What STEM apprenticeships are available?

UK STEM apprenticeships cover engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace, manufacturing), software development, cyber security, data and AI, laboratory science, nuclear, energy, chemical and pharmaceutical sciences, and quantitative finance. Most run from Level 3 to Level 6 or 7 (degree and master's).

Why do a STEM apprenticeship instead of a STEM degree?

STEM degree apprenticeships give you the same university-awarded degree as a traditional student, plus a salary, 4+ years of full-time technical work experience, no tuition fees, and a clear graduate-level role at the end. For many STEM careers (engineering, tech, lab science), employers now actively prefer apprenticeship graduates.

How much do STEM apprentices earn?

Level 3 STEM apprentices typically start at £16,000–£22,000. Level 4–6 routes pay £20,000–£32,000, with degree apprenticeships at large STEM employers (Rolls-Royce, BAE, GSK, AstraZeneca, Network Rail, big tech, big banks) often paying £25,000–£40,000+ in their first year.

What GCSEs or A levels do I need for a STEM apprenticeship?

Level 3 STEM apprenticeships usually ask for GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in maths, English and (often) a science. Level 6 STEM degree apprenticeships typically need A levels, T Levels or a Level 3 BTEC including maths, and often a science or further maths for engineering and physics routes.

Which STEM apprenticeships are in highest demand?

Cyber security, software, data and AI, electrical and mechanical engineering, nuclear and energy, and laboratory science all show acute UK skills shortages, IET and EngineeringUK both report tens of thousands of unfilled STEM vacancies a year. These tend to offer the strongest pay and progression.

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STEM apprenticeships

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What is a STEM apprenticeship?

A STEM apprenticeship is a paid science, technology, engineering or maths role with structured training attached. UK options include laboratory technician, data analyst, software developer, engineering technician and nuclear or energy pathways, from Level 3 to degree level. You earn while you qualify, with no tuition fees to pay.

Last reviewed 25 August 2026 by the Shine careers team.

STEM routes on Shine

Engineering

Mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace, manufacturing and energy engineering routes.

Tech & software

Software, cyber security, cloud, DevOps, data and AI apprenticeships.

Laboratory science

Lab technician, scientist (degree) and pharma apprenticeships in chemistry and biosciences.

Chemical & process

Process engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing apprenticeships.

Nuclear & energy

Nuclear, renewables and power industry technician and engineer routes.

Data & maths

Data analyst, data engineer and quantitative finance apprenticeships.

STEM apprenticeship FAQs

Straight answers to the questions UK applicants and parents ask most about STEM apprenticeships.

What is a STEM apprenticeship?: A STEM apprenticeship is a paid training role in Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths. You work full-time for an employer (typically 4 days a week) and study for a recognised qualification (1 day a week or in blocks), from Level 3 up to a full bachelor's or master's degree apprenticeship.
What STEM apprenticeships are available?: UK STEM apprenticeships cover engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, aerospace, manufacturing), software development, cyber security, data and AI, laboratory science, nuclear, energy, chemical and pharmaceutical sciences, and quantitative finance. Most run from Level 3 to Level 6 or 7 (degree and master's).
Why do a STEM apprenticeship instead of a STEM degree?: STEM degree apprenticeships give you the same university-awarded degree as a traditional student, plus a salary, 4+ years of full-time technical work experience, no tuition fees, and a clear graduate-level role at the end. For many STEM careers (engineering, tech, lab science), employers now actively prefer apprenticeship graduates.
How much do STEM apprentices earn?: Level 3 STEM apprentices typically start at £16,000–£22,000. Level 4–6 routes pay £20,000–£32,000, with degree apprenticeships at large STEM employers (Rolls-Royce, BAE, GSK, AstraZeneca, Network Rail, big tech, big banks) often paying £25,000–£40,000+ in their first year.
What GCSEs or A levels do I need for a STEM apprenticeship?: Level 3 STEM apprenticeships usually ask for GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above in maths, English and (often) a science. Level 6 STEM degree apprenticeships typically need A levels, T Levels or a Level 3 BTEC including maths, and often a science or further maths for engineering and physics routes.
Which STEM apprenticeships are in highest demand?: Cyber security, software, data and AI, electrical and mechanical engineering, nuclear and energy, and laboratory science all show acute UK skills shortages, IET and EngineeringUK both report tens of thousands of unfilled STEM vacancies a year. These tend to offer the strongest pay and progression.

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Part of Shine's apprenticeship guide series, plain-English answers, updated regularly.