Key Takeaways
- Undertake a 4-year Engineering (Design and Manufacture) Graduate Apprenticeship with a BEng (Hons) degree.
- Earn a starting salary of £24,550, rising to £32,150 by Year 4.
- Gain practical experience at HM Naval Base Clyde, supporting the Royal Navy's submarine fleet.
- Applications close on 8th December 2026.
About the Role
This 4-year Engineering (Design and Manufacture) Graduate Apprenticeship offers a career with purpose, contributing to UK defence programmes while working towards a BEng (Hons) degree and building a career in Engineering and Project Management.
Based at HM Naval Base Clyde, you will work within the Fleet Programmes team, supporting projects for the Royal Navy's submarine fleet.
You will gain hands-on experience in project planning, scheduling, risk management, stakeholder engagement, and programme delivery, developing an understanding of the defence capability environment.
Upon completion, you will have a strong foundation in project management and engineering principles, enabling a career supporting critical programmes within HMNB Clyde and the wider defence sector.
Education and Training
As a Graduate Apprentice, you will study for a degree in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), combining academic learning with practical workplace experience.
The programme typically involves three days per week in the workplace and one day per week for university study.
You will develop knowledge and skills in engineering design, manufacturing processes, project delivery, problem-solving, quality management, and continuous improvement. You will apply academic learning to real business challenges on live engineering projects.
Successful completion leads to a BEng (Hons) Graduate Apprenticeship in Engineering (Design and Manufacture), a nationally recognised qualification and valuable industry experience.
Future Prospects
Upon successful completion, you will be prepared for a Project Engineer role within Fleet Programmes, supporting the maintenance, upgrade, and operational readiness of the Royal Navy's submarine fleet.
Babcock's Role Framework will guide your career development, offering pathways in project, programme, and leadership roles, with access to professional development, project management qualifications, and experience across defence programmes.
Entry Requirements
- Scottish Highers: BBCC or equivalent, including Maths and a science or technology subject.
- Alternative Qualifications: Foundation Apprenticeships (counting as one Higher at grade B) combined with SQA Highers, or a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (equivalent to two Highers at B) combined with SQA Highers.
- Residency: You must be resident in Scotland.
- Commuting: You must be able to reliably commute to HM Naval Base Clyde.
- Security Clearance: You must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. This post may only be occupied by a sole UK national.
Benefits
- 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 cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal
- Opportunities for STEM outreach and volunteering
Application Process
Applications are reviewed in order of receipt and may close earlier than advertised if there is high interest. Submit your application and complete online assessments as soon as possible.
Apply to one programme only. If multiple applications are received, only the first will be assessed.
If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please inform us when you apply.
Flexible working options may be discussed at interview.