University has long been seen as the golden ticket. A rite of passage. A must-do. But things have changed, and fast. Rising tuition fees, a competitive job market, and the cost-of-living crisis have left many school leavers (and their parents) wondering if a degree is still worth the price tag.
Here at Kirkstall Precision Engineering, we see the future differently. We believe some of the brightest careers are built not in lecture theatres, but on shop floors. In design rooms. Inside state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. And that’s exactly where our apprentices start.
A different kind of education
An apprenticeship isn’t a second choice. It’s a first step. One that’s structured, respected, and hands-on from day one.
Our Apprenticeship Academy, run in partnership with education providers like Leeds UTC, is designed specifically for ambitious school leavers. We combine in-depth classroom training with real-world manufacturing experience, so you’re not just learning about engineering, you’re becoming an engineer.
And this isn’t a ‘work-shadowing’ exercise. Our apprentices help build high-precision components used in medical devices, life-saving equipment, and complex systems for major industries. You’re trusted. You’re trained. And you’re making a difference from the moment you step in.
Learn by boing (and earning)
According to Aspiration Training, one of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship is the blend of learning and doing. While university students are taking notes, apprentices are taking action. They’re learning how to work with machinery, understand tolerances, read CAD drawings, and solve real problems in real time.
And they’re getting paid to do it.
No student loans. No part-time jobs just to cover rent. Just an honest wage for honest work, while developing a skillset that’s in high demand.
As ActivFirst puts it, apprenticeships offer “practical, job-specific training with long-term career opportunities”, and it’s a route that’s growing in popularity every year.
Engineering a future in manufacturing
The UK’s manufacturing sector is crying out for talent. An ageing workforce and rapidly evolving technologies mean there’s a growing need for young, skilled engineers who are ready to innovate.
That’s why manufacturing apprenticeships (like the ones offered by Kirkstall) are booming. As The Manufacturer recently reported, hands-on, minds-on learning is exactly what the sector needs to remain globally competitive.
And the roles aren’t just manual. Modern engineering combines technical know-how with critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. Apprentices become engineers, managers, designers, and leaders.
A career with real progression
One of the biggest myths surrounding apprenticeships is that they offer limited progression. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Many of Kirkstall’s senior engineers and managers started as apprentices. They’ve risen through the ranks by proving their skill, gaining qualifications, and showing what they’re capable of, not because they had the “right” degree, but because they had the right attitude.
Nationally, research shows that apprentices are just as likely to be in long-term employment as graduates, and often earn more in the early years of their career because they’re not saddled with debt.
As Regional Recruitment points out, “The future of apprenticeships is bright.” And it’s being fuelled by young people who want more than just a certificate, they want a craft, a purpose, and a path.
A word to the parents
We get it, uni feels safe. It’s what you were told was the key to success. But times have changed. An apprenticeship at Kirkstall doesn’t just lead to a job, it leads to a career. A respected, skilled, and secure one. It builds confidence, competence, and a work ethic that’s worth its weight in gold.
If your son or daughter is more practical than academic, more curious than conventional, don’t push them toward a path that doesn’t fit. Help them find one that does.
Why Kirkstall?
We’re not a big anonymous factory. We’re a close-knit team based in Yorkshire with a global reputation for quality. Our Apprenticeship Academy is built on mentorship, structure, and opportunity, and run in collaboration with respected education providers like Leeds City College, Leeds UTC, and other local partners.
We invest in our apprentices because we believe in them. They’re not just filling roles, they’re shaping the future of our business and our industry.