Materials process engineer (degree)
Level 7 · Degree (Master’s)Engineering and manufacturing 2 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Materials process engineers develop and optimise the industrial processes used to manufacture and transform materials, from metals and polymers to ceramics and composites. This degree apprenticeship (Level 7) combines a Master's-level qualification with real engineering work in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Graduates are equipped to lead process improvement, scale-up, and research projects.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Advanced materials science and process metallurgy
Process modelling, simulation, and scale-up methods
Statistical process control and six sigma techniques
Sustainability and lifecycle assessment of materials processes
Project management and engineering economics
Research methods and technical report writing
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Design and optimise manufacturing processes for materials
Run trials and analyse process data to improve yield
Apply modelling tools to predict process behaviour
Lead root-cause investigations into process failures
Collaborate with R&D and production teams on scale-up
Write technical reports and present findings to stakeholders
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 7 (Degree (Master’s)) - roughly Master’s-degree level. Usually needs a relevant degree or Level 6 qualification, or significant experience.
What’s next: Leads into senior and chartered professional roles.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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