Information for Parents, Advisors and Teachers

Apprenticeships are gaining in popularity because of the unique benefits they offer compared to other learning pathways. If your child or student enjoys hands-on learning and is looking for a springboard into the engineering and manufacturing sector, then our Level 3 Engineering Technician apprenticeship programme is the perfect way to kick start their career when they leave school.

We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions we receive from parents, carers and teachers about our Level 3 programme below. If there’s anything you’d like to know that isn’t covered here, please get in touch with our helpful team via apprentice@the-mtc.org.

A bit more about apprenticeships

There’s never been a better time to join us at MTC Training. It’s no secret that there is a growing STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) skills gap in the engineering and manufacturing sector – a sector that the Government has said is crucial to the UK’s post-COVID economy. 

Here at MTC Training, we’re creating the next generation of advanced manufacturing talent to help close that gap. Our future skills apprenticeship programmes offer young people a fantastic first step on an exciting career ladder at a time when their new skills are in greater demand than ever before.

Through our fully funded programme, apprentices will combine theory-based study with practical ‘on the job’ training, gaining an unrivalled insight into the industry and a valuable springboard into their chosen career.

Apprentices will earn while they learn and at the same time gain a nationally recognised qualification, kickstarting their career with the skills and experience that employers want. And with progression opportunities through Level 4 apprenticeship and HNC qualifications, an apprenticeship at the MTC is the perfect first step to a challenging and rewarding career in engineering.

An apprenticeship is a full time job that enables the apprentice to train, gain experience and get paid at the same time. It’s free for the apprentice, and at the end of their programme, they will have the right skills and knowledge they need to be successful in their chosen career.

Apprenticeships combine off-the job training (in training centre classrooms and workshops and through remote online learning) and on-the-job training (learning with their mentors, managers and teammates by carrying out their role).

Click here to find out more general information about apprenticeships.

Our Level 3 Apprenticeships programme takes four years to complete. It begins full time in the training centre where the apprentices gain the skills, knowledge and behaviours they’ll need to maximise the benefits of their on-the-job training when they head off to their employers’ sites at the end of their first year.

Over the next three years, they’ll gain real work experience as well as new skills and knowledge from their employer, returning to the training centre regularly for ‘block release’ group sessions. At the end of their programme, we’ll support them to pass a final assessment to successfully complete their qualification.

In the first year, apprentices work through six theory-based units and seven practical modules. They spend around four weeks on each unit, covering a good balance of hands-on and written work.

In the second and third years, apprentices learn on-the-job, working full time onsite with their employers, returning to the training centre for eight to ten weeks throughout each year.

In their final year, apprentices learn entirely on-the-job, as well as preparing for and undertaking their End Point Assessment.

To apply for our Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship Standard, your child will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including Maths, English Language, and a science).

There are several ways to apply to become an MTC Apprentice:

  • You can click here to complete an application form
  • You can find us through the Government website
  • Or you can apply for a specific apprentice vacancy directly with the employers who work with us

Once we’ve received your child’s application and confirmed that they meet our entry criteria, we will invite you to an Assessment Centre (either face-to-face or virtually subject to COVID-19 restrictions). You’ll both have a chance to meet our team and tour our state-of-the-art workshops before your child undertakes an interview with one of our trainers, a group activity to showcase their teamwork and problem solving skills, and a mechanical assessment test.

Successful participants will then be invited to apply for specific roles with our fantastic employer partners, with the selected candidates joining the programme to begin their new career.

Apprenticeships offer a unique opportunity to gain a qualification alongside valuable work experience, free of charge and whilst earning a living:

  • The skills employers want: Apprenticeships are designed in partnership with industry so that learners get the expertise that employers need in their businesses.
  • Formal qualification and evidenced work experience: As well as achieving an industry-recognised qualification, apprentices also gain years of hands-on experience working alongside existing experts within a real work environment, which employers tell us makes them even more valuable.
  • Paid work and no debt: Because they are employed as an apprentice, your child will earn while they learn, and since apprenticeships are fully funded, they will also avoid the hefty debts that are often associated with university.
  • Job stability: Nearly all of our apprentices choose to continue working for their employers as a qualified technician once they have completed their apprenticeship.

An MTC apprentice’s basic salary in the first year exceeds the government’s recommendation, beginning at £8,000 and varying dependent on employer. This increases each year as the apprentice gains in capability and experience. As well as earning while they’re learning, apprentices don’t have to pay anything towards their training, which is funded in full by the government or by their employer.

It’s no secret that there is currently a huge skills gap in the UK manufacturing sector – the positive implications of this challenge for young people is that there is a huge range of opportunities with a chance to deliver positive impact through a meaningful career in an exciting and innovative sector.

After your child has completed their apprenticeship, their career progression is limitless! It’s really up to them and their employer – they might progress onto our Level 4 apprenticeship, a degree apprenticeship or further training, or continue to gain more experience in their role and move into a specialist or managerial position. Many of our team (including our Managing Director and our CEO) began their careers as apprentices – it’s a fantastic first step on anybody’s career ladder!

We are committed to creating the next generation of engineering talent to accelerate the success of the UK’s manufacturing sector. We teach our learners the skills they’ll need for the future, as well as the expertise they need today.

MTC apprentices learn from proven industry experts in a purpose built environment at the forefront of technological advancements. Our programme includes exposure to disruptive emerging technologies and new ways of working, empowering learners to add value to their employers through innovation. An ambitious enrichment programme also supports development of the ‘soft skills’ apprentices need for professional and personal success. We treat each and every learner as an individual and tailor their programme to make sure everyone fulfils their potential.

We’re always eager to inspire new engineers through our hands-on STEM activities. If you’re interested in visiting our training centre, or you’d like our friendly team of trainers and apprentices to come and visit your students at school, then please contact apprentice@the-mtc.org.

MTC Training was rated Good by Ofsted on 10th February 2023, with Outstanding ratings in both ‘Behaviour and Attitudes’ and ‘Personal Development’.

Among the several positive observations made, inspectors noted that:

‘Apprentices work effectively in a culture of high expectations and professionalism fostered by their trainers.

Apprentices demonstrate very positive attitudes towards their learning, and their attendance and punctuality are very high.

Apprentices quickly develop the behaviours to become highly valuable employees. They wear their employers’ uniform with pride when they are at MTC Training.’