Engineering Design and Manufacture Graduate Apprenticeship - Welding Engineering

This 4-year Engineering (Design and Manufacture) Graduate Apprenticeship offers the chance to contribute to significant UK defence programmes while working towards a BEng (Hons) degree in Welding Engineering.

What You'll Do

• Contribute to projects such as the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates and the maintenance of Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers.
• Specialize in Welding Engineering, developing knowledge of welding processes, materials, and metallurgy.
• Learn about the broader engineering context, including design constraints, material selection, and quality requirements.
• Support experienced Welding Engineers with activities like developing Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS), welding coordination, and inspection processes (visual inspections, Non-Destructive Testing).
• Assist with weld audits and compliance activities to ensure adherence to quality and regulatory standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, supporting quality enhancements, cost reduction, and new procedure development.
• Investigate weld issues, identify root causes, and help implement solutions.
• Gain insight into emerging technologies like welding automation and robotics.

Your Education and Training

• Study for a BEng (Hons) in Engineering (Design and Manufacture) through Glasgow Caledonian University.
• The degree is delivered through a blended learning model, typically involving 1-2 days of study per week during term time.
• The course is co-designed with industry and accredited by the IET, IMechE, and InstMC.
• Benefit from structured workplace development at Babcock to apply academic learning to real engineering challenges.
• Develop capabilities in welding processes (TIG, MIG, MMA), standards and compliance, materials and metallurgy, inspection and quality assurance, problem-solving, root cause analysis, and communication.

Future Prospects

• Upon successful completion, you will be ready for a Welding Engineering role with a starting salary from £39,000.
• Clear career progression pathways are available through the Babcock Role Framework.

What You'll Need

• Entry Requirements:
  • UCAS Tariff: 96 points.
  • Scottish Highers: BBCC or equivalent, including Maths and a science or technology subject.
  • Alternatively, relevant Foundation Apprenticeships (counting as one Higher at grade B) in combination with SQA Highers.
  • Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 in a related subject (equivalent to two Highers at B), in combination with SQA Highers.
  • HNC in Electrical, Mechanical, Manufacturing or Welding Engineering.
• Residency: Must be resident in Scotland.
• Location: Requires on-site attendance in Rosyth, Scotland. You must be able to reliably commute or relocate.
• Security Clearance: Must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) security clearance. This role may only be occupied by a sole UK national.

What You'll Get

• Fully funded qualification.
• Personal development training and opportunities.
• Minimum 28 days holiday allowance (including bank holidays).
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Employee share scheme.
• Flexible benefits (cycle to work scheme, employee shopping savings portal).
• Involvement in STEM outreach activities and volunteering.
• Enrolment onto the Apprentice Development Programme.

Application Process

• Applications are reviewed in order of receipt and may close early if there is high interest.
• Submit your application and complete online assessments as soon as possible.
• Apply to one programme only.
• If you require additional support during the recruitment process, please inform them upon application.