Engineering Design Apprenticeship

Engineering Design Apprenticeship

Level: 3

Salary: 

Year 1: £18,565

Year 2: £23,556

Year 3: £28,417

Post apprenticeship: £30,241+
Location: Bristol

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 67804

Our 3-year Engineering Design Apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity to play a part in designing and developing the next generation of engineering solutions that support the Royal Navy’s fleet. You’ll gain a strong foundation in design principles, build technical skills, and learn how creative ideas become the practical designs that help keep the UK safe and secure.

About the programme

As an Engineering Design Apprentice, you’ll be part of our Waterfront and Design Team, supporting a range of projects across the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet. The team is part of a 200-strong engineering community responsible for capability upgrades, defect investigations, safety assessments and specialist analysis – all of which help ensure submarine safety and availability for the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent.

Every day is different as you cover a wide variety of design-related activities. You’ll create 2D and 3D computer-aided design (CAD) drawings, assist with spatial and structural validation surveys onboard submarines, and contribute to design reviews and assurance activities.

You’ll also gain experience in using engineering documentation, understanding change control and developing the communication skills needed to work with engineers across multiple disciplines.

Every project you support plays a vital part in protecting people and assets. The design information you help to create and maintain will contribute directly to the continued safety, reliability and performance of the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll study for the Level 3 Engineering Design Technician Apprenticeship Standard through Train’d Up.

Training blends virtual learning with workplace experience. You’ll take part in live tutor-led e-tutorials, supported by regular feedback and assessments that help you apply your learning as you go.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have achieved a recognised qualification as a Level 3 Engineering Design Technician and developed the practical experience to apply your learning confidently within a professional design environment.

Future prospects

Upon completing your apprenticeship, you’ll progress into a Draughtsperson role within the Waterfront and Design Team.

A newly qualified Draughtsperson at Babcock currently earns a competitive salary of around £30,000 per annum, with opportunities to grow into positions such as Designer, Senior Designer and Engineer for those who show drive, curiosity and potential.

From there, your development doesn’t stop. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

What you’ll need

• GCSE Maths grade 9-4 and GCSE English grade 9-4
• Many of our apprenticeship programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

What you’ll get

We’ll provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.

In addition, 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 cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities, which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.

Your career development

It’s hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and business experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will really help you navigate where you want to take your career.

Plus, when you join us, you’ll be automatically enrolled onto our Apprentice Development Programme. Through a series of digital and face to face sessions, presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partners, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.

Application process and closing dates

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.