Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

Programme title: Engineering Technician Apprenticeship
Level: 3

Salary: £16,191, rising annually to c.£35,000 post-apprenticeship
Location: Ashton House, Bristol

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Our 4-year Engineering Technician Apprenticeship is a brilliant opportunity to start your career in advanced engineering. Based at Ashton House in Bristol, you’ll develop the technical skills, problem-solving ability and confidence to play your part in delivering high-precision equipment that supports the Royal Navy and international defence partners.

About the programme

Find out more about our Machinist, Fitter and Inspector apprentice positions below. You’ll be asked to indicate your preferences during the recruitment process.

CNC Machinist Apprentice

Your day kicks off with a quick team meeting to go over the jobs lined up and any safety reminders. Then it’s off to your machine station, where you’ll set up tools and materials ready for the day’s tasks.

You’ll spend most of your time using either traditional or CNC (computer-controlled) machines to shape metal parts. You’ll follow detailed drawings to make sure everything is accurate, checking your work as you go. If something’s not quite right, you’ll learn how to adjust the machine or tools to fix it.

Throughout the day, you’ll work closely with experienced machinists and quality inspectors, picking up tips and learning how to spot and solve problems. By the end of your shift, you’ll clean down your area and record what you’ve completed.

Fitter Apprentice

You’ll start your day by reviewing the engineering drawings for the job you’re working on. These show you exactly how the parts should fit together. After gathering your tools and materials, you’ll begin assembling mechanical components—this could be anything from pumps to pipework.

You might be building new equipment, helping install it onto a submarine module, or even diagnosing and fixing a fault. You’ll use a mix of hand tools and power tools, and you’ll always be thinking about safety and precision.

You’ll work alongside skilled fitters and engineers, learning how to follow procedures and solve real-world problems. At the end of the day, you’ll update your progress and prepare for tomorrow’s tasks.

Inspector Apprentice

Your day begins with checking which parts or assemblies need inspecting. You’ll use measuring tools like micrometres and gauges as well as 3D scanning and laser tracking equipment to check that everything meets the required standards.

You’ll inspect parts at different stages—sometimes right after machining, other times after assembly. If something doesn’t meet the spec, you’ll work with the machinists or fitters to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it.

You’ll learn how to read technical drawings, follow inspection procedures, and keep accurate records. It’s a role that requires attention to detail and a strong focus on quality and safety.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll study at Weston College, gaining a nationally recognised qualification at Level 3.

Your programme will combine academic study with practical training in our facilities at Ashton House. You’ll complete one of the following apprenticeship standards, depending on your chosen pathway:

• Machining Technician (ST1305)
• Engineering Fitter (ST0432)
• Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician (ST1395)

You’ll learn the theory behind mechanical and electrical systems, materials and processes, alongside developing core skills in problem-solving, communication and safety awareness. The programme concludes with an End Point Assessment, confirming your readiness to progress as a qualified engineering professional.

Future prospects 

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be well-prepared to take on a skilled role as a machinist, fitter, or inspector at Babcock, earning a competitive salary in excess of £35,000.

You may also have the opportunity to pursue further qualifications and progress into advanced roles across a wide range of functions within the business, supporting your continued professional development and long-term career growth.

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 

• Minimum of 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including Maths, English Language and a Science or equivalent qualification.
• 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.