Engineering degree apprenticeship UK
Earn a BEng or MEng at Rolls-Royce, Airbus, BAE Systems and more — with IMechE or IET accreditation, a salary from day one, and no tuition fees.
BEng / MEng
Qualification level
BEng is Level 6; MEng is Level 7 and leads to CEng eligibility more quickly
£21k–£29k
Typical starting salary
Paid across both work and study days — no unpaid academic years
IMechE / IET
Professional accreditation
Programmes accredited by the UK's leading engineering professional bodies
What is an engineering degree apprenticeship?
An engineering degree apprenticeship combines full-time paid employment with a funded BEng (Level 6) or MEng (Level 7) degree from a UK university. You work alongside practising engineers — in aerospace, automotive, rail, defence, energy, or manufacturing — and study part time at a partner university, typically one day a week or in block releases.
Programmes are accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) or the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which are required for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) registration. The MEng route — typically 5 years — fast-tracks your journey to CEng status compared to the traditional graduate route.
Top employers offering engineering degree apprenticeships
| Employer | Programme | Salary | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rolls-Royce | Engineering DA (BEng / MEng) | £21k–£28k | Derby / Bristol |
| BAE Systems | Engineering DA (BEng / MEng) | £21k–£28k | Multiple UK sites |
| Airbus | Engineering DA | £22k–£29k | Bristol / Filton |
| Siemens | Engineering DA | £21k–£27k | Multiple UK sites |
| Network Rail | Civil / Rail Engineering DA | £21k–£27k | Nationwide |
| Dyson | Engineering DA | £21k–£27k | Malmesbury, Wiltshire |
Estimated salary ranges for 2026. Verify with each employer's careers page before applying.
Entry requirements
Maths A-level at grade B or above
Required by virtually all engineering degree apprenticeship programmes
Physics A-level at grade B or above
Most mechanical, aerospace, and electrical programmes require Physics
Third A-level at grade C or above
Further Maths, Chemistry, Design Technology, or Computing are all relevant
GCSE Maths and English at grade 5 (B) or above
Both subjects are required as a baseline by almost all employers
Right to work in the UK
Most programmes do not sponsor visas; defence-related roles may require UK nationality
Live engineering degree apprenticeship roles
Updated daily from UK employers.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is an engineering degree apprenticeship?▾
An engineering degree apprenticeship is a Level 6 (BEng) or Level 7 (MEng) programme combining paid employment in an engineering role with a funded degree. You work on real projects at employers like Rolls-Royce, Airbus, or BAE Systems, graduating with an accredited engineering qualification and 4–5 years of industry experience.
Do I need both Maths and Physics A-levels?▾
Yes — Maths and Physics A-levels are required by virtually all engineering degree apprenticeship programmes. Most ask for grades ABB or above. Some programmes also require or prefer Further Maths. BTEC Level 3 in Engineering at DDM may be accepted alongside Maths A-level by some employers.
What is the difference between BEng and MEng apprenticeships?▾
A BEng degree apprenticeship is Level 6 (equivalent to an honours degree) and typically takes 4 years. An MEng is Level 7 (integrated master's) and takes 5 years, leading to Chartered Engineer (CEng) eligibility more rapidly. Some employers offer both routes; the MEng is more competitive.
Which professional bodies accredit engineering degree apprenticeships?▾
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) are the primary accrediting bodies. Accreditation confirms the degree meets the academic requirements for IEng or CEng registration — important for long-term career progression in engineering.
When do engineering degree apprenticeship applications open?▾
Most engineering employers open applications between October and February for a summer or September start. Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and Airbus typically open in autumn. Network Rail and Siemens vary. Set up job alerts on Apprentice Wizard to be notified as soon as listings go live — engineering programmes fill up quickly.
