The honest guide to becoming an engineer in the UK

Newsletter
BorntoEngineer
Get the weekly newsletter

Routes into engineering · page 2

Reviewed by the Born to Engineer editorial team ·

You can start at 16, with a T Level, a BTEC or an apprenticeship, or at 18, with a degree or a degree apprenticeship. Apprenticeships pay a wage[1] and degree apprenticeships have no tuition fees;[2] a degree in England costs up to £9,790 a year in fees, paid for with a student loan.[3]

Where you are now

Routes by typical age

These are the usual ages. Adults can start a degree or an apprenticeship too.

Study Paid while you learn Length varies

  1. T Level L3 Study · ages 16 to 18
  2. BTEC and vocational L3 Study · ages 16 to 18, length varies
  3. Foundation apprenticeship L2 Paid · ages 16 to 17, length varies
  4. Apprenticeship (Level 3) L3 Paid · ages 16 to 18, length varies
  5. Higher apprenticeship (Level 4) L4 Paid · ages 18 to 20, length varies
  6. Degree apprenticeship L6 Paid · ages 18 to 22
  7. Degree L6/7 Study · ages 18 to 21 or 22

  • Full-time study

    T Level

    A two-year technical course at college, with a 45-day industry placement built in.[4]

    Start age
    16 to 19
    How long
    2 years[5]
    More info
    Cost to you
    Free if you start before 19[6]
    Pay
    None
    Entry
    Set by the college
    You finish with
    Level 3: 72 to 168 UCAS points[7]

    Suits you if you want to learn engineering hands-on after GCSEs, and keep university open.

    Guide in progress

  • Full-time study

    BTEC and vocational

    Practical Level 3 courses at college. The largest engineering BTECs close to new 16 to 19 year olds from August 2027.[8]

    Start age
    16+
    How long
    Usually 1 to 2 years
    More info
    Cost to you
    Free if you start before 19[6]
    Pay
    None
    Entry
    Set by the college
    You finish with
    Level 3, with UCAS points

    Suits you if your college runs the course you want: check whether it is one of those closing.

  • Paid while you learn

    Foundation apprenticeship

    A paid first step into work for 16 to 21 year olds, introduced in England in August 2025.[9]

    Start age
    16 to 21[9]
    How long
    Not published
    More info
    Cost to you
    None
    Pay
    At least the apprentice minimum wage[1]
    Entry
    Not published
    You finish with
    Level 2

    Suits you if you want to start work straight after school and build up to a full apprenticeship.

    Guide in progress

  • Paid while you learn

    Apprenticeship (Level 3)

    A job with training towards an advanced technician qualification.

    Start age
    16+
    How long
    At least 8 months[10]
    More info
    Cost to you
    None
    Pay
    From £8.00 an hour (apprentice minimum, April 2026)[1]
    Entry
    Usually GCSEs including English and maths
    You finish with
    Level 3, the same level as A levels[11]

    Suits you if you learn best by doing and want to earn from 16.

  • Paid while you learn

    Higher apprenticeship (Level 4)

    A job with training to a higher technician level, like an HNC.

    Start age
    18+
    How long
    Not published
    More info
    Cost to you
    None
    Pay
    From £8.00 an hour (apprentice minimum, April 2026)[1]
    Entry
    A Level 3 qualification or A levels
    You finish with
    Level 4, the level of an HNC[12]

    Suits you if you have a Level 3 or A levels and want a paid technical role.

  • Paid while you learn

    Degree apprenticeship

    A full-time engineering job while you study for a degree, with your fees paid.

    Start age
    Usually 18+
    How long
    3 to 6 years[2]
    More info
    Cost to you
    No tuition fees[2]
    Pay
    £21,700 to £26,100 a year to start (Prospects, 2026)[13]
    Entry
    Usually A levels including maths (e.g. JLR: maths at B, plus physics, chemistry, engineering or D&T at C)[14]
    You finish with
    A degree (Level 6), no tuition debt

    Suits you if you want a degree, a salary and experience, and you are ready to be an employee at 18.

  • Full-time study

    Degree

    Three or four years at university: the widest choice of engineering specialisms.

    Start age
    18+
    How long
    3 years (BEng) or 4 (MEng)[15]
    More info
    Cost to you
    £9,790 a year in fees (England, 2026/27), with loans[3]
    Pay
    None (most students work part-time)
    Entry
    A levels, usually maths and physics
    You finish with
    BEng or MEng (Level 6 or 7)

    Suits you if you want time to explore, specialise later, or spend a year in industry or abroad.

