Engineering and Manufacturing (Foundation Apprenticeship)

Foundation apprenticeships are employed positions designed for younger learners (typically aged 16–21) who would benefit from a broad introduction to the engineering and manufacturing sector. This programme is ideal for individuals who enjoy practical, hands‑on work, problem solving, and understanding how products, components and systems are made.

The apprenticeship blends employability skills, technical knowledge, practical engineering skills, and essential English and maths development. Apprentices gain valuable workplace experience alongside structured off‑the‑job learning, helping them build confidence, understand industry expectations and make informed decisions about their next steps.

Engineering and manufacturing roles span a wide range of environments, including fabrication workshops, production lines, machining centres, assembly facilities, maintenance departments and engineering support teams. Apprentices learn how different engineering disciplines contribute to the design, manufacture and maintenance of products used across multiple industries.

The broad purpose of this apprenticeship is to support the completion of a variety of engineering and manufacturing tasks, contributing to safe, efficient and high‑quality production and maintenance activities.

There are no formal entry requirements, but applicants must be willing to work towards Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths as part of the apprenticeship.

Employers may set additional entry requirements depending on the role.

Hands‑on Training & College Learning

Apprentices are employed within engineering or manufacturing environments while attending college for structured technical training. They develop foundational practical and theoretical skills in:

• Health, safety and environmental awareness in engineering
• Basic hand‑fitting and bench skills
• Introduction to machining (manual and/or CNC)
• Fabrication and welding fundamentals
• Assembly, inspection and quality control
• Engineering materials and their properties
• Reading engineering drawings and specifications
• Basic maintenance and fault‑finding techniques
• Use of tools, equipment and measuring instruments
• Manufacturing processes and production workflows
• Lean principles, efficiency and waste reduction
• Teamwork, communication and professional behaviours

For a comprehensive understanding of this programme and what it entails, please click here.

This programme builds confidence and competence, preparing apprentices for progression into Level 2 or Level 3 engineering apprenticeships such as Engineering Operative, Maintenance & Operations Engineering Technician, Machining Technician, Fabrication & Welding, or Product Design & Development.

Training is delivered at our London Road Campus on a day‑release model, agreed with employers prior to the start date. Apprentices also receive regular workplace visits from an assessor who reviews progress, observes practical skills and supports development.

Towards the end of the programme, apprentices complete an Apprenticeship Assessment/End Point Assessment (EPA), which typically includes:

• A practical skills test
• A professional discussion
• A knowledge assessment
• A review of workplace evidence

This ensures apprentices demonstrate the full range of skills, knowledge and behaviours required for the role.

This apprenticeship typically takes 8 months to complete, depending on prior experience and employer requirements.

To be an apprentice, you will need an employer who can offer you a specific role relevant to this apprenticeship and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 653444 or email apprenticeships@shrewsbury.ac.uk