Apprenticeship glossary

Mechatronics

What does Mechatronics mean?

Engineering that combines mechanical, electrical and computer systems, like automated machinery. Amazon and Rolls-Royce both run mechatronics apprenticeships.

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Employer profile Amazon UK apprenticeships Amazon has more than 20 UK apprenticeship programmes, from Level 3 mechatronics engineering in its warehouses to Level 6 software development and management degree apprenticeships.
Fulfilment centre
A large warehouse where online orders are picked, packed and sent out. Amazon's mechatronics apprentices can be based at one.
Shift work
Working set periods that can include early mornings, nights or weekends. Amazon's mechatronics apprentices, for example, may work weekend or night shifts.
Chartered Manager
A professional status for managers. The Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship, offered by employers like Amazon, combines a degree with working towards it.
Apprentice
Someone doing an apprenticeship: an employee who is paid to work and train towards a recognised qualification at the same time.
Apprenticeship
A real, paid job where you also train towards a recognised qualification. In England at least 20% of your normal working hours are spent training, and you don't pay tuition fees.
HNC and HND
Higher National Certificate (Level 4) and Higher National Diploma (Level 5): work-focused qualifications often included in higher apprenticeships, like Amazon's mechatronics apprenticeship, which includes an HNC.

Definitions are our own plain-English summaries. Where we give figures, they come from the official sources listed on the linked guide or profile. Rules can change, so check the official source before you make decisions.