Aerospace Engineer Degree Apprenticeship

Derby is the home of mechanical engineering, with companies such as Rolls Royce, Toyota and Bombardier. The Aerospace Engineer Apprenticeship is designed to provide specific skills and knowledge for a general career within the mechanical engineering sector in the aerospace industry. It incorporates elements of all relevant mechanical technologies and their application throughout the programme and has been developed in close collaboration with the local industry. The programme seeks to strike an equitable balance between underpinning academic concepts, practical work in the workplace and at the University and techniques necessary for a successful career in mechanical engineering and the demands of employers and professional bodies for this discipline-specific programme.

The Degree Apprenticeship will provide learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to progress in a career in mechanical engineering. Learners will be given the option of two specific degree routes for the Aerospace Degree Apprenticeship: BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace) which was created to provide learners with a solid background and appropriate skills that enable them to practice successfully as a professional Mechanical engineer within the aerospace sector and other advanced engineering sectors.

This course is professionally accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) on behalf of the Engineering Council to Partial Chartered Engineer (Partial CEng) level – this means that with further learning after completing this programme (e.g. an accredited MSc programme) you could fully satisfy the academic requirements for becoming a Chartered Engineer.

The BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Electronics (Aerospace) route was created to produce graduates that can practice successfully as professional mechanical engineers with a wider knowledge of electronics within the aerospace sector, especially concerning engine development.

We have state of the art industry-focused laboratories, including those dedicated to materials testing, composite materials, advanced manufacturing, thermofluids, robotics, materials categorisation, advanced design and additive manufacturing that apprentices will take full advantage of when studying their course. In addition, apprentices will benefit from on-the-job practical training and degree level academic learning, including a significant online element.

Who is this apprenticeship suitable for?

Our apprenticeship programme is designed for employees of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that deliver advanced technology products into the aerospace engineering sector.

It is important you recognise the relationship between your academic programme and your degree apprenticeship as they are linked together as a degree apprenticeship is a qualification which combines both academic and off and on the job training.  This is a mixture of on and off the job training.

The University and your employer will plan your 20% off-the-job training so that you can complete all the KSBs for your end point assessment.  The 20% off-the-job training includes:

• The teaching of theory (for example, lectures, role playing, simulation exercises, online learning, and manufacturer training);
• Practical training, shadowing, mentoring, industry visits, and attendance at competitions.
• Learning support and time spent writing assessments/assignments.

You will be able to use your time at the University towards your 20% off-the-job training.

What you will learn

To successfully complete an Aerospace Engineer Degree Apprenticeship, there is an academic requirement for a BEng (Hons) programme to be achieved. There are two options: 

• BEng(Hons) Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace)
• BEng(Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Electronics (Aerospace)

Additional qualifications:

You will be studying two additional qualifications as part of your apprenticeship:

• NVQ Level 2 Diploma in Aerospace and Aviation (Foundation Competence)
• Level 4 Diploma in Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (Development Competence)

• Offers a degree which has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of the degree apprenticeship in aerospace.
• You will undertake degree level and on-the-job practical training enabling them to contribute to the business at a strategic level before they graduate.
• The curriculum has been designed to reflect the latest developments in mechanical, materials and manufacturing engineering within the aerospace industry so that graduates will have cutting-edge skills.
• Access to the latest resources in engineering at the university including composite manufacturing, materials categorisation, additive manufacturing, mechanical and materials investigation and testing centre, an advanced manufacturing facility and the latest computer-aided design software.

The following broad criteria will apply for entry to the academic programme are:

• You will be employed by a company within the aerospace engineering sector.
• Qualifications at level 3 would normally include: Mathematics plus at least one further STEM based subject such as Physics, ICT, Computing and Electronics or other suitable programmes such as an Access/Foundation course, plus five GCSEs at level 4 and above in Mathematics, English Language and Double Science or equivalent qualification. 
• Your employer may also set their own selection criteria.
• Direct entry at level 5 will be commensurate on achieving RPL equivalent to level 4 of the degree.
• The selection of participants is consistent with the University’s equal opportunities policies and sensitive to legal obligations to avoid discrimination on the basis of gender, race or disability.

Such requirements are a guide – we will also consider all the information that you've included in your application and we want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated.

The cost will be paid for by the employer. Cost of the apprenticeship will normally be in line with the Levy Band £27,000, but individual agreements will be considered depending on student numbers and involvement of employers.

You will need to apply through your employer. However, you can find out more from us - please see below for contact information.

Contact us

Apprenticeship Hub

• Email: apprenticeships@derby.ac.uk
• Phone: 01332 593092