Engineering & Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship (FA0006)
Level 2
Duration8 months
Programme Overview
This Foundation Apprenticeship provides young people with an entry route into engineering and manufacturing. Apprentices gain essential practical skills, workplace behaviours and foundational knowledge needed to move into full employment or progress onto a Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship.
The programme combines real workplace experience with structured off-the-job learning. Apprentices complete hands-on engineering and manufacturing tasks, develop essential safety awareness, and build the confidence needed to work effectively in a technical environment.
Who This Programme Is For
- Learners aged 16–21 starting a career in engineering or manufacturing
- Employers wanting to develop new talent and create future-skilled operatives
- School leavers looking for a practical, work-ready apprenticeship
- Organisations across manufacturing, fabrication, machining, assembly, maintenance and technical operations
What Apprentices Will Learn
Health, Safety & Environmental Awareness
- Understanding workplace hazards and safe systems of work
- Using PPE correctly and maintaining a safe working environment
- Environmental responsibility, waste control and sustainability
Engineering & Manufacturing Operations
- Preparing work areas and interpreting basic work instructions
- Assisting in machining, fabrication, assembly or production processes
- Using hand tools, basic machinery and measuring equipment
- Working with materials, components and technical specifications
Quality & Production Control
- Carrying out basic checks and inspections
- Understanding quality standards and right-first-time expectations
- Recording information accurately and reporting issues
Workplace Behaviours & Professionalism
- Time management, teamwork and communication
- Following instructions and working safely with others
- Building confidence, resilience and a positive work attitude
Key Skills Developed
- Practical engineering and manufacturing foundation skills
- Safe handling of tools, equipment and materials
- Following instructions and understanding workflow
- Communication, teamwork and reliability
- Quality awareness and attention to detail
- Professional conduct in a technical environment
Assessment & Certification
Apprentices complete:
- A knowledge assessmentcovering core safety, quality and operational principles
- A practical skills assessmentdemonstrating competence in engineering/manufacturing tasks
- A completed portfolio of evidence mapped to the required standards
On successful completion, apprentices receive a recognised Foundation Apprenticeship Certificate.
Entry Requirements
- Usually aged 16–21(with certain exceptions based on individual circumstances)
- Employer must provide a suitable role and mentor support
- Suitable motivation, interest and readiness for engineering/manufacturing work
- Ability to commit to required off-the-job learning hours
Career Progression
This programme is designed as a feeder into full technical roles. Typical next steps include:
- Engineering Operative (Level 2)
- Engineering Fitter, Machinist or Fabricator pathways (Level 3)
- Maintenance, production or technical support roles
Full-time employment within engineering/manufacturing environments
Funding Information
Funding Band
This apprenticeship is funded up to the maximum band set by the Department for Education.
Funding Information
- Levy-paying employers: The full cost can be funded through your apprenticeship levy.
- Non-levy employers: You contribute 5%of the training cost, and the government funds 95%.
- Small businesses (under 50 employees): If the apprentice is 16–21, the government funds 100%of the training cost with £0 employer contribution.
- Additional supportmay be available for apprentices with learning difficulties or care-leaver status.
- There are no hidden costs.
Delivery Model (ESTAR Approach)
- Blended deliverywith workplace tasks, practical learning and off-the-job training
- Dedicated tutor supportwith monthly reviews and workplace visits
- Structured portfoliocapturing evidence of skills, knowledge and behaviours
- Minimum 187 off-the-job learning hours
- Typical completion within 8 months, depending on employer and learner pace
- High focus on progression into Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeships