Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship
Our Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship offers employers a cost-effective way to develop both mechanical and electrical engineering expertise within their workforce.
This pioneering programme focuses on developing knowledge, skills and behaviours, working on engineering challenges in the workplace, delivering real-time benefits to employers.
Fact file
| Qualification |
BEng (Hons) Electro-mechanical Engineering and Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship Certificate
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| Duration |
60 months (not including end-point assessment)
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| Delivery |
Blended learning: combines remote online learning and face to face teaching delivered by block release in Nottingham.
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| Entry requirements |
At least Grade B in A level Mathematics (or equivalent), and two additional A levels at Grade B (or equivalent). The following A levels are not accepted: Citizenship Skills, General Studies and Critical Thinking.
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Relevant engineering BTEC qualification, preceding level apprenticeship or equivalent demonstrable work experience in the occupational area.
We strongly recommend contacting our Employer Engagement Team to discuss the suitability of this programme for your staff.
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| Eligibility requirements |
All apprentices must:
- Hold a level 2 (equivalent to grades 4-9 at GCSE) or above in English Language or equivalent, and have scored 5 in GCSE Maths or equivalent
- Be working in a job role that provides opportunities to apply and develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the Level 6 Electro-mechanical Engineer apprenticeship standard
- Work a minimum of 50% of their time in England
- Have access to the agreed off-the-job training hours, during contracted working hours
- Be a UK/EU/EEA national or have lived and have had a right to work in the UK for 3 years or more
Apprentices who do not provide a suitable Level 2 English certificate, and do not hold an appropriate English language equivalent qualification from this list, will also need to provide an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) result that is dated within the last two years. The minimum requirement for this programme is an overall score of 6.0, with no less than a 5.5 in each of the individual elements. The university’s policy around this can be found here.
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| Start date |
September 2025.
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| Application deadline |
Applications for 2025/26 will open in January 2025, however we encourage you to begin conversations now with our Employer Engagement Team.
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| Programme fees |
£27,000.
Programme fees are paid by the employer either via the apprenticeship levy or they may be eligible for 95% co-investment from the government, there is no cost to the apprentice. Read the funding information to find out more.
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| Campus |
Jubilee Campus, Nottingham
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If you would like to find out more about the Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship, we will be holding an information session as part of our wider Employer Engagement Day. It's your opportunity to discover how our Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship can help bridge electro-mechanical engineering skills gaps within your workforce.
Date: Tuesday 4 March 2025
Time: 12pm-4pm
Sign up for the session today
Who is the Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship for?
Our Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship offers businesses a cost-effective way to attract and develop new talent or upskill existing staff. Candidates may come from a range of educational pathways including preceding level apprenticeships, A-levels or equivalent qualifications or work experience. As well as developing new recruits the apprenticeship offers existing employees an opportunity to take the next step in their career or formalise their skills and knowledge.
Apprentices must be employed in a job role that provides opportunities to learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours outlined in the Level 6 Electro-mechanical Engineer Apprenticeship Standard. They must also work at least 50% of their time in England.
Some apprentices may have more experience in electrical or mechanical engineering and so we work with each apprentice to determine their level of existing skills and knowledge and build a learning plan to provide the support they require to meet the apprenticeship standard.
Read more about eligibility for degree apprenticeships.
“The things our apprentices are learning they are applying now, that immediate benefit further enhances our view that investing in apprentices is a great way of developing skills moving forward.
I’ve dealt with a lot of different apprentice providers, and they vary in quality and approach to their communication. Nottingham is clearly one of the best that I’ve experienced.
They have regular communication and supportive materials. The main support was in guidance with the recruitment process. Their guidance helped to make sure we were both aligned in the recruitment process. Collaborating with the university throughout this process worked well."
Julian Webber, Talent Management Lead, Horiba Mira.
Programme details
The Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship is delivered by block release via blended learning, with each year further building on the apprentice’s knowledge and skills. The programme is typically delivered over five years at which point successful apprentices will be awarded a BEng (Hons) Electro-mechanical Engineering Degree and progress onto a gateway review and end-point assessment to complete their Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship.
Modules
Electrical and Electronic Devices and Circuits (20 credits)
This module introduces electronic devices and circuits. Apprentices develop the knowledge and skills to design, measure and analyse simple analogue circuits involving DC and AC signals, resistors, capacitors and inductors.
Mathematics for Apprentice Engineers (Part 1) (20 credits)
Apprentices gain confidence and competence in a range of fundamental mathematical techniques utilised by electro-mechanical engineers.
Analytical and numerical integration methods are introduced, as well as basic differential equations, and vector algebra applied to lines and angles. Complex numbers and basic concepts of probability and statistics are also covered.
Mechanics and Design (20)
Apprentices are introduced to the essential attributes that modern engineers should possess. This includes hands-on problem solving to design and develop solutions to posed engineering challenges, practical-based projects and teamwork, self-learning, and information presentation.
