Engineering

Foundation Apprenticeship

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What's Engineering like?

Engineers bring ideas to life. They design, create, test and improve all sorts of products and processes. From James Watt’s steam engine to Andy Scott’s Kelpies, Scotland is great at engineering.

At the start of your engineering career, you can expect to earn around £30,000 per year. As you gain experience, your salary can rise to £70,000*. There are currently 9000 engineers working in Scotland.

This is a great time to start your engineering career as there's a huge demand for new talent. UK companies are actively looking to employ people with engineering skills.

It’s an industry offering careers in range of sectors including space, aviation, transport, medicine, technology and fashion. You could work in roles such as:

  • aerospace engineer

  • chemical engineer

  • electrical engineer

  • mechanical engineer

  • naval architect

You will not always be sitting at a desk. It's possible that you could be working in a laboratory, at sea, underground or a recording studio.

If you want to build a career in engineering, this Foundation Apprenticeship is for you. It's a unique opportunity to gain real workplace knowledge and experience. You will also get an industry-recognised qualification.

(*Salary ranges from National Careers Service)

Engineering framework - 432 x 288

Good to know

  • You could progress to jobs within engineering and related industries

  • Average salaries range from around £30,000 to £70,000 per year

  • The qualification is equal to an SQA Higher (SCQF Level 6)

Entry requirements

If you're staying on at school, you can apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship.

How does it work?

You'll do the Foundation Apprenticeship alongside your other school subjects. You'll work on projects with an employer and a learning provider, such as a college. It'll give you an industry-recognised qualification that's great for your CV.

How long will it take?

You'll do your Foundation Apprenticeship over 1 or 2 years starting in S5 or S6. You'll usually do a work placement of about 1 day a week. 

How to apply

If you're staying on at school, you can apply for a Foundation Apprenticeship.

Use the search tool to find out if this subject is available at your school. Then fill out the form that comes next, to let us know you're interested. We'll get back to you with more information.