Apprenticeships offer a fast track to a rewarding career, combining real work with structured training. Whether you’re looking for hands-on experience in industries like Aviation, Medical Devices, or Fire and Security, or you’re considering a pathway into another industry, there’s an apprenticeship for you.

With an apprenticeship, you’ll gain practical experience, earn a salary, and work towards an industry-recognised qualification, all without the debt of a traditional university degree.

What Levels of Apprenticeships Are Available in England?

• Intermediate Apprenticeships (Level 2) – Equivalent to GCSEs
• Advanced Apprenticeships (Level 3) – Equivalent to two A Level passes
• Higher Apprenticeships (Level 4 and 5) – Equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree or a foundation degree
• Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6 and 7) – Equivalent to an undergraduate or a master’s degree.

Aviation Apprenticeships

Aviation is an industry where hands-on experience is invaluable. Apprenticeships in this sector provide the technical skills and qualifications needed to work on aircraft and ensure safety in the skies.

In Aerospace, apprenticeships are offered either by aircraft component manufacturers, such as BAE Systems, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Messier-Dowty, and Goodrich, or by aircraft maintenance providers, which could be an airline such as British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, or a specialist aircraft maintenance company.

Virgin Atlantic: Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

This 2-year programme gives apprentices the opportunity to work on some of the most advanced aircraft, including Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s, while studying for an industry-recognised CAA Part-66 Category A License in aircraft maintenance. Graduates of this apprenticeship can progress into roles such as Aircraft Maintenance Technicians and Licensed Engineers.

Where Could an Aviation Apprenticeship Take You?

Successful apprentices often progress into full-time roles as aircraft engineers, mechanics, and avionics specialists. With experience, you could advance into supervisory or management positions within major airlines, MROs, or even work internationally. In manufacturing, you will learn how to build the highly complex parts and systems that make up aircraft components. In maintenance, you will learn how to inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft parts and systems, often to Licensed Engineer standards.

For aspiring pilots, a new apprenticeship standard for commercial airline pilots is being developed by a specialist sub-group of the Aviation Industry Skills Board, chaired by TUI UK & Ireland and supported by leading aviation employers, including EasyJet, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and FlyBe. This initiative, backed by the British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) and the Civil Aviation Authority, aims to create more opportunities in the industry.

Medical Device Apprenticeships

The Medical Device sector is crucial to healthcare, with apprenticeships providing opportunities to work on cutting edge medical technologies and pharmaceuticals.

AstraZeneca: Level 6 Laboratory Scientist Degree Apprenticeship

This 4-year programme offers apprentices the chance to work on the development of new medicines while earning a BSc in Chemical Sciences from Manchester Metropolitan University. Graduates may become research scientists, laboratory technicians, or specialist in pharmaceutical development

Where Could a Medical Device Apprenticeship Take You?

An apprenticeship in this sector could lead to careers in pharmaceutical manufacturing, research and development, or quality assurance. Many apprentices go to pursue specialist scientific roles or even leadership positions in global media technology firms.

Fire & Security Apprenticeships

Fire & Security is a rapidly growing sector that requires skilled engineers to install, maintain, and repair security systems. Apprenticeships provide a structured route into the industry, equipping individuals with technical expertise and industry certifications.

Where Could a Fire & Security Apprenticeship Take You?

With experience, apprentices can progress to roles such as Fire Alarm Engineer Security Systems Technician, or Technical Manager. Many professionals eventually start their own business or move into consultancy roles within Fire and Security compliance.

Finding an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeships are available throughout the year, but many companies recruit between January and April for a September start. Here’s where to look:

• Company websites – Many major employers advertise apprenticeships directly on their career’s pages
• The UK Government’s Apprenticeship Service – A great resource to browse vacancies in different industries
• College and University partnerships – Some apprenticeships are run in collaboration with educational institutions
• Networking and industry events – Career fairs and trade shows can be a great place to connect with employers offering apprenticeships
• Approaching employers directly – If there’s a company you’re interested in, reach out to them about potential apprenticeship opportunities

Many industries continue to grow and develop apprenticeship opportunities, offering structured career pathways in high-demand fields. For example, aviation will expand to accommodate increasing air passenger numbers, while medical devices and fire & security sectors will evolve alongside technological advancements, ensuring long-term career prospects for skilled professionals.

Why Choose an Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeships offer real-world experience, a structured career path, and industry-recognised qualifications, all while earning a salary. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a career change, they provide a fantastic opportunity to develop valuable skills and secure long-term employment in high-demand industries.

There are multiple ways to enter industries such as aviation, medical devices, and fire & security, from apprenticeships and internships to graduate programmes and direct entry roles. Many transferable skills will help you develop a thriving career in these fields.

Looking for Career Support?

Interested in exploring opportunities in Aviation, Medical Devices, or Fire & Security? At Peopleforce, we’re here to support your career journey. Whether you’re starting out or looking to take the next step, we help connect candidates with roles that match their skills and ambitions. Get in touch with us today to learn more!