They are also introduced to the basic concepts and practice of design and manufacture. This includes the process of design, supported by practical design activities, and 2D and 3D modelling using relevant Computer Aided Design (CAD) packages. Design theory will be coupled with the understanding of fundamental laws of static and dynamic mechanical systems.
Programming Skills (10 credits)
Apprentices develop their skills in, and awareness of, the use of programming techniques and basic computer modelling methods appropriate to their field of study.
The module aims to reinforce the mathematical knowledge and techniques studied in previous modules, and includes:
- Data structures and formats
- Plotting of graphical data
- Programming structure and style
- Relational and logical operators
- Conditional statements and loops
- User I/O and data import/export
- Simple file handling
Applied Engineering and Professional Skills (10 credits)
Apprentices begin to develop the soft skills to complement their technical knowledge, including:
- implementing effective learning and time management strategies
- written and oral communication
- appropraite use of information technology in the context of electro-mechanical engineering
Apprentices also complete a work-based project, agreed upon between the apprentice, their employer and the university. This will enable apprentices to work towards solving an engineering challenge in their place of work, delivering real-time value to the employer.
Mathematics for Apprentice Engineers (Part 2) (10 credits)
This module introduces a range of fundamental mathematical techniques and builds on prior learning. It includes:
- the calculus of a single variable, extended to develop techniques used in analysing engineering problems
- techniques for solving selected first-order and second-order differential equations
- the algebra of complex numbers to provide a key mathematical tool for analysis of linear mathematical and engineering problems
- the complexity of solving general (large) systems of equations
Materials and Manufacturing (20 credits)
Apprentices are introduced to the properties of materials, the main failure mechanisms which a designer will be concerned with and the core high and low-value manufacturing processes used in engineering applications.
Information and Systems (20 credits)
Apprentices learn the fundamental concepts of signals, analogue and digital systems and will be introduced to analogue devices and communication, gaining a theoretical grounding in these topics.
Software Engineering (10 credits)
Apprentices are taught the skills required to design, develop, validate and verify code solutions applied to engineering systems.
Apprentices will be introduced to key concepts, including:
- Functional safety
- Cyber vulnerability
- Machine learning
- Data handling considerations
- Security Data analytics
- Systems architecture
Design, Make and Test for Apprentice Engineers (10 credits)
The Design, Make and Test module will span over two years (two and three) and will further develop apprentices’ ability to solve engineering problems, applying knowledge gained in other modules. The module will cover both electrical and mechanical content and will focus on two work-based challenges – one in each year. These could be separate or sequential projects.
Mechatronics (10 credits)
This module covers the key concepts of computer software and hardware with particular reference to their practical use in the control of machines via mechatronics.
Apprentices will develop efficient, tested, quality code based on best practice and will learn effective code maintenance and documentation. They will also learn about the connection of computers to real-world mechanical systems via analogue and digital interfaces, sensors and actuators, and how to write code which interfaces to mechanical systems, demonstrating best practice in software engineering.
Statics, Dynamics and Mechanisms (20 credits)
Apprentices are introduced to fundamental concepts and principles of solid mechanics and dynamics, and their applications to mechanical engineering systems and mechanisms.
This introductory module covers analysis methods applicable to engineering design including:
- review of basic mechanics: vectors, units, forces and moments,Newton’s laws.
- static equilibrium: force and moment analysis in design; frictional forces.
- free body diagrams and pin-jointed structures.
- shear stress and torsion of shafts
- Beam theory
- linear and rotational motion: displacement, velocity and acceleration, relationship between angular and linear motion.
- linear and angular momentum work, energy and power, including kinetic & potential energy, and energy storage mechanisms.
- linear mechanism: springs, levers, links, and pulleys.
- rotational mechanisms: universal joints, gears, and cams.
- static and dynamic balancing.
Power, Energy and Machines (20 credits)
This module provides an introduction to the fundamental concepts related to the use of power and energy in today's electrical engineering world.
It will introduce the principles and properties of electrical circuits (DC and AC) and apprentices will develop tools commonly used to analyse their operation. These tools will then be used to illustrate the general design and behaviour of real-world electrical power systems, including issues associated with the integration of renewable energy systems and the challenges faced in developing future power systems. The basic principles of electromagnetic systems will also be introduced and used to illustrate the operation and design of transformers and electrical machines.
Thermodynamics (10 credits)
Apprentices look at thermodynamics and their applications to engineering problems.
Topics covered include:
- the first and second law of thermodynamics.
- core thermodynamic concepts, system types and the application to engineering systems.
- basic power cycles and their thermodynamic analysis (steam, gas turbine and reciprocating internal combustion engine).
- modern power plants (including refrigeration and heat pump plants).
Design, Make and Test for Apprentice Engineers (continued) (10 credits)
The Design, Make and Test module will span over two years (two and three) and will further develop apprentices’ ability to solve engineering problems, applying knowledge gained in other modules. The module will cover both electrical and mechanical content and will focus on two work-based challenges – one in each year. These could be separate or sequential projects.
Apprentices are introduced to more advanced topics in linear elastic solid mechanics, plasticity and failure. They will learn relevant analysis methods for material behaviour and demonstrate the application of these methods to the design of engineering components.
