Process and Plant Engineer Degree Apprentice

Join Babcock as a Process and Plant Engineer Degree Apprentice. Over five years, you will work towards a BEng in Professional Engineering (Science Industry Process/Plant Engineer) while contributing to projects that support national security. You'll learn from experienced professionals, gain valuable practical experience, and help deliver work that creates a safer, more secure world.

Based at Devonport, you will join a targeted development programme designed to prepare you for a successful career in process and plant engineering. You'll contribute to projects involving nuclear process systems and plant equipment that support submarine maintenance, helping to ensure critical infrastructure remains safe, compliant and operational.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll support engineering design and technical assurance activities within a nuclear-regulated environment, completing placements across teams including Design Delivery, Technical and Operational Support, Safety Engineering, Engineering Management, Operations and Maintenance, Reactor Commissioning, and Radioactive Waste Management.

Day-to-day, you'll work alongside experienced engineers to support the production of design documentation, carry out engineering calculations and analyses, and contribute to projects across the engineering lifecycle, while developing your knowledge of engineering software, tools, codes and standards. You'll also support inspections and validations in operational environments.

Education and Training

As part of your apprenticeship, you'll study for a BEng in Professional Engineering (Science Industry Process/Plant Engineer) through Aston University. Delivered through a block-release study model, the degree covers the essentials of professional engineering, including mathematics and science, while specialising in process and plant engineering. You'll study topics such as computer-aided design, thermo-fluid sciences, engineering management, sustainable engineering and project management, among others.

Alongside your studies, you'll 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'll 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'll attend Aston University in Birmingham on a block-release basis.

Future Prospects

This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a long-term career in process and plant engineering. Upon successful completion of the programme, you'll progress into an engineering design delivery or through-life operational support role. You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.

Entry Requirements

• GCSEs at grade 4 or above in Maths and English.
• Three A levels at grades CCC or above, including a mathematics-based subject and a STEM subject, or equivalent STEM-related BTEC qualifications at grade DMM or above.
• Must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) 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
• Apprentice Development Programme

Application Process

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.

If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.