Partner with OAL on Foundation Apprenticeships

Help Shape the Future of Engineering Talent

Are you looking to develop a routeway for young people into your business and secure a talent pipeline for the future? Then foundation apprenticeships could be the solution you have been searching for.

OAL is committed to a collaborative approach to Foundation Apprenticeships and the broader apprenticeship reform, working closely with employers and training providers to co-develop an assessment strategy that reflects real industry need, whilst maintaining educational best practices, and supporting provider capacity for assessment.

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What is a foundation apprenticeship in Engineering and Manufacturing?

  • Standard Name: Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship
  • Level: Level 2
  • Duration: 8 Months
  • Target Learners: 16–21 year olds preparing for careers in engineering and manufacturing

Apprentices on the Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship are trained to support production, assembly, machining, and fabrication tasks across the full spectrum of manufacturing sectors. They work safely, plan and organise resources, and complete tasks to deadlines—making them valuable contributors from day one.

Why Choose a Foundation Apprenticeship?

    • 🛠️ Hands-on Experience for the apprentices and an introduction to the basic tools and techniques to start their engineering career
    • 🚀 Pathway to Level 3 Apprenticeships Foundation Apprenticeships can be a vital part of your toolkit in developing the talent pipeline that drives your recruitment for level 3 engineering apprentices
    • 🤝 Strengthen Employer Relationships by providing a shorter duration, lower risk solution to apprentice recruitment, without them having to commit to 3-4 year level 3 programme, allowing both the employer and apprentice to test the water.
    • 👷 Develop a pipeline of future talent, opening a range of progression opportunities to their future engineering workforce
    • 💡 Support your team with fresh perspectives by bringing younger people into the workplace, with new ideas and energy that is proven to further engage the existing team.
    • 🤝 Strengthen your community and industry, through providing opportunities to local young people, who may not have previously envisaged a career in engineering.

Typical Job Roles for Foundation Apprentices:

    • Servicing and maintenance operative
    • Machine setter/operative
    • Mechanical engineering operative
    • Fabricator
    • Engineering fitter
    • Multi-disciplined engineering operative
    • Materials processing and finishing operative
    • Technical Support operative
    • Founding/casting operative

Progression routes from Foundation apprenticeships could include:

    • Boatbuilder Level 3
    • Engineering Fitter Level 3
    • Engineering Maintenance Technician (Single or Dual Discipline) Level 3
    • Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Level 3
    • Engineering Operative Level 2
    • Food and Drink Maintenance Engineer Level 3
    • Food and Drink Technical Operator Level 3
    • Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2
    • Machining Technician Level 3
    • Maintenance and Operation Engineering Technician Level 3
    • Marine Engineer Level 3
    • Mechatronics Maintenance Technician

If you want to work with OAL to help young people Kickstart their Career in Engineering & Manufacturing

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