Are apprenticeships a viable path to becoming an engineer?

Apprenticeships are a popular route into a plethora of disciplines, including engineering. 

In the 2022/23 academic year, 752,150 people were participating in an apprenticeship in England alone, compared to 752,025 undergraduate applications across the UK at the end of the 2023 application cycle.

The data shows us that apprenticeships are slowly creeping up on the more traditional degree route into an industry.

If you're thinking "How do I start being an engineer?" keep reading.

Can you be an engineer with an apprenticeship?

You might be surprised to learn that university isn't the only pathway to becoming an engineer. University is sometimes seen as the "traditional" approach, but things are changing and there are more and more alternative career paths. 

Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular way to get into engineering. 

At AtkinsRéalis, our engineering apprenticeships will see you earn a competitive salary, start real work from your first day, and work on the cutting edge of technology. At AtkinsRéalis you'll also be fully supported to have time away from work to dedicate to your studies.

While attending university has its benefits, it's also not for everyone - which is perfectly fine. 

Having the option to choose different routes into engineering is important for several reasons:

• Engineering training can come in all shapes and sizes so it's important to pick the right choice based on your preferences and unique learning styles.
• Attending university can mean moving away from home and building up your student loan before you can start earning. For some, this is a great opportunity to move away and experience new places.
• Engineering apprenticeships mean you are working, earning, and learning on the job from day one. Some people prefer this as salary can rise quickly with hands-on work rather than three-plus years of studying.
• If you prefer to be out and about and getting stuck into work to learn then an engineering apprenticeship could be for you. If you prefer studying, academia, and learning the theoretical ways things work first, then consider an engineering degree.

Is an engineering apprenticeship worth it?

Engineering apprenticeships provide a lot of flexibility in career paths when compared to degrees, this is in part due to the highly specialized nature of degree routes.

With an AtkinsRéalis engineering apprenticeship, you can take pride in knowing you'll be helping to engineer a better future for our planet and its people. It's not just about the great clients or inspiring local, national, and global projects, it's about connecting people, data, and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. 

Here are some more benefits of an engineering apprenticeship:

• You'll gain hands-on experience and practical skills
• The entry requirements can sometimes be lower than university 
• You can earn while you learn
• There's plenty of mentorship and networking opportunities within a vibrant early careers community
• You can foster some good social connections
• Career progression opportunities are endless.

AtkinsRéalis apprenticeship success stories 

James, on our ADS&T apprenticeship, discussed how he can experience a whole range of roles and projects with AtkinsRéalis, he commented on how he has developed insight into how different sectors deliver projects, communicate with clients, and run day-to-day tasks.

Charley, an apprentice architect shared that from day one, she was one of the team. Practical training, contributing to live project work, and being immersed in the role surrounded by professionals have allowed Charley to pick up information much faster than working in a purely academic environment.

Take a leap into engineering with AtkinsRéalis

Now you know that apprenticeships are a viable path into engineering it's time to weigh up what the best option is for you. If it's a degree route, then you can still join us on our Graduate Development Programme in the future.

If the best option is an apprenticeship, check our available locations and join our Talent Community to receive emails with tips and advice, and be notified when our applications re-open.

Find out more Early Careers insight