Apprenticeship delivery

Apprenticeship delivery

For an employer of any size in the aerospace and engineering sectors, choosing Marshall to deliver an apprenticeship programme is the best way to ensure new talent can hit the shop floor running.

Building on our own heritage of training more than 21,000 apprentices over the course of a century, we are partnering with industry-leading employers and training providers to help tackle the growing global skills gap for aviation maintenance and engineering professionals.

It is widely recognised that aircraft maintenance professionals who started their careers with Marshall apprenticeship programmes are some of the most competent in the industry.

As a government-approved (RoATP) centre with Main Provider status we can access funding to deliver apprenticeships whether both Levy-paying or non-Levy paying employers, while helping to manage digital accounts if required. We are also an approved centre for internationally recognised awarding organisations, including City and Guilds, and EAL.

Support from start to finish

Our respected team of teaching, assessment, quality assurance and funding experts will work with our customers from the earliest stages to ensure that apprentices develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to succeed in the industry.

Our support begins with understanding individual needs: we will develop a learning programme tailored specifically to address an individual organisation's skills gap, while also guiding employers to implement best practices for supporting apprentices in the workplace.

During the apprenticeship application process, we can provide comprehensive guidance throughout recruitment and selection to help onboard the very best talent.

Our apprenticeships offer a combination of theory with practical, hands-on experience. Each apprenticeship starts with a level 2 qualification administered at our state-of-the-art training facility in Cambridge. Subsequent years are delivered using a blended learning approach that combines extensive support from the Marshall team with hands-on experience at customer locations.

If required we can also help provide advice about the area and the best places to look for accommodation while apprentices are based in Cambridge, as well as a package of wellbeing support to ensure apprentices leave us with life skills as well as technical skills.

Our support begins with understanding individual needs: we will develop a learning programme tailored specifically to address an individual organisation's skills gap, while also guiding employers to implement best practices for supporting apprentices in the workplace.

Level 2

Level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeships are equivalent to GCSE qualifications.

This is a fantastic opportunity to start a career with minimal entry level requirements that can be started straight after school or college (16+).

Engineering Operative Fabrication pathway

Our assembly and installation fitter apprenticeship follows the level 2 Engineering Operative standard and is a 12 month programme leading to a full level 2 diploma qualification.

The aim of the apprenticeship is to develop key knowledge, skills and behaviours through a combination of workshop training, classroom sessions and on the job learning through workplace rotations. Alongside technical skills, apprentices will develop the behaviours needed for their future career - with support every step of the way from instructors, mentors, line managers and fellow apprentices.

By necessity, the role of fitter requires a very high level of quality control to maintain stringent safety and regulatory standards. Apprentices will need to develop a strong understanding of their employer’s processes and procedures to be compliant with these standards.

Within this programme, apprentices are given the choice between specialising in either a mechanical or electrical pathway, with plenty of information shared ahead of time to help them make this decision.

Training and development will continue after this programme, as apprentices move through the trainee and semi-skilled levels before ultimately qualifying as skilled workers. There will be the opportunity to specialise in either mechanical or electrical after initial training.

  • Engineering Operative apprentice duties
    • Continuous personal development - reflect on skills, knowledge and behaviours; seek opportunities to develop; adapt to different situations, environments or technologies; have a positive attitude to feedback and advice
    • Understand and apply relevant statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures/systems, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to engineering operations
    • Understand and apply engineering operational practices, processes and procedures
    • Use and communicate technical information
    • Obtain the necessary job instructions, engineering drawings and specifications
  • Entry requirements
    • GCSE Mathematics and English grades 2/3 or above or Functional Skills Level 1
    • Right to work in the UK and residency eligibility (required for funding)
    • Must successfully pass all required medical and security checks

Level 3

Level 3 (advanced) apprenticeships are equivalent to A levels.

We offer two programmes for the Level 3 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship standard: a traditional apprenticeship route, and a trainee route. While the programmes share the same standard and qualifications, as well as the ability to use the apprenticeship levy to pay for training, they have different structures, timelines and entry requirements.

Engineering Technician Fixed and rotary wing

This programme is designed for anyone who has completed year 11 or year 13 and is looking to start their career, or anyone who may be looking to change careers from an unrelated field to work towards becoming a qualified Aircraft Maintenance Fitter/Technician.

Incorporating the level 2 Diploma in Aerospace & Aviation Engineering within its first year, this programme follows the level 3 Engineering Technician (Fixed and Rotary Wing) standard and can be completed within three years (though some businesses may need extra time to provide the experience required for the competence qualification).

In addition to their level 2 diploma, apprentices will also gain level 3 diplomas in Aircraft Maintenance (competence qualification) and On-Aircraft Maintenance Category A (technical knowledge qualification).

Apprentices will meet with assessors every six weeks to review and sign off on their competence qualification. Knowledge qualifications also involve a combination of day and block release learning, either in person or virtually.

Following completion of all qualifications, apprentices will then move into the end point assessment (EPA) period, which can take up to six months to complete.

