Nuclear Scientist And Engineer Degree Apprenticeship 2027 - Plymouth

About the role

Join Babcock as a Nuclear Scientist and Engineer Degree Apprentice! 🚀 Over four years, you'll earn a Bachelor's (Honours) degree while contributing to projects vital for national security. Learn from seasoned pros, gain hands-on experience, and help build a safer, more secure world. 🌍

About the Programme:

Based at Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe ⚓, you'll join a special development program geared towards a career in nuclear science and engineering. You'll work with experienced teams on the safe refit and maintenance of the UK's nuclear submarine fleet. 🚢 You'll get to grips with the nuclear systems and equipment that power critical defence operations, ensuring they're safe, efficient, and meet strict regulations. You’ll contribute to engineering design, technical analysis, simulations, calculations, and creating technical reports and drawings, seeing how science and engineering principles are applied in high-stakes environments. Through placements in teams like Design Delivery, Safety Engineering, Operations and Maintenance, Reactor Commissioning, Nuclear Standards, Reactor Product Safety and Assurance, and Radioactive Waste Management, you'll get a full overview of the nuclear lifecycle and how complex engineering systems are designed, operated, and maintained safely.

Your Education & Training:

You'll study for a Bachelor's (Honours) degree accredited by the Engineering or Science Council, delivered at University Centre Somerset's Cannington Campus. 🎓 This block-release program covers nuclear science and technology, electrical and mechanical engineering, engineering mathematics, fluid systems, control and instrumentation, systems engineering, advanced manufacturing, and engineering leadership. You'll also do placements at Devonport, applying what you learn to real projects, with dedicated training, mentoring, and support from experienced engineers. You'll need to work on-site at Devonport at least three days a week and live within reasonable commuting distance. You'll attend University Centre Somerset on a block-release basis throughout the program.

Future Prospects:

By the end of your apprenticeship, you'll have the skills, knowledge, and experience to step into a role at Devonport. You'll also have the chance to work towards becoming an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, a recognised mark of engineering expertise that can open doors to advanced roles like Senior Engineer. 🌟

What You'll Need:

• GCSEs at grade 4/C or above in Maths and English.
• Three A Levels at grade C or above, including Maths and one other STEM subject.
• Due to national security requirements, you must be a sole UK national and able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC), and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme Information (NNPPI) clearance. Your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency might affect eligibility. Please check GOV.UK for more details on security vetting levels.

What You'll Get:

We offer a supportive and engaging environment to grow your career. You'll benefit from:

• Fully funded qualification 💯
• Personal development training and opportunities
• Minimum 28 days holiday allowance (including bank holidays) 🏖️
• Competitive pension scheme 💰
• Employee share scheme
• Flexible benefits, including a cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal 🚲🛍️
• Opportunities to get involved in STEM outreach and volunteering – our apprentices find this incredibly rewarding!

Your Career Development:

Expect a huge variety of experiences and exposure to exciting projects that will guide your career path. You'll be automatically enrolled in our Apprentice Development Programme, with sessions from wellbeing and performance experts and external partners to help you thrive.

About Babcock:

As a global organisation, Babcock offers countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. Our Babcock Role Framework clearly outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities, showing you the steps to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

Application Process & Important Info:

Applications are reviewed as they come in, so we recommend applying and completing any online assessments ASAP to give yourself the best chance. If this programme is highly popular, applications might close early. Please apply for only one programme. If you apply for more than one, we'll only consider your first application. If your chosen programme becomes full, we might contact you about other eligible programmes. We are a Disability Confident Employer and will provide support and adjustments during recruitment – please let us know if you need any. We’re committed to an inclusive culture and are happy to discuss flexible working.

How to Apply:

Click the apply button to submit your application and learn more. Don't delay – apply early to avoid disappointment! 👍

Key responsibilities

• Contribute to projects supporting national security.
• Work towards a Bachelors (Honours) degree qualification.
• Work alongside experienced teams in nuclear submarine fleet maintenance.
• Contribute to technical activities including engineering design, analysis, modelling, calculations, and report production.
• Develop an understanding of nuclear systems and help ensure their safe, efficient, and compliant operation.

Skills