Compare routes

Showing all 7 routes

Routes into engineering compared. Select a column heading to sort.
A to Z Youngest first EntryWhat you need Shortest first Lowest first Highest first You finish withQualification
T Level Study 16 to 19 Set by the college 2 years[5] Free[6]if you start before 19 None Level 3[7]72 to 168 UCAS points
BTEC and vocational Study 16+ Set by the college 1 to 2 yearsusually Free[6]if you start before 19 None Level 3with UCAS points
Foundation apprenticeship Paid 16 to 21[9] Not published Not published None Minimum wage[1]at least the apprentice rate Level 2
Apprenticeship (Level 3) Paid 16+ GCSEsusually including English and maths 8 months+[10]at least None £8.00 an hour[1]apprentice minimum, from April 2026 Level 3[11]the same level as A levels
Higher apprenticeship (Level 4) Paid 18+ Level 3a Level 3 qualification or A levels Not published None £8.00 an hour[1]apprentice minimum, from April 2026 Level 4[12]the level of an HNC
Degree apprenticeship Paid Usually 18+ A levels[14]usually including maths (e.g. JLR: maths at B, plus physics, chemistry, engineering or D&T at C) 3 to 6 years[2] No fees[2]no tuition fees £21,700 to £26,100[13]a year to start (Prospects, 2026) Level 6a degree, no tuition debt
Degree Study 18+ A levelsusually maths and physics 3 or 4 years[15]BEng 3, MEng 4 £9,790 a year[3]fees in England, 2026/27, with loans Nonemost students work part-time Level 6 or 7BEng or MEng

Paying for it

Costs and funding

Degree apprenticeship

Tuition fees
Paid by your employer and the government[2]
While you learn
A salary, from about £21,700 a year[13]
Downside
Less choice of course and university: you study where your employer's partner university is

Degree

Tuition fees
Up to £9,790 a year in England, covered by a loan[3]
While you learn
A maintenance loan of up to £9,118 to £14,135 a year, depending on where you live[16]
Paying it back
9% of earnings over £25,000, written off after 40 years[17]

A typical week on each: a week in the life of a degree apprentice and a student.

Placements

A placement or a year in industry

Many degrees include a paid year with an employer, usually between your second and final years.[18] Apprenticeships build the experience in from the start.

Finding a placement

Still deciding

You don’t have to choose between university and an apprenticeship yet

You can apply for university and for apprenticeships at the same time, and keep both options open.[19] Big employers recruit early. For example, BAE Systems opens its degree apprenticeship applications in January, for about six weeks.[20] A T Level or a Level 3 apprenticeship can also lead to a degree apprenticeship later.

Before you chooseChoose your subjectsThenGet experience and funding

Questions people ask

Do I need a degree to become an engineer?

No. Degree apprenticeships lead to the same bachelor’s degree while you work and earn, and Level 3 and 4 apprenticeships lead to technician roles that can progress to chartered status later.

What is a degree apprenticeship?

A job with an employer combined with part-time study for a degree. You pay no tuition fees, you earn a salary, and it takes three to six years.[2]

Are T Levels good for engineering?

For practical routes, yes. An engineering T Level takes two years,[5] includes an industry placement of at least 315 hours (about 45 days)[4] and is worth 72 to 168 UCAS points depending on the grade; the top grade matches three A* A levels.[7] It can lead to an apprenticeship, a job or some university courses.

How much do engineering apprentices earn?

The legal minimum for apprentices under 19 or in their first year is £8.00 an hour from April 2026,[1] but engineering employers usually pay more. Level 6 degree apprenticeships advertised for 2026 start at around £21,700 to £26,100 a year.[13]

Is a degree apprenticeship better than university?

Neither is better; they suit different people. A degree apprentice earns a salary and pays no tuition fees, but commits to one employer and the university it works with. A student has more choice of course and specialism, time to explore, and the option of a year abroad or in industry, and pays for it with student loans.

Can I apply for university and an apprenticeship at the same time?

Yes. UCAS says you can apply for university and for apprenticeships at the same time, to keep your options open.[19] Apprenticeship deadlines vary by employer: BAE Systems, for example, opens its degree apprenticeship applications in January, for about six weeks.[20]

How much does an engineering degree cost?

In England, tuition is up to £9,790 a year for 2026/27,[3] paid by a student loan, with a maintenance loan for living costs.[16] The Department for Education forecasts that students starting in 2025/26 will leave owing about £45,800 on average.[21] You repay 9% of earnings above £25,000, and anything left is written off after 40 years.[17]

Sources

21 sources

  1. GOV.UK

    National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates

    Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either: aged under 19; aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship

    The rate is in the page’s Current rates table: row April 2026, column Apprentice, £8.

