Manufacturing engineer (degree)
Level 6 · DegreeEngineering and manufacturing 3.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A manufacturing engineer at degree level (level 6) develops, improves, and manages the engineering processes, systems, and technologies that enable efficient, high-quality manufacturing. Apprentices integrate knowledge of engineering science, design for manufacture, and digital manufacturing tools to solve complex production challenges. The role leads to senior manufacturing engineer, process improvement manager, or manufacturing director positions.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Engineering science underpinning manufacturing processes including materials, mechanics, and thermodynamics
Design for manufacture and assembly principles including tolerance analysis
Digital manufacturing tools including CAD, simulation, and Industry 4.0 technologies
Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies at an advanced level
Project engineering skills including scope definition, scheduling, and risk management
Supply chain and production planning principles in a manufacturing context
Leadership and management skills for directing engineering projects and cross-functional teams
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Design and validate new manufacturing processes from concept through to production launch
Lead process improvement projects using structured problem-solving and data analysis
Create and review process documentation including control plans and FMEAs
Introduce new manufacturing technologies and digital tools to the production environment
Collaborate with product designers to ensure designs are optimised for manufacture
Monitor production quality and process capability and drive corrective actions
Mentor and support junior engineers and technicians on your projects
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 6 (Degree) - roughly Bachelor’s-degree level. Usually needs A-levels or a Level 3 qualification (employers set UCAS-point targets). You earn a full degree while you work - with no tuition fees to pay.
What’s next: Leads into professional roles, sometimes with a Level 7 (Master’s) apprenticeship after.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
No employer videos yet for this apprenticeship. Employers offering it can add one to show young people what the role is really like.