Mechanical Engineer
In this video Robert from Briggs Equipment talks to Ben about the role of a Mechanical Engineer Apprentice at his company
Forklift Engineering Apprenticeship FAQ
About Briggs
Q: What does Briggs do as a company? A: Briggs is an engineering and asset management services company that prioritises safety. Their core business is forklift trucks, though they operate about 14-15 different companies across the UK, Northern Ireland, and Southern Ireland. They buy, sell, rent, maintain, and repair a wide range of equipment from small push-around pallet trucks to massive 48-tonne container handlers.
Q: What other services does Briggs provide? A: Beyond forklifts, Briggs has an engineering services division that maintains equipment for companies like BT, Openreach, and Scottish Water. This includes everything from vans to mini diggers and trailers.
Q: Where is Briggs based? A: Their headquarters in Scotland is in Cumbernauld, but they have engineers operating throughout Scotland, from Wick in the far north down to the borders. Nationally, they have about 700 engineers throughout the UK and Ireland, with approximately 100 in Scotland across five different businesses.
Q: How big is the forklift industry? A: The forklift industry is massive. Virtually everything we buy or use has been moved by a forklift at some point. Just in the central belt of Scotland (from Glasgow to Edinburgh), there are around 25 forklift companies, ranging from one-person businesses to companies like Briggs with hundreds of engineers.
About the Apprenticeship Program
Q: What is the timeline for Briggs' apprenticeship intake? A: Briggs typically has an annual intake, with the next one scheduled for September 2026. The application process is completed well in advance of the start date.
Q: What are the age requirements for apprentices? A: You can start an apprenticeship up to age 24, though most companies look for apprentices between 16 and 20. According to Robert, 18 is an ideal age to start an apprenticeship due to increased maturity and learning capability.
Q: How long does the apprenticeship last? A: The academic part of the apprenticeship lasts 3 years, followed by a 4th year where you work as a trainee engineer. After the 4th year, you become fully qualified.
Q: What does the apprenticeship training involve? A: The training includes:
On-the-job training and shadowing mentors
In-house training at Cumbernauld
Specialist training at Briggs' Academy in Cannock (Midlands)
Academic qualification through GTG in Glasgow (Level 3 IMI qualification)
Learning multiple trades: mechanics, electrics, electronics, and hydraulics
Q: How is the college portion of the apprenticeship structured? A: Apprentices attend GTG in Glasgow for week-long blocks, typically six blocks per year. Classes start at noon on Mondays and finish at noon on Fridays to allow for travel time. Accommodation can be arranged through the college.
Q: What skills will I learn during each year of the apprenticeship? A:
Year 1: Basic tasks under supervision, shadowing mentors and other engineers
Year 2: Performing tasks alongside qualified engineers, with work checked and signed off
Year 3: Learning diagnostics and repair, developing logical thinking for fault diagnosis
Year 4: "Spreading your wings" - working independently at about 80% of a fully qualified engineer's productivity
Application Process
Q: What qualifications do I need to apply? A: Briggs generally looks for decent grades in English, math, and possibly a science subject, though they consider applicants without perfect grades.
Q: What makes an application stand out? A: Having extracurricular activities or experiences that set you apart, such as working with family members in related fields or having mechanical experience outside of school.
Q: What does the interview process involve? A: The process includes:
Initial application review
An informal interview (possibly via Teams)
A formal interview with a practical test (currently involving removing a cylinder head from a lawnmower engine)
Working Conditions
Q: Where would I be based as an apprentice? A: Initially, most apprentices work at the main workshop in Cumbernauld for about a year. However, arrangements can be made for apprentices who live far away to be paired with engineers in their local area.
Q: What's the day-to-day work like for a forklift engineer? A: Engineers are mobile, working from vans that serve as mobile workshops. They typically have a "patch" of 100-150 trucks to maintain. Work is split between preventative maintenance (servicing) and repairs/breakdowns. Most work is done on customers' premises, with only major repairs coming back to the main workshop.
Q: What kind of equipment will I work on? A: A wide range of equipment, from small pallet trucks to massive container handlers, as well as telehandlers (like those seen on building sites with extendable booms) and some specialized equipment.
Q: What tools and equipment are provided? A: Apprentices are given a basic toolkit worth about £1000, which becomes theirs upon completion of the apprenticeship. Specialist equipment like jacks and torque wrenches are provided by the company, as is a fully equipped van once qualified.
Salary and Career Progression
Q: What is the apprenticeship salary? A: The starting salary is approximately £15,500 for the first year, with increments in subsequent years. The exact progression scheme may have changed recently.
Q: What is the salary after qualification? A: The minimum salary for a fully qualified engineer is around £32,000-£33,000, with progression opportunities to higher levels including Level 1, Level 2, Master Tech, and management positions. Top salaries reach into the £40,000+ range.
Q: Are there any conditions attached to the apprenticeship? A: Yes, apprentices are expected to stay with the company for at least two years after completing their apprenticeship, or they may need to pay back some of the training costs.
Q: What are the career prospects? A: There are good prospects for long-term employment and advancement. Robert mentioned that some employees have been with the company for 40 years. There are progression paths from basic engineer to higher technical levels and management positions.
Advice for Candidates
Q: What should I do if I missed this year's intake? A: Consider taking an engineering course at a local college to gain relevant knowledge and skills, which would give you an advantage when applying for the next intake.
Q: How can I prepare for an interview? A: Research the company thoroughly, prepare specific questions, think about how you would commute to work, and highlight any relevant experience you have that sets you apart from other candidates.