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Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Level 2

Study Area: Apprenticeships

Duration: 1 Year

Attendance: Full Time

The Engineering and Manufacturing Foundation Apprenticeship Level 2 is an excellent starting point for individuals who are new to the engineering and manufacturing sector or looking to build a solid foundation for a future technical career. This apprenticeship is designed for those working in entry-level roles within manufacturing environments, workshops, or production settings, helping them develop the essential practical skills, knowledge, and behaviours required in the industry.

As a Foundation Apprentice, you’ll gain hands-on experience while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers and technicians, learning how engineering and manufacturing operations function while developing confidence, competence, and employability skills needed to succeed in the sector.

You will learn to:

Support basic engineering and manufacturing operations and processes
Use hand tools, equipment, and machinery safely and effectively
Understand and follow health, safety, and environmental regulations in engineering workplaces
Develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills in a technical environment

To enrol, you must be employed in a relevant role with an employer who will support your learning and development throughout the programme. Apprenticeships are work-based qualifications, so securing a job in the sector is essential before you can begin your training. If you are not currently employed, you can explore our latest apprenticeship vacancies.

We also encourage you to proactively contact local employers to ask if they would consider taking you on as an apprentice. If an employer agrees to support your apprenticeship, please contact us at apprenticeships@calderdale.ac.uk so we can assess your suitability for the programme and begin the enrolment process.

Alternatively, if you do not yet have an employer, you can apply for a full-time course as a starting point. Should you secure employment during your course, you can be transferred onto the apprenticeship pathway.

Start Date

Various start dates

Entry Requirements & Interview Process

A minimum of GCSE Grade 4 / C or above in English and Maths is preferred. If you do not hold these qualifications, you will be supported to complete Functional Skills as part of your apprenticeship. For learners aged 19 and over, this requirement will be reviewed and agreed in consultation with your employer as part of the enrolment process.

Progression

On successful completion, apprentices can progress onto an Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Level 3 Apprenticeship, other Level 3 Engineering or Manufacturing Apprenticeships or entry-level technical roles within engineering and manufacturing environments.

Career Opportunities

Engineering Operative, Manufacturing Operative, Production Assistant, Junior Engineering Technician

This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for further training and long-term career progression within the engineering and manufacturing industry, opening the door to higher-level apprenticeships and more advanced technical roles.

Assessment Methods

The apprenticeship is delivered through a combination of classroom-based learning at Calderdale College and workplace visits from your dedicated Training and Development Officer. You will receive ongoing support throughout the programme, with your employer actively involved in progress reviews to ensure you stay on track and achieve your full potential.

All apprentices are required to complete an End-Point Assessment (EPA) to successfully achieve the qualification. The EPA is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and behaviours you’ve developed throughout your apprenticeship. This is carried out by an independent assessment organisation to ensure fair and consistent standards. Calderdale College will support you in preparing for this final stage to help you succeed.

Course Fees

Apprenticeship training is fully funded by your employer—either through the Apprenticeship Levy or government co-investment, depending on the size of the organisation. As an apprentice, you will not pay for your training or assessment.