Electronics Apprenticeships
What are the best apprenticeships for bright sparks?
Are you interested in new technology? Do you know the difference between electrons and emissions? Can you tell your integrated circuits from your optical fibres?
Consider a dynamic future in electronics.
Why Electronics is useful for apprenticeships
Electronics are tiny particles of electrical energy that can be used to power everything from a mobile phone to a spacecraft. They make our lives easier, safer, and better. They are used in just about every business in some capacity.
More complex than simple electricity, electronics combines physics with the effects and behaviours of electrons to improve and better understand technology.
Electronics are essential for developments in technology, from satellites and security devices to health care and green energy solutions.
The UK electronics industry continues to grow, with organisations like the UK Electronics Skills Foundation running programmes to try to get more young people and female students into electronics.
Electronics apprenticeships are one way the UK Government is trying to expand, upskill and diversify the electronics workforce.
Transferable skills
Electronics is a relatively new subject in schools and colleges. It uses electronic components, such as circuit boards and simple electronic devices to explain the principles of electronics and electrical engineering.
Alternatively, you may have been taught electronics as a sub-section of Physics.
It is a scientific subject, but a creative one too. It’s about problem-solving and making improvements via electronic systems and devices. It can be a practical subject, with technicians and electrical engineers working with their hands. It also requires attention to detail and being goal-oriented.
Intermediate roles
When you leave school you need to consider your next steps. Do you want to continue your education at college and university? Or start working immediately?
An apprenticeship offers a third option, combining continued learning with earning a living wage.
Designed to upskill and diversify the UK workforce, UK apprenticeships are partly funded by the UK Government and private employers.
You will work for a company in your chosen field, gaining hands-on experience, while studying for an industry-recognised qualification.
Despite its identifier, the lowest level of UK apprenticeship is Level 2. It is also known as an entry-level or intermediate apprenticeship.
Entry Requirements
Eligible candidates for any UK apprenticeship, must:
- Be 16 or older
- Not be in full-time education
- Have the right to live and work in the UK
These are the mandatory minimum requirements to apply. However, each area of study also has national standards to which the apprenticeship must adhere.
On top of that, providers may have company or role-specific criteria.
Education-wise, you will likely need a good GCSE or equivalent in the core subjects of Maths, English Language, and Science.
You should be a natural problem solver, technically minded, and creative. You may be working on maintaining and improving existing electronic technology or creating new systems and devices. Either way, fresh ideas and a unique perspective will help you shine.
Qualifications gained
Graduating from an entry-level apprenticeship will earn you the equivalent of five good GCSE passes, 4/C or above.
Level 2 electronics-related apprenticeships include:
- Electronics Assembly Apprentice (Level 2) – Arrow Technical Services Ltd
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Advanced/Higher/Degree targeted at A-Level
After completing an intermediate apprenticeship, many students progress to more advanced apprenticeships, continuing their studies and achieving higher qualifications.
The higher levels are structured as follows:
- Level 3 – advanced apprenticeships
- Levels 4 and 5 – higher apprenticeships
- Levels 6 and 7 – degree-level apprenticeships
As with higher education versus school, you will find apprenticeships become more complicated but yield higher rewards as you progress. They may also last longer.
Entry Requirements
To study for an advanced electronics studies apprenticeship, you will likely need good – grade 4/C or above – GCSEs or equivalent in Maths, Science and English Language.
Higher and degree philosophy apprenticeships usually need A-levels in the same subjects, plus electronics.
Qualifications gained
For each apprenticeship level you complete, you will earn the equivalent of the following qualifications:
- Advanced apprenticeship = 2 A-Level passes.
- Higher apprenticeship = a foundation degree
- Degree apprenticeship = a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, depending on your level of study.
Advanced, higher and degree electronics apprenticeships include:
- BEng (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering Apprenticeship – London South Bank University
- V03112 – Degree Apprentice Electronics Hardware Engineering – BAE Systems PLC
- 2025 Electronics Engineering Apprentices – various providers.
Industry Focus
Electronics apprenticeships are a great way to kick-start an exciting and rewarding career. Whether it’s designing high-tech systems for planes and spacecraft, building and maintaining cutting-edge manufacturing machinery, or working hands-on as a technician fixing and installing everyday devices, there’s something for everyone in this industry.
Big names like Sony, Airbus, and Rolls-Royce, as well as specialized training organizations, offer opportunities to learn on the job while earning. No matter where your interests lie—avionics, manufacturing, or technical work—electronics apprenticeships can help you build the skills you need for a bright future.
Electrical engineering is a subsection of electronics used in several industries, from mobile communications to aerospace and many in between.
For example, an avionics engineer specialises in electronic systems for aircraft and spacecraft, such as navigation systems, flight safety and landing gear.
Other electronics engineering may specialise in lighting, audio, or communications.
Companies offering electronic/electrical engineering apprenticeships include: Sony, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, and EDF.
Manufacturing is another industry in which electronics and systems engineers are in demand. In this role, you can design, create and install machinery used in production lines and other manufacturing processes.
Jobs include manufacturing procurement engineer, manufacturing production engineer, quality engineer, test and commissioning engineer and installation engineer.
Organisations such as the Engineering Trust Training Limited offer this type of apprenticeship.
You can also specialise in a particular area, such as marine electronics.
The third type of employment in electronics is working as a technician. Electronics technicians work with systems, such as computers, repairing and maintaining hardware or appliances, such as microwaves, washing machines and fridges.
They can also work on sites, such as installing electrical devices eg security systems in homes or commercial buildings.
You may work in a laboratory or an office or work freelance and take on various clients. You can find technician apprenticeship opportunities at companies such as Leonardo, and BT.
Electronics technicians are also in demand in the British Army.
Other Opportunities
- Telecommunications researcher
- Design engineer
- Cyber security analyst
- Programme and software developer
- IT business analyst
- CAD technician
- Technical author
- Special effects technician
- Systems analyst
- Multimedia programmer
- Cost engineer
Conclusion
We hope you have found our guide useful and feel more informed about apprenticeships related to electronics.
You can learn more about electronics apprenticeships in your area by filtering your search by topic and location.
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