Foundation apprenticeships are employed positions and are for younger people who will benefit from a wide range of experiences. Each foundation occupation provides a mix of employability skills and behaviours, technical knowledge and skills, and associated English and maths. It combines valuable hands-on practice in the workplace with off-the-job learning. The apprentice’s experiences will not only help them to grow their skills but will also help to inform their next career steps. Completion of this foundation apprenticeship will certify competency in all of the technical knowledge and skills, together with all the employability skills and behaviours described. The typical progression routes will likely include employment or progression onto another skills product such as a level 2 or level 3 apprenticeship.

Foundation apprenticeships benefit employers as they get to see the apprentice in work-based settings while the apprentice receives extra support. Employers also benefit from accessing a broader talent pool of young learners than they might otherwise do.

General engineering and manufacturing operatives are found in environments supporting, for example, production, maintenance, assembly of components and systems, machining operations, fabrication and welding and additive manufacturing functions. They may work across many sectors including automotive, aerospace, energy, advanced and general manufacturing. The apprentice will carry out general engineering and manufacturing tasks consistently using safe working practices, planning and organising resources, and completing tasks within timeframes.