Fluid Dynamics (10 credits)
This module introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of fluid dynamics and their application to engineering problems. Areas covered include:
- properties of fluids.
- hydrostatics.
- continuity, Euler and Bernoulli equations.
- the steady flow energy equation momentum flows including linear momentum, friction factors & pipe flows
- different fluid flow types and the application to turbo machinery and hydraulics: laminar and turbulent flow, boundary conditions, drag and friction and compressible flow.
Systems and Control (20 credits)
Apprentices are introduced to the design and implementation of closed loop feedback control systems and their applications.
Team Electro-mechanical Project (20 credits)
Apprentices undertake a year-long project in a team. Based with their employer but working collaboratively with other apprentices who are likely to be working with different employers and potentially in different engineering job roles. The project will involve both on and off-the-job learning, developing new and existing skills and knowledge.
Engineering Management (10 credits)
Apprentices build upon project management experience, gained during previous modules, to develop the toolkit of skills needed by modern engineering managers to effectively lead projects and teams.
Topics covered include:
- how sustainability is assessed and lifecycle assents are constructed.
- how health, safety and ethics are maintained.
- the construction and monitoring of the elements of an engineering or business programme.
- impact of digitisation and automation of operations management.
- planning and control.
- financial planning, accounting and analysis.
- quality management.
- marketing.
- new business formation and business models.
- management of people.
- the foundations of contract law.
Future Engineering Technology (10 credits)
This module focuses on contextual engineering concepts with a look to the future, and advancements in the field of engineering.
Themes covered include innovation, new technology and sustainability.
Advanced Computational Methods (20 credits)
Apprentices develop an understanding of the mainstream computer modelling techniques used in modern engineering practice (including Finite Element techniques and Artificial Intelligence).
BEng Project (40 credits)
For their final module, apprentices deliver a detailed project; the assessment will include a dissertation and a presentation. The project aims to give experience in the practice of engineering approaches at a professional level and involves planning, execution and reporting of a programme of work. This will normally involve a mixture of experimental, theoretical, computational methods and analysis, the balance of which will be decided with their employer in advance. This project aims to deliver an outcome of significant value to the employer.
Once the apprentice has completed all of their on-programme learning, a meeting will take place between their employer and the university. During this meeting, the apprentice’s knowledge, skills and behaviours will be assessed to determine whether they have met the minimum requirements set out in the Electro-mechanical Engineer Apprenticeship standard. Apprentices deemed to have met these requirements will progress onto the End-Point Assessment (EPA).
End-Point Assessment (EPA)
The final part of the apprenticeship is the end-point assessment. The end-point assessment requires apprentices to demonstrate that their learning can be applied in the real world. Apprentices undertake a knowledge test, submit a report on their work-based project and take part in a professional discussion assessment.
The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer but is not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules that will be available in any given year. Modules (including methods of assessment) may be changed, renamed, reorganised or or be updated, or modules may be cancelled, over the duration of the course programme due to a number of reasons such as curriculum developments, staffing changes or changing demands of industry. The university shall ensure that modules and programme continue to adhere to the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) required of the applicable Apprenticeship Standard, which are fundamental to any programme of delivery. This content was last updated on Tuesday 5 November 2024.
Why choose the Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship at the University of Nottingham?
The Faculty of Engineering prides itself on promoting strong industrial involvement in our degree programmes. Designed with industry, our Electro-Mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship is the largest in the country* and attracts businesses from across England. We bring together local businesses and those across the country to create a melting pot of innovation at the university from SMEs to large corporations, sharing knowledge and expertise so that apprentices learn from their peers within industry and employers benefit from knowledge sharing across organisations.
*As per ILR data published by ESFA 2023/4 YTD
Moreover, our faculty is ranked in the top 10 in the UK by research power and the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering is also ranked in the top 10 of The Guardian University Guide 2024. We are also the first university to receive the Athena Swan Gold award for advancing gender equality within engineering.
Working together, we equip your apprentices with the core knowledge, skills and behaviours your industry needs to compete and succeed at the highest level.
Apprenticeship features
Initial needs assessment
As part of the application and onboarding process, we carry out an individual needs assessment. This enables us to determine each apprentice’s existing levels of skill and knowledge and build a personal plan which will set out all the learning, tutorial support, and resources provided by the university.
Tripartite reviews
Tripartite reviews are meetings between the employer, apprentice and university that take place four times each year. They offer all parties the opportunity to discuss the apprentice’s progress against milestones, identify any barriers to learning, set objectives, and ensure that apprentices are meeting off-the-job training requirements. They also ensure that additional support is put in place if required.
Assessment
Apprentices are assessed through a mixture of exams, coursework and a portfolio of work. The degree apprenticeship also includes gateway review and end-point assessment.
Support team
Each of our Degree Apprenticeship programmes are designed to include full support for the apprentice and their employer. We provide:
- an Account Manager to support and guide employers throughout the programme
- a Degree Apprenticeship Officer to support each apprentice throughout the programme
- a dedicated academic management project supervisor