Engineering Operative Apprenticeship (ST0537)
This apprenticeship prepares individuals to become fully competent engineering operatives capable of supporting production, manufacturing, fabrication, assembly or maintenance activities. Apprentices gain core engineering skills, understand technical information, use machinery safely and work to defined quality standards.
Level 2
Duration12–18 months
Programme Overview
This apprenticeship prepares individuals to become fully competent engineering operatives capable of supporting production, manufacturing, fabrication, assembly or maintenance activities. Apprentices gain core engineering skills, understand technical information, use machinery safely and work to defined quality standards.
It is ideal for anyone beginning a career in engineering or manufacturing and wanting hands-on, practical experience combined with structured training.
Who This Programme Is For
- New starters or early-career individuals entering engineering or manufacturing
- Employers wanting to develop reliable, skilled operatives for machining, assembly, fabrication, processing or technical support
- Apprentices who enjoy practical work, teamwork and problem-solving
- Businesses across all engineering/manufacturing sectors
What Apprentices Will Learn
Engineering Operations
- Preparing work areas, materials and tools
- Interpreting job instructions, drawings and specifications
- Operating machinery, tools and equipment safely
- Supporting machining, fabrication, assembly or finishing processes
Health, Safety & Environmental Awareness
- Identifying risks, hazards and safe systems of work
- Using PPE correctly and maintaining a safe environment
- Understanding environmental responsibilities
Quality & Process Control
- Conducting checks, measurements and inspections
- Working to tolerances and engineering standards
- Recording information accurately and reporting issues
Technical Understanding
- Basic engineering principles
- Understanding workflow, processes, materials and equipment
- Following procedures and complying with industry standards
Professional Behaviours
- Teamwork, communication and time-management
- Taking responsibility for tasks and continuous improvement
- Working with integrity and professionalism
Key Skills Developed
- Safe operation of tools, equipment and machinery
- Basic machining, assembly, fabrication or maintenance tasks
- Reading and understanding technical drawings and instructions
- Quality checking and problem-solving
- Communication, teamwork and workplace professionalism
End-Point Assessment (EPA)
Gateway Requirements:
- Employer confirmation of readiness
- Completed portfolio of evidence
- Minimum English & Maths requirements met
EPA Components:
- Practical Observation– demonstrating competence in real engineering tasks
- Professional Discussion– based on portfolio evidence
Grading:
Pass or Distinction
Entry Requirements
- Employed in a suitable engineering role
- Employer able to support off-the-job learning
- Motivation to work in a hands-on engineering environment
- Basic English & Maths (or willingness to achieve required level)
Career Progression
Typical roles include:
- Engineering Operative
- Machine Operator
- Fabricator / Assembler
- Maintenance Support Operative
- Production/Process Operative
- Technical Support Operative
Progression routes include:
- Level 3 Engineering Technician pathways
- Maintenance, machining or fabrication specialisms
- Team Leader or Senior Operative roles
Funding Information
Funding Band
This apprenticeship is funded up to the maximum band set by the Department for Education: £10,000.
Funding Information
- Levy-paying employers:The full cost can be funded through your apprenticeship levy.
- Non-levy employers:You contribute 5%Â 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 delivery with workplace training and off-the-job learning
- Monthly reviews with a tutor and employer mentor
- Real workplace tasks mapped to the apprenticeship standard
- Portfolio of evidence completed throughout
- Typical duration: 12–18 monthsdepending on role and pace
- Full preparation for Gateway and End-Point Assessment