Engineering and manufacturing keep the UK moving, from transport to the tech in our pockets and the products made on factory floors. It is practical, creative work that solves real problems and turns ideas into quality, repeatable outcomes. At In-Comm, apprenticeships are delivered the way industry works: employer-led, hands-on and focused on future-proof skills.
What does engineering and manufacturing mean?
Engineering is problem-solving: designing, testing and improving products, systems and processes.
Manufacturing makes those designs real at scale, using machining, welding, automation, metrology and quality systems. At In-Comm you train on modern kit used by employers, from CNC machining and tooling to fluid power, metrology and 3D printing.
Choose your career pathway
These are some of the apprenticeship options available with In-Comm. Each one gives you hands-on experience, nationally recognised qualifications and a clear route into real careers across UK industry:
Engineering foundations: an all-rounder career
What it is
Your starter pack for engineering. Get hands-on, build workshop skills and learn how things are designed and made.
Where it can take you
- Assembly Technician
- Production Operative
- Engineering Technician (entry-level)
How to get started
Kick things off with the Engineering Operative Level 2.
Here you’ll learn: safety, using tools and machinery, reading drawings, and making assemblies to spec.
What’s next
From building trains with Hitachi Rail to powering renewables at Ørsted, this route lets you explore industries, find your passion and move up.
Lean and continuous improvement: driving progress
What it is
Making processes faster, safer and more consistent while cutting out waste.
Where it can take you
- Lean Manufacturing Operative
- Improvement Technician
- Improvement Practitioner
How to get started
Start with the Lean Manufacturing Operative Level 2.
Here you’ll learn: standard procedures, reducing waste, boosting quality, and safe working.
What’s next
From refining production at Ferrari to streamlining logistics at ASOS, CI skills put you at the centre of progress.
Welding: building strength that lasts
What it is
Joining metals to create strong, safe structures and assemblies.
Where it can take you
- Welder
- Plate Welder
- Fabrication Welder
How to get started
Take the Welder (Arc Processes) Level 2.
Here you’ll learn: welding methods, safety, inspection standards and interpreting drawings.
What’s next
Welding opens doors everywhere – you could be a Plate Welder building ships with BAE Systems, a Fabrication Welder on bridges with Tata Steel, or a Welder supporting offshore energy with Shell.
Machining: precision at its core
What it is
Making precision parts on manual and CNC machines to tight tolerances.
Where it can take you
- CNC Setter-Operator
- CNC Programmer
- Precision Machinist
How to get started
Take the Machining Technician Level 3.
Here you’ll learn: CNC setup and operation, tooling, feeds and speeds, quality checks, and reading drawings.
What’s next
You could be a CNC Setter-Operator making aerospace parts at Rolls-Royce, a CNC Programmer for Aston Martin, or a Precision Machinist producing parts for surgical devices.
Product design and development: from concept to creation
What it is
Turning ideas into products and building the tools that make them possible.
Where it can take you
- CAD Technician
- Development Engineer
- Toolmaker
How to get started
Two routes with In-Comm:
- Product Design & Development Technician Level 3
- Toolmaker & Tool and Die Maintenance Technician Level 3
Both are supported by In-Comm’s Tooling Academy, a centre of excellence for toolmaking.
Here you’ll learn: CAD, prototyping, testing, material properties and maintaining tooling.
What’s next
Product design and toolmaking skills drive innovation. You could be a CAD Technician designing electronics for Sony, a Toolmaker supporting aerospace projects with Airbus, or a Development Engineer creating new packaging at Nestlé.
What learning looks like at In-Comm
- Train on industry kit: CNC machining, welding, electrical bays, fluid power, CAD and metrology
- Work on live employer projects that build your CV
- Learn from tutors with real industry experience
- Visit our centres: Aldridge and Telford
Where In-Comm fits in
In-Comm is an Ofsted Good, employer-led provider trusted by 500+ companies. With 40+ years of expertise and multi-million-pound investment in technical academies, you earn while you learn, work on real projects and gain recognised qualifications mapped to employer needs.
Next steps
- Browse programmes: See all Engineering & Manufacturing apprenticeships
- Find a real role: Check live vacancies and apply
- Visit us: Book an Apprenticeship Open Day or Taster Day
- Become an apprentice: Start your application