At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering while studying for a degree.
- Company: Join Tata Steel, a global leader in sustainable steel production.
- Benefits: Earn a competitive salary, gain qualifications, and enjoy discounts with top retailers.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with a dedicated mentor and excellent career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, plus A levels or BTEC in relevant subjects.
The predicted salary is between 21000 - 21000 £ per year.
Location: Port Talbot (SA13)
Salary: starting from £21,000
Length of apprenticeship: 4 – 5 years
Closing Date: Wednesday 15th April 2026
At Tata Steel we believe that our strength is not just in our steel, but the diversity of our workforce. Our people make the difference. This Engineering Degree Apprenticeship advert encompasses Mechanical and Electrical Degree Apprenticeships. As part of your application please select your preferred discipline.
The Role
An Engineering Degree Apprenticeship within Tata Steel offers a fantastic opportunity for someone who has a passion for Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Our Degree Apprenticeship programme offers excellent opportunities for individuals to use the practical experience gained in real world setting alongside studying for a Degree, cementing your engineering knowledge to a high level. The engineering function at TATA Steel plays a vital role in keeping our sites running smoothly. You will work closely with colleagues in engineering across a wide range of manufacturing areas ensuring that plant availability and performance is optimised and that targets are achieved. It involves operating at pace and with precision to accurate technical guidelines. Skill, expertise and dedication are critical.
The Apprenticeship
Our Degree Apprenticeship allows you to study for an industry‑recognised qualification whilst earning a competitive salary. As an apprentice you will be given day release to study at University and combine this experience with real responsibilities in the workplace. A dedicated mentor will guide you through your personal & professional development. The Degree Apprenticeships have a typical duration of 4‑5 years (subject to entry qualifications and experience) during which you will attain both a professional and an academic qualification to further your career. Engineering Degree Apprentices will work towards completing:
- A range of on‑job and off‑job industry specific training to be competent in your specific role
- BSc (Hons) in your chosen discipline
Please note; Tata Steel will choose the college/university in which studies will take place.
The Candidate
To be considered for our Engineering Degree Apprenticeship Programme you will need to have 5 GCSEs or equivalent (including English Language, Science & Maths) at Grade C/4 or above. Included within your 5 GCSEs must be at least a B or a 6 in GCSE Maths. And you must have or be predicted to achieve 3 x A levels (in Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths) at B, C, C or equivalent or a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Engineering or equivalent discipline (minimum 120 Credits).
Other skills & qualities required for the role:
- Confident communication skills and proactive problem solving approach
- Ability to work both alone and as part of a team
- Good IT skills
- Confident Presentation skills
- Full Driving license
- Effective time management skills
- Detail orientated
- Experience within Engineering Manufacturing or other work environment would be advantageous
- Flexible attitude to locations and times of work
- Eagerness to gain experience in a wide range of operations
- Commitment to own personal development
In order to be considered for this position, you must be able to provide during the selection process evidence of the qualifications specified.
What we can offer you
As well as a competitive starting salary, you will also be eligible for a wide variety of benefits including:
- Nationally recognised qualifications
- Employment opportunities and career progression
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Ongoing Tata Steel training, which has built a reputation as one of the best within the industry
- One of the UK’s leading defined contribution pension schemes (10% employer contribution / 6% employee contribution)
- Discounted shopping with various local and national retailers and services including Vodafone, Nandos, Virgin Holidays, Jaguar Land Rover, ASOS
Why us?
Tata Steel is one of the world’s top 10 steel producers. The combined group has an annual aggregate crude steel capacity of more than 33 million tonnes with approximately 80,000 employees across four continents. We’re part of the Tata Group, one of the largest, most diverse conglomerates in the world with businesses in the UK including Tata Steel, Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea. But it’s not just our size that sets us apart. What makes us different is our approach to business. We believe our strength is how we build collaborative relationships that create new success for our customers. Sustainability is at the very heart of what we do and we are dedicated to managing our operations responsibly and to continuously improving our performance. Innovating for tomorrow, making a positive impact today. Tata Steel is transforming the UK largest steelworks with £1.25 billion of investment in a state‑of‑the‑art electric arc furnace, together with a new pickle line and other upgrades. This will enable us to become a world‑leading centre for low‑CO₂ steelmaking, helping to create a sustainable business for future generations of steelmakers.
Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in Port Talbot employer: Tata Steel
Tata Steel is an exceptional employer, offering a unique Engineering Degree Apprenticeship that combines practical experience with academic study in the vibrant location of Port Talbot. With a commitment to employee growth, a supportive work culture, and a competitive salary alongside extensive benefits, apprentices are guided by dedicated mentors while contributing to innovative projects in one of the world's leading steel producers. Join us to be part of a sustainable future and develop your engineering skills in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in Port Talbot
✨Get Hands-On in the Field
Mechanical engineering is all about practical skills, so dive into local workshops or maker spaces. Attending hands-on events can help you network with professionals who might know about apprenticeship opportunities at companies like Tata Steel.
✨Utilise Engineering Competitions
Join engineering competitions or clubs at your university or in your community. These not only look great on your CV but can also connect you with companies looking to recruit apprentices, including Tata Steel.
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're currently studying, make sure to hit up your university's career services. They often have connections with firms like Tata Steel who are on the lookout for eager apprentices. Take full advantage of their resources!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any projects you've worked on, whether for school or personal interest. A well-curated portfolio can impress potential employers like Tata Steel when you're stepping into the apprenticeship scene.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in Port Talbot
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:When applying for a mechanical engineering apprenticeship, highlight any relevant skills or hands-on experience you've got. If you've worked on projects related to design, CAD software, or any hands-on mechanical work, make sure to include that to show you're ready for the practical side of things!
Dive into Your Education:Apprenticeships value your learning potential, so don’t forget to mention your academic achievements, specifically in STEM subjects. Talk about any courses or certifications related to mechanical engineering you've taken and how they inspire you to grow in this field.
Personalise Your Cover Letter:This isn’t just any application—you want to grab attention! In your cover letter, weave in your passion for mechanical engineering. Share why you’re excited about potentially working with Tata Steel and how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Teamwork & Problem-Solving:Mechanical engineering is all about collaboration and critical thinking. Include examples in your CV or cover letter where you’ve tackled a problem as a team, or solved a challenge in a project. This shows recruiters at Tata Steel that you're ready to contribute positively from day one.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tata Steel
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
As this is an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, make sure you highlight any hands-on experience you have. Bring along examples of projects or tasks you've done, whether it's in school or outside. If you've got a portfolio of work or even some photos of your projects, that can really set you apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Brush up on the specific tools and techniques commonly used in mechanical engineering. Be prepared to discuss software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or simulation tools, as these might come up during technical questions. Understanding of basic engineering principles will also give you a solid foundation to impress your interviewers at Tata Steel.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
Apprenticeships are all about learning on the job. So, be ready to articulate why you want to pursue this path at Tata Steel. Share any relevant coursework or experiences that piqued your interest in mechanical engineering, and let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Practice Problem-Solving on the Spot
You may face some situational or problem-solving questions during your interview, especially practical ones that mimic real-world engineering challenges. Practise how you'd approach such problems – think through your reasoning and how you would apply your knowledge practically. This shows you can think on your feet, which is key in mechanical engineering!