    Checked 15 October 2026

  2. UCAS

    Degree apprenticeships

    Degree apprenticeships take three to six years to complete, depending on the course level.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  3. GOV.UK

    Student finance: new full-time students-Tuition Fee Loan

    If you’re a full-time student Up to £9,535 Up to £9,790

    Checked 14 October 2026

  4. Department for Education · 26 Jan 2026

    Introduction of T Levels

    These will last a minimum of 315 hours (approximately 45 days) but can last longer.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  5. Department for Education · 26 Jan 2026

    Introduction of T Levels

    T Levels are 2-year courses which are taken after GCSEs and are broadly equivalent in size to 3 A Levels.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  6. Department for Education (tlevels.gov.uk)

    About T Levels for students

    Like A levels, there are no tuition fees to study a T Level if you start before you are 19.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  7. Department for Education · 26 Jan 2026

    Introduction of T Levels

    168 Distinction* (A* on the core and distinction in the occupational specialism) A* A* A* 144 Distinction AAA 120 Merit BBB 96 Pass (C or above on the core) CCC 72 Pass (D or E on the core) DDD

    Checked 14 October 2026

  8. Department for Education · 17 Sep 2026

    Level 2 and 3 qualifications to have 16 to 19 funding approval removed in 2027

    As a change from the original funding approval arrangements, qualifications equivalent in size to 2 A levels (720 guided learning hours (GLH)) will continue to be funded for the 2027 to 2028 academic year.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  9. Department for Education · 21 May 2025

    DfE Update further education: 21 May 2025

    The first foundation apprenticeships will be available from 1 August 2025 for young people aged 16 to 21, and for those up to the age of 25 who are a care leaver, a prisoner/prison leaver, or have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in:

    Checked 14 October 2026

  10. Department for Education

    Apprenticeship funding rules August 2026 to July 2027 (Version 3)

    The provider must confirm that, after all relevant prior learning and experience has been taken into account, the apprenticeship practical period lasts for a minimum duration of 8 months.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  11. GOV.UK

    Become an apprentice

    Level Equivalent educational level Foundation and Intermediate 2 GCSE Advanced 3 A level Higher 4,5,6 and 7 Foundation degree and above Degree 6 and 7 Bachelor’s or master’s degree

    Checked 14 October 2026

  12. GOV.UK

    What qualification levels mean: list of qualification levels

    Level 4 qualifications are: certificate of higher education ( CertHE ) higher apprenticeship higher national certificate ( HNC ) level 4 award level 4 certificate level 4 diploma level 4 NVQ

    Checked 14 October 2026

  13. Prospects (Jisc)

    Engineering apprenticeships in the UK: Levels, employers and salaries

    Airbus - £21,674 for its Level 6 Aerospace Engineering Apprenticeship.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  14. JLR Careers

    Level 6 Applied Professional Engineering Programme Degree Apprenticeship

    In addition, A level Maths at grade B or higher and a second A level at grade C or above in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or Design & Technology.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  15. Prospects (Jisc)

    Engineering courses guide: From A-levels to degrees and professional pathways

    If you want to become a chartered engineer (CEng) through the Engineering Council, you'll need to study a four-year Master of Engineering (MEng) accredited by a professional engineering institution.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  16. GOV.UK

    Student finance: new full-time students-Maintenance Loan

    2025 to 2026 academic year 2026 to 2027 academic year Living with your parents Up to £8,877 Up to £9,118 Living away from your parents, outside London Up to £10,544 Up to £10,830 Living away from your parents, in London Up to £13,762 Up to £14,135

    Checked 14 October 2026

  17. GOV.UK

    Repaying your student loan: what you pay

    Plan 5 £25,000 £2,083 £480 Postgraduate Loan £21,000 £1,750 £403 You’ll repay either: 9% of your income over the threshold if you’re on Plan 1, 2, 4 or 5

    Checked 14 October 2026

  18. Prospects (Jisc)

    Work placements: what are they and will I be paid?

    Also known as a 'sandwich year', 'year in industry' or 'placement year' they are a compulsory element of some degrees, typically completed between the second and final year of study.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  19. UCAS

    How to Apply for an Apprenticeship

    Can I apply for uni and apprenticeships at the same time? Yes. If you want to keep your options open, applying for uni and apprenticeships at the same time is a good idea.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  20. BAE Systems · 20 Aug 2026

    Degree apprenticeships (Level 6) in the United Kingdom | BAE Systems Careers

    Our main recruitment window starts at the beginning of January and will run for 6 weeks.

    Checked 14 October 2026

  21. Department for Education (Explore education statistics) · 9 Jul 2026

    Student loan forecasts for England, Financial year 2025-26

    On average undergraduate higher education borrowers starting their studies in academic year 2025/26 are forecast to enter repayment with an average debt of £45,800, equivalent to £40,800 in financial year 2025-26 prices.

    Checked 14 October 2026