You are probably wondering what to expect when in an apprenticeship. Well lets give you some clarity on the subject!

In this section, we will explore the key skills you will be exposed to in each engineering discipline during your three or four year apprenticeship. While this website provides detailed information on a wide range of tools and equipment, here we will focus on the most essential skills you will use daily. From here, you can look into the various skills you are most interested in by taking a look at the various disciplines under the services page. 

Please note: This is based on research done on various manufacturing plants and current apprentices. This is not a guaranteed list of skills you will require but highly likely you will use them.  

Electrical

Here are 10 of the most commonly learned skills during a three/four-year electrical engineering apprenticeship:

1) Electrical basics and fundamentals

Electrical basics and fundamentals revolve around the principles of electricity, which include concepts such as voltage, current, resistance, and power.

2) Reading and Interpreting Drawings
Understanding technical drawings, schematics, and blueprints to execute electrical work as per design specifications.

3) Circuit Analysis and Design
Fundamentals of analyzing and designing electrical circuits, both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current).

4) Procedures and Regulations
Mastering electrical  standards, such as BS7671 and The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EAWR), and applying them in the workplace to prevent accidents and ensure compliance.

5) Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
Learning to program and troubleshoot PLCs, which are commonly used in industrial automation and control systems.

6) Electrical Testing and Troubleshooting
Using multimeters, oscilloscopes, and other diagnostic tools to identify and repair electrical faults in various systems.

7) Motor Control Systems
Understanding the installation, operation, and troubleshooting of electric motors, motor control centers, and drives.

8) Fault Finding and Diagnostics

You’ll develop advanced troubleshooting skills to identify, analyze, and fix electrical faults in systems ranging from simple circuits to complex industrial equipment. This often involves working under pressure to restore systems quickly, using logical problem-solving techniques and specialised diagnostic tools.

9) Electrical Design and Planning

Apprentices learn to design electrical systems, selecting the appropriate components (cables, fuses, circuit breakers) based on load calculations, system requirements, and safety standards. This includes planning for energy efficiency, system expansion, and future upgrades.

10) Electrical Wiring and Installation
Apprentices learn to install electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, including wiring, cable containments, and circuit breakers.

Mechanical

As a Mechanical Apprentice, you'll develop a wide range of core skills that are essential for the role. Here are 10 of the most important ones:

1) Machining and Fabrication

You’ll learn to operate various machines such as lathes, mills, and grinders, as well as develop skills in metalworking processes like cutting, shaping, and welding. This involves precise measurement and fabrication of metal parts for mechanical systems.

2) Mechanical System Assembly and Maintenance

Understanding the assembly and disassembly of mechanical systems is essential, whether it’s engines, pumps, or turbines. You’ll master reading technical diagrams, maintaining moving parts, and replacing or lubricating components to ensure smooth operation.

3) Blueprint Reading and Technical Drawing Interpretation

You’ll become proficient at reading mechanical blueprints, schematics, and engineering drawings to ensure accurate fabrication and system assembly. This skill involves identifying dimensions, tolerances, and materials to properly execute designs.

4) Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Apprentices will gain knowledge of fluid power systems, learning how hydraulics and pneumatics operate machinery. You’ll install, maintain, and troubleshoot these systems, understanding how fluid and air pressure power different mechanical equipment.

5) Precision Measurement and Calibration

Using tools like micrometers, calipers, dial indicators, understanding the differences between metric and imperial and where/why we use them. You’ll ensure that mechanical parts meet precise specifications. This skill is critical in measuring tolerances, angles, and clearances to achieve accuracy in machining and assembly tasks.

6) Welding and Metal Joining Techniques

You’ll learn various welding techniques such as MIG, TIG, and arc welding, which are essential for joining metal components. Safe welding practices, understanding different materials, and mastering metal joining techniques are key aspects of this skill.

7) Tool and Equipment Maintenance

Mechanical apprentices are trained to maintain and repair the tools and equipment they use, from diagnosing faults to performing preventive maintenance. You’ll also learn to sharpen and calibrate tools to ensure optimal performance during machining.

8) Health and Safety Compliance

Adhering to health and safety regulations is crucial, especially when operating heavy machinery or handling hazardous materials. You’ll conduct risk assessments, follow safe working practices, and comply with legal safety standards such as PPE use and accident prevention.

9) Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics

You’ll develop an understanding of how fluids flow and heat is transferred, which is important in systems like HVAC, engines, and turbines. Applying this knowledge helps you work with airflow, liquid pressure, and heat management in mechanical systems.

10) Problem Solving and Diagnostics

This involves diagnosing mechanical issues, troubleshooting systems, and implementing repairs efficiently. You’ll learn to analyze failure symptoms, conduct root cause analysis, and apply logical problem-solving techniques to keep systems running smoothly.

Instrumentation