Beyond The Standard...
Apprenticeship Standards Are The Starting Point
From the outside, apprenticeship delivery can look broadly the same. After all, providers delivering the same occupation are working towards the requirements of the same Apprenticeship Standard.
But how that programme is delivered can differ considerably. Employer involvement, workplace flexibility, apprentice support, communication and sector expertise can all shape the experience.
The question is not only “Which standard do you deliver?”
Employers should also ask how the provider will understand the role, support the apprentice and work with the business throughout the programme.
Employer-Lead From the Beginning...
Start With The Role, NOT The Programme
For us, choosing an apprenticeship starts with understanding the employer and the job role rather than trying to fit a business into a programme that has already been selected. We begin by understanding what the apprentice needs to be able to do, what skills the business needs and what occupational competence should look like in that particular workplace.
Questions an employer should ask themselves first include:
- What does the apprentice need to be able to do?
- What skills does the business need?
- What does competence look like in this workplace?
- What should that person be capable of at the end?
Your Specific Delivery Will be Flexible...
Built Around The Employer and The Apprentice
Every workplace is different, so delivery needs to work in practice as well as on paper.
1. Production Schedules |
Delivery can be planned around operational requirements where the apprenticeship allows.
2. Equipment & Processes |
Workplace learning can reflect the tools, machinery and processes used by the employer.
3. Working Patterns |
Training should account for the way the business and apprentice actually work.
4. Prior Learning |
Existing knowledge and experience are reviewed before the apprenticeship begins.
Apprenticeships can also support existing staff
Prior learning is identified first so the programme can focus on substantial new learning rather than repeating what the employee already knows.
We at the ETT are a Specialist Provider...
Engineering Is What We Do
Our focus is not spread across dozens of unrelated industries. Our Training Officers come from engineering backgrounds themselves. That experience helps them understand the environments in which apprentices are working, communicate effectively with managers and mentors and relate apprenticeship training to real engineering roles. This ensures:
Industry Understanding
Our delivery staff understand engineering workplaces
Relevant Communication
We can speak the same language as mentors and managers
Workplace Application
Training is linked to real-life engineering activity
Wider Development
Additional workplace development can complement the standard
Programme Design...
A Training Plan Built Around Development
Working with the employer and apprentice, we develop a Training Plan that sets out how the apprentice will develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for the occupation. The goal is not simply to complete an apprenticeship. It is to help develop a capable engineer who can apply what they have learned in a real working environment by utilising their bolstered:
- 1. Occupational Knowledge
- 2. Practical Skills
- 3. Required Behaviours
- 4. Workplace Development
The Importance of Regular Communication...
Employer and Apprentice Engagement
Apprenticeship delivery should not mean handing over an apprentice and only hearing from the provider when something goes wrong.
We believe regular communication between the apprentice, employer and training provider is essential. Our Training Officers maintain contact throughout the programme and conduct formal progress reviews with the apprentice and employer. We also manage Training Officer caseloads so our team has the capacity to provide meaningful support.
Together, ensuring the apprentice's:
- Progress against the training plan
- Knowledge, skills and behaviours
- Workplace development
- Off-the-job training
- Additional support requirements
- Success in upcoming training and assessments
- Next actions and priorities
Our Structure at the ETT...
Not-For-Profit and Engineering Focused
Engineering Trust Training is a not-for-profit organisation and a subsidiary of The Engineering Trust, a charity that supports engagement with engineering. Our focus is on high-quality apprenticeship delivery and the development of engineering skills.
Our purpose is centred around developing engineering skills
Surplus generated by the organisation can be reinvested to support our work and the wider objectives of The Engineering Trust.
Your Structure and an Employer...
One Apprentice Or An Entire Cohort?
SMEs | Your First Apprentice
Recruiting one apprentice can be a major investment for a smaller employer. That apprentice deserves the same level of support as someone joining a large annual programme.
Larger Employers | Multiple Apprentices
We can support several apprentices across different roles or departments while maintaining individual development plans for each learner.
Finding The Right Person ...
Support Through Recruitment
Choosing the right standard is only one part of the challenge. Employers also need to find the right candidate.
1. Promote |
We will provide help to advertise the opportunity
2. Identify |
We support suitable candidate selection
3. Assess |
Consider suitability, entry requirements etc.
4. Final Decision |
The final recruitment decision still remains with you
Apprenticeship Funding Considerations...
Helping Employers Understand the Funding System
Apprenticeship funding depends on factors such as levy status, apprentice age and available funds.
For New Starters from the 1st April 2026:
Eligible training and assessment costs for apprentices aged 16–24 can be fully funded by government up to the relevant funding band maximum. Different arrangements apply for apprentices aged 25 and over and for levy-paying employers depending on available funds.
Assessment Support...
Supporting Apprentices Through Assessments
Assessment arrangements are changing across 2026 and 2027, so employers and apprentices need to understand which plan applies to their programme. The may include:
Practical
Observations
Professional Discussions
Projects
Tests
Presentations
Occupation Specific
Methods
Some apprenticeships will continue under existing End-Point Assessment arrangements while newer assessment plans are introduced.
Choosing a Provider...
Questions Employers Should Ask Us
These questions can tell you far more about a provider than simply asking which standards they deliver:
- How will you understand our business and job role?
- How will training be delivered?
- How often will you communicate with us?
- What support will our apprentice receive?
- How will progress be monitored?
- Who will be our main point of contact?
- What engineering experience does your team have?
- How will you work with our workplace mentors?
- How will you help us understand funding?
- What happens if the apprentice falls behind?
Put Us To The Test...
If Things Don't Go To Plan, Our Support Is What Really Matters
Apprenticeships can run over several years. During that time, circumstances can change, apprentices may struggle and workplace requirements may evolve.
When that happens, you need a provider that is accessible, understands the situation and is prepared to work with everyone involved to find a way forward.
How a provider responds to challenges can be one of the biggest differentiators of all.
So, Are You Looking For An Engineering Apprenticeship Provider?
Start with What Your Business Needs
Whether you're recruiting your first apprentice, growing an existing programme or developing current employees, talk to us about your workforce requirements.