As demand for highly skilled engineers continues to grow, Gloucestershire employers are invited to invest in the next generation of manufacturing talent through a funded degree apprenticeship delivered by Gloucestershire College and UWE Bristol.
The four-year Manufacturing Engineer Degree Apprenticeship has been developed in direct response to industry demand. With recruitment for the September 2027 cohort now open, employers across the engineering and manufacturing sectors have the opportunity to plan ahead and secure a place on a programme designed around the realities of modern industry.
Combining academic study with hands-on workplace experience, the Level 6 apprenticeship gives learners a strong grounding in core engineering principles while enabling them to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. The programme covers a broad range of technical and professional skills, including computer-aided design (CAD), modelling and simulation, manufacturing management, innovation and creative problem-solving.
Beyond the technical curriculum, apprentices are also prepared to become confident and capable members of the engineering workforce. They develop their understanding of safety culture, legislative compliance, leadership, professional conduct and stakeholder relationships, all essential qualities for engineers working in fast-moving manufacturing environments.
For employers, the programme provides a structured opportunity to nurture emerging talent, build future capability and develop engineers who understand both the theory behind their work and how to apply it effectively on the floor. Successful apprentices will graduate with a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing degree, accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Employers interested in recruiting for the September 2027 intake are encouraged to contact Gloucestershire College to explore the course and discuss workforce planning.
Mikela Lowthian, Head of Engineering at Gloucestershire College says: 'We are proud of our strong partnership with UWE Bristol, through which we have been successfully delivering cyber security and engineering degree apprenticeships for several years. This particular apprenticeship was developed in direct response to employer feedback, ensuring the curriculum not only meets the expectations of a degree-level programme but is also delivered to the highest standard.
'Just as importantly, we’ve designed the delivery model to minimise disruption for employers: apprentices will attend college for two days per week in their first year, reducing to just one day a week from Year 2 onwards. They will continue their training at UWE Bristol in Years 3 and 4.'
Vincent Seow, Engineering Lecturer and HE Curriculum Lead at Gloucestershire College in charge of the apprenticeship delivery, adds: 'This apprenticeship presents an exciting opportunity for aspiring engineers as well as those looking to progress their engineering career by gaining a university degree. Apprentices will gain expertise in areas such as manufacturing systems, process improvement, digital engineering, and sustainable production – applying their learning directly in the workplace from day one.'
For more information, visit gloscol.ac.uk/campaigns/manufacturing-engineer-degree-apprenticeship or gloscol.ac.uk/employers.
