Nuclear Scientist and Engineer Degree Apprentice

This four-year programme will see you work towards a Bachelors (Honours) degree while contributing to projects that support national security. You will learn from experienced professionals, gain valuable practical experience and help deliver work that creates a safer, more secure world.

About the Programme

Based at Devonport, you will join a targeted development programme designed to prepare you for a career in nuclear science and engineering. You will work alongside an experienced team supporting the safe refit and maintenance of the UK's nuclear submarine fleet. You will develop an understanding of the nuclear systems and equipment that underpin critical defence operations, helping to ensure they operate safely, efficiently and in compliance with stringent regulations.

You will contribute to activities such as engineering design, technical analysis, simulation and modelling, engineering calculations, and the production of technical reports and drawings, gaining experience in how engineering and scientific principles are applied in a safety-critical environment.

Through placements across specialist teams, including Design Delivery, Safety Engineering, Operations and Maintenance, Reactor Commissioning, Nuclear Standards, Reactor Product Safety and Assurance, and Radioactive Waste Management, you will gain broad experience across the nuclear lifecycle while developing an understanding of how complex engineering systems are designed, operated and maintained in a safety-critical environment.

Education and Training

As part of your apprenticeship, you will study for a Bachelors (Honours) degree qualification, accredited by the constituent bodies of the Engineering or Science Council, and delivered through University Centre Somerset's Cannington Campus. The degree covers topics including nuclear science and technology, electrical and mechanical engineering, engineering mathematics, fluid systems, control and instrumentation, systems engineering, advanced manufacturing, and engineering leadership.

Alongside your studies, you will complete placements across specialist teams at Devonport, applying your learning to real projects while benefiting from dedicated technical training, mentoring and support from experienced engineers.

You will need to be able to work on site at Devonport for a minimum of three days per week and live within a reasonable commuting distance. Throughout the programme, you will attend University Centre Somerset on a block-release basis.

Future Prospects

By the end of your apprenticeship, you will be equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress into a role at Devonport. You will also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.

What You'll Need

• GCSEs at grade 4/C or above in Maths and English, plus three A Levels at grade C or above, including Maths and one other STEM subject.
• Must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme Information (NNPPI) clearance.
• Under applicable national security legislation, this post 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 including cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal
• Opportunity to get involved in STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

Application Process and Important Information

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.

Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted.

We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.