicles at the forefront of automotive design.We are seeking Apprentice Technicians who share our enthusiasm for automotive technology and our commitment to delivering exceptional service.

    More Info & Apply
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Hellaby

    • Engineering
    • 465.46 p/w
    • Traineeship
    • Hellaby

    South Yorkshire
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Hellaby

    Programme duration: Two-yearsStarting salary: 24,196 with a potential earnings capability c. 50k as an established Craftsperson.Our Craftsperson training programme will provide a great mix of practical experience and on-the-job training and support you through a formal qualification as defined in the national Craftsperson Apprenticeship standard. All this will build on the skills you already have and fine-tune them for your onward career as a fully qualified Power Network Craftsperson.

    More Info & Apply
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - York

    • Engineering
    • 465.46 p/w
    • Traineeship
    • York

    North Yorkshire
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - York

    Programme duration: Two-yearsStarting salary: 24,196 with a potential earnings capability c. 50k as an established Craftsperson.Our Craftsperson training programme will provide a great mix of practical experience and on-the-job training and support you through a formal qualification as defined in the national Craftsperson Apprenticeship standard. All this will build on the skills you already have and fine-tune them for your onward career as a fully qualified Power Network Craftsperson.

    More Info & Apply
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Sunderland

    • Engineering
    • 465.46 p/w
    • Traineeship
    • Sunderland

    Tyne and Wear
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Sunderland

    Programme duration: Two-yearsStarting salary: 24,196 with a potential earnings capability c. 50k as an established Craftsperson.Our Craftsperson training programme will provide a great mix of practical experience and on-the-job training and support you through a formal qualification as defined in the national Craftsperson Apprenticeship standard. All this will build on the skills you already have and fine-tune them for your onward career as a fully qualified Power Network Craftsperson.

    More Info & Apply
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Hull

    • Engineering
    • 465.46 p/w
    • Traineeship
    • Hull

    North Humberside
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Hull

    Programme duration: Two-yearsStarting salary: 24,196 with a potential earnings capability c. 50k as an established Craftsperson.Our Craftsperson training programme will provide a great mix of practical experience and on-the-job training and support you through a formal qualification as defined in the national Craftsperson Apprenticeship standard. All this will build on the skills you already have and fine-tune them for your onward career as a fully qualified Power Network Craftsperson.

    More Info & Apply
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Northallerton

    • Engineering
    • 465.46 p/w
    • Traineeship
    • Northallerton

    North Yorkshire
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Northallerton

    Programme duration: Two-yearsStarting salary: 24,196 with a potential earnings capability c. 50k as an established Craftsperson.Our Craftsperson training programme will provide a great mix of practical experience and on-the-job training and support you through a formal qualification as defined in the national Craftsperson Apprenticeship standard. All this will build on the skills you already have and fine-tune them for your onward career as a fully qualified Power Network Craftsperson.

    More Info & Apply
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Castleford

    • Engineering
    • 465.46 p/w
    • Traineeship
    • Castleford

    West Yorkshire
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Castleford

    Programme duration: Two-yearsStarting salary: 24,196 with a potential earnings capability c. 50k as an established Craftsperson.Our Craftsperson training programme will provide a great mix of practical experience and on-the-job training and support you through a formal qualification as defined in the national Craftsperson Apprenticeship standard. All this will build on the skills you already have and fine-tune them for your onward career as a fully qualified Power Network Craftsperson.

    More Info & Apply
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Stockton-on-Tees

    • Engineering
    • 465.46 p/w
    • Traineeship
    • Stockton-on-Tees

    Cleveland
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Stockton-on-Tees

    Programme duration: Two-yearsStarting salary: 24,196 with a potential earnings capability c. 50k as an established Craftsperson.Our Craftsperson training programme will provide a great mix of practical experience and on-the-job training and support you through a formal qualification as defined in the national Craftsperson Apprenticeship standard. All this will build on the skills you already have and fine-tune them for your onward career as a fully qualified Power Network Craftsperson.

    More Info & Apply
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Brigg

    • Engineering
    • 465.46 p/w
    • Traineeship
    • Shiremoor

    Tyne and Wear
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Brigg

    Programme duration: Two-yearsStarting salary: 24,196 with a potential earnings capability c. 50k as an established Craftsperson.Our Craftsperson training programme will provide a great mix of practical experience and on-the-job training and support you through a formal qualification as defined in the national Craftsperson Apprenticeship standard. All this will build on the skills you already have and fine-tune them for your onward career as a fully qualified Power Network Craftsperson.

    More Info & Apply
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Shiremoor

    • Engineering
    • 465.46 p/w
    • Traineeship
    • Shiremoor

    Tyne and Wear
    Craftsperson Trainee Programme - Northern Powergrid - Shiremoor

    Programme duration: Two-yearsStarting salary: 24,196 with a potential earnings capability c. 50k as an established Craftsperson.Our Craftsperson training programme will provide a great mix of practical experience and on-the-job training and support you through a formal qualification as defined in the national Craftsperson Apprenticeship standard. All this will build on the skills you already have and fine-tune them for your onward career as a fully qualified Power Network Craftsperson.

    More Info & Apply
    Apprentice Lead Gas Engineer (NC02) – SGN - Aldershot

    • Engineering
    • 525.03 p/w
    • Intermediate Level 2
    • Aldershot

    Hampshire
    Apprentice Lead Gas Engineer (NC02) – SGN - Aldershot

    Apprentice Lead Gas Engineer (NCO2)Location: Aldershot, Reading, OxfordSalary: 27.3k per annum (Plus Bonus upon Completion of Apprenticeship)Perks & Benefits: Competitive pension scheme Enhanced maternitypaternity pay Life assurance HolidayPlus Cycle2work Scheme & moreReference: REQ4355At SGN, we are recruiting for our latest Apprenticeship openings offering plenty of opportunities for training, progression, and a career in the energy industry.

    More Info & Apply
    Commercial Water Quality Sampler - South East Water - Farnborough

    • Engineering
    • 501.72 p/w
    • Other Employment Opportunity
    • Farnborough

    Hampshire
    Commercial Water Quality Sampler - South East Water - Farnborough

    Do you want to ensure the water we supply is safe and clean? Are you a consistent and reliable person?We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for.

    More Info & Apply

    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

    Cyber Essentials
    © 2021 GetMyFirstJob Ltd.

    Your first steps into the world of work for Apprenticeships, Degree Apprenticeships, Work Experience & Graduate Jobs