  • Engineering technician apprentice duties
    • Continuous personal development - reflect on skills, knowledge and behaviours; seek opportunities to develop; adapt to different situations, environments or technologies; have a positive attitude to feedback and advise
    • Execute repairs on airframe structures
    • Perform scheduled aircraft maintenance and servicing
    • Address unscheduled aircraft maintenance, including defect rectification for aircraft systems and components
    • Undertake all levels of modifications to aircraft structures, systems and interiors
    • Fulfil related duties, (operating ground equipment, assisting aircraft movements, participating in aircraft delivery)
    • Manage time effectively, balancing requirements of coursework, assignments and exams
  • Entry requirements
    • Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade A* - C/4-9 (or equivalent) including Mathematics, English and Science
    • Must not have already completed other level 2 or level 3 qualifications offered by Marshall
    • Right to work in the UK and residency eligibility (required for funding)
    • Must successfully pass all required medical and security checks

Please note that individuals who already hold engineering (and specifically aeronautical) engineering qualifications may not be fully funded by the apprenticeship levy or eligible to join the programme at all. For further details, please get in touch with us directly.

Trainee programme

This intensive programme condenses all qualifications from the level 3 apprenticeship into a two-and-a-half-year timeframe, providing an accelerated path compared to our traditional apprenticeship route. Upon completing all qualifications, trainees enter the end point assessment (EPA) period, which may take up to four months to complete.

Trainees will typically already have been employed in hands-on or engineering-related roles outside aerospace or aviation (for example, automotive, rail, trades or similar). Participants are expected to have a minimum of two years of industry experience and prior exposure to working with tools.

Applicants should already possess a fundamental understanding of health and safety practices in an engineering or related setting, as this will not be their initial foray into the workforce.

This programme is designed for individuals who currently work in hands-on/engineering related jobs but are not in the aerospace or aviation sector. It is expected that individuals will have been in industry for a minimum of 2 years and already have some experience working with tools. Individuals may currently be working in automotive, rail, trades or other hands-on environments. This would not be their fist step into the world of work and they should already have a basic understanding of health and safety and working in an engineering or related environment.

This is a more intensive and condensed version of the traditional apprenticeship programme and there is an expectation that learners will progress quicker through the tasks and written work due to their level of experience.

  • Entry requirements
    • Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade A* - C/4-9 (or equivalent) including Mathematics, English and Science
    • Some proficiency in using hand tools
    • A minimum of two years' experience in a hands-on role, engineering environment, or trade environment
    • Must not have already completed other level 2 or level 3 qualifications offered by Marshall
    • Right to work in the UK and residency eligibility (required for funding)
    • Must successfully pass all required medical and security checks

Level 4

Level 4 (higher) apprenticeships are equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, targeting school leavers coming out of year 13 or those looking for a complete change in careers with no previous industry or technical experience.

Engineering Manufacturing Technician Aerospace sector

The aerospace engineering technician apprenticeship programme is intended for individuals who are looking to enter engineering teams, such as design, within an aerospace/aviation environment rather than working directly on aircraft.

This programme is designed for individuals coming out of year 13 or those looking for a complete change in careers with no previous experience. There is no requirement for any prior experience but individuals will need to demonstrate a passion for the work and an aptitude for a career in engineering.

Incorporating the level 2 Diploma in Aerospace & Aviation Engineering within its first year, this programme follows the level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician standard and can be completed within three to three and a half years (though some businesses may need extra time to provide the experience required for the competence qualification).

In addition to their level 2 diploma, apprentices will also gain a level 4 HNC in Engineering and a level 4 Diploma in Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (competence qualification). The HNC will be delivered by a college local to the employer, with apprentices commencing this qualification in year two and completing it by the end of year three.

Following completion of all qualifications, apprentices will then move into the end point assessment (EPA) period, which can take up to six months to complete.

  • Engineering Manufacturing Technician apprentice duties
    • Continuous personal development - reflect on skills, knowledge and behaviours; seek opportunities to develop; adapt to different situations, environments or technologies; have a positive attitude to feedback and advice
    • Project manage repairs and modifications to aircraft structures, systems and interiors
    • Collaborate with the shop floor to assess damage and design practical repair schemes
    • Undertake all levels of modifications to aircraft structures, systems and interiors
    • Fulfil related duties, (operating ground equipment, assisting aircraft movements, participating in aircraft delivery)
    • Design modifications for airframe/avionic systems, employing computer-based design tools and prototyping
    • Use specification data to design repairs (material selection, stress calculations and inspection requirements)
    • Manage time effectively, balancing requirements of coursework, assignments and exams
    • Work within a project team to translate requirements into deliverable products
  • Entry requirements
    • Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade A* - C/4-9 (or equivalent) including Mathematics, English and Science
    • Level 3 qualification in Engineering or A levels (preferably including Mathematics and Physics)
    • Must not have already completed other level 2 or level 4 qualifications offered by Marshall
    • Right to work in the UK and residency eligibility (required for funding)
    • Must successfully pass all required medical and security checks

Apprentice support

We are committed to ensuring our apprentices are not just technically brilliant but finish their apprenticeship as well-rounded and valuable members of society who can have real impacts in their future careers.

Our apprentices undertake training covering a wide range of topics including:

  • Equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Prevent (awareness of radicalisation and extremism)
  • Wellbeing
  • British values
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Mental health
  • Sexual harassment
  • Study methods
  • Personal brand
  • Financial management
  • Safeguarding

The safety and wellbeing of our apprentices is a key priority for the team at Marshall and the employers we work with. We are dedicated to creating a nurturing and secure environment where everyone can thrive, learn, and succeed. Our robust safeguarding practices ensure that every apprentice feels safe, respected, and supported throughout their journey.

We believe that safeguarding is a shared responsibility between the team, apprentice employers, apprentices, parents and the wider community. Together, we create an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and safe. Our commitment to safeguarding practices enables apprentices to focus on their learning, personal development, and future success.

In the event of any safeguarding questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to our designated safeguarding team:


Raise a safeguarding question

View our safeguarding and welfare policies