One of the biggest decisions aspiring automation engineers face is whether to pursue a university degree or an apprenticeship. Both routes lead to successful careers, but they suit different people and circumstances. Here is an honest comparison.
The Apprenticeship Route
How It Works
Automation apprenticeships typically last three to four years and combine on-the-job training with day-release study at a college or training provider. You earn a salary from day one while working toward qualifications such as:
- Level 3 Engineering Technician
- Level 4 Higher Engineering Technician
- Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship (combining a full degree with employment)
Advantages
- Earn while you learn — No student debt, with starting salaries typically between GBP 14,000 and GBP 22,000, rising significantly each year
- Practical experience — You develop hands-on skills from day one, which is particularly valuable in automation
- Employer connections — You build professional relationships and often secure a permanent role upon completion
- Industry relevance — Training is directly aligned with employer needs
Challenges
- Lower starting flexibility — You are tied to one employer and location during the apprenticeship
- Potentially narrower initial exposure — Depending on the employer, you may specialise early
- Social experience — You miss the university experience, though this matters less to some people
The University Degree Route
How It Works
A three or four-year BEng or MEng in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, or Control Systems provides a broad theoretical foundation. Sandwich courses with industrial placements offer some practical experience.
Advantages
- Broad theoretical knowledge — Deeper understanding of mathematics, physics, and engineering principles
- Wider career options — A degree opens doors to roles beyond pure automation, including research, management, and consulting
- Professional registration — Certain degree programmes are accredited for IEng or CEng registration
- University experience — Social development, networking, and personal growth
Challenges
- Student debt — Typical debts of GBP 40,000 to GBP 60,000 for tuition and living costs
- Less practical experience — Graduates often lack the hands-on skills employers need immediately
- Competitive job market — Without practical experience, graduates compete against each other for entry-level positions
- Theory-practice gap — University courses may not cover specific industrial PLC platforms in sufficient depth
Degree Apprenticeships — The Best of Both?
Level 6 degree apprenticeships combine a full university degree with employment. You attend university part-time while working full-time, graduating with a BEng and several years of practical experience. These are increasingly popular and highly competitive.
What Employers Actually Want
Based on industry feedback, employers value:
- Practical ability above all — Can you program a PLC and troubleshoot a control system?
- Willingness to learn — Automation technology changes constantly
- Communication skills — Can you explain technical concepts to non-engineers?
- Problem-solving approach — How do you tackle unfamiliar challenges?
Whether you developed these through an apprenticeship, a degree, or a combination does not matter to most employers. What matters is evidence that you can deliver.
Supplementing Either Route
Regardless of your chosen path, additional CPD-accredited training in specific PLC platforms, SCADA systems, or specialist areas can fill gaps and accelerate your development. Many graduates take practical PLC courses to bridge the theory-practice gap, while apprentices may pursue vendor certifications to broaden their platform knowledge.
Making Your Decision
Choose an apprenticeship if you prefer learning by doing, want to avoid debt, and have a clear interest in hands-on automation work.
Choose a degree if you want broader career options, enjoy academic study, and are willing to invest time and money in a wider foundation.
Choose a degree apprenticeship if you can find one — they offer an exceptional combination of practical experience, academic qualification, and financial stability.
There is no wrong answer. Both routes produce excellent automation engineers when combined with hard work, curiosity, and continuous professional development.