About this apprenticeship
What it involves
Model makers design and produce physical scale models, prototypes, and specialist props used in architecture, product design, film, television, and museums. This Level 6 apprenticeship develops creative and technical skills across materials, manufacturing processes, and design communication. Graduates can work in studio environments, product development teams, or as freelance specialists.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Model-making materials including foam, resin, metal, and timber
Hand crafting, machining, and digital fabrication techniques
Interpreting design briefs, drawings, and 3D CAD data
Surface finishing, painting, and detailing methods
Project planning, costing, and client communication
Health and safety in a workshop environment
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Interpret briefs and drawings to plan model construction
Cut, shape, and assemble model components by hand and machine
Use laser cutters, 3D printers, and CNC tools for precision parts
Apply surface finishes, textures, and painted effects
Manage material costs and project timelines
Present finished models to designers, architects, or clients
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
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