Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing Apprentice

Programme title: Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing Degree Apprenticeship
Level: 6

Salary: £23,776
Location: Bristol Hub (Ashton House based with Babcock Technology Centre attendance as required)

Application closing date: 8th December 2026

Programme start date: September 2027

Our 5-Year Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing Apprenticeship gives you hands-on experience working on some of the UK’s most exciting and important engineering projects. From the very start, you’ll be contributing to work that plays a critical role in national security, while studying towards a recognised engineering degree.

About the programme

As a Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing Apprentice, you will play a vital role in supporting the design, build and improvement of essential mechanical systems and equipment.

During your apprenticeship, you’ll spend some time based in a manufacturing environment, gaining practical skills in our Apprentice Workshop and learning core techniques such as milling, turning and fitting. These experiences will give you a solid foundation in how things are made and how quality is maintained.

As you progress, you’ll rotate through different parts of our Marine business, supporting the design, development and delivery of complex engineering solutions. You’ll work on projects that span the full engineering lifecycle, including the design and production of cutting-edge submarines for both the UK and international navies.

Along the way, you’ll develop your problem-solving, troubleshooting and collaboration skills. You’ll be supported by experienced engineers, mentors and team leads – all dedicated to helping you grow. With their guidance and your own curiosity and commitment, you’ll play your part in ensuring our designs meet the highest standards of safety and performance.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have a rich mix of practical experience, technical insight and industry knowledge to help you take your next steps with confidence.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you will study for the BEng Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing Degree through the University of the West of England (UWE).

During the first year, you'll typically spend 2 to 2.5 days per week at Weston College, building core engineering knowledge and practical skills. In years two to four, you'll attend UWE's Frenchay Campus one day per week while continuing to develop your expertise in the workplace. Your studies will include modules covering key engineering topics such as mechanics, thermofluids, manufacturing technology and systems.

The programme blends academic learning with practical application. You’ll start with a strong focus on workshop and hands-on skills, then move into a rotation of placements that give you exposure to analysis, design, quality and more. In your final year, you’ll consolidate your knowledge and experience in a role that prepares you for the next step in your career.

Future prospects 

By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll be well-prepared for the role of Assistant Engineer at Babcock.

You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.

As a global organisation, Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth, we’ve introduced the Babcock Role Framework, which outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks, you’ll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

What you’ll need 

• GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Mathematics (or equivalent, such as Functional Skills Level 2).
• 112 UCAS points, including one of the following:

• A Levels: Grade B or above in Mathematics, plus a C or above in two of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computing/Computer Science, Design and Technology, Electronics, Engineering, ICT, Further Mathematics, Music Technology, Physics, Statistics.
• BTEC Diploma in a relevant engineering field, with Merit in one of the following units: Further Engineering Mathematics or Further Mathematics for Construction.
• Access to HE Diploma: 30 Level 3 credits at Merit, including 15 in Maths and 15 in another science or tech subject.
• International Baccalaureate: Grade 5 in higher level Maths and Physics, plus a pass at a higher level in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies.
• Irish Highers: H2 in Mathematics plus a pass in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, Technology.
• T Levels: Grade C in A-Level Maths plus your T Level qualification.

• Please note that successful application is dependent on acceptance by UWE.
• Many of our 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 and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) security clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’. 

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 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. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for. 

We're a Disability Confident Employer. 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. 

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.