Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Level: 6

Salary: £23,776
Location: Bristol

Application closing date: 18th December 2025

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 67843

Your Role

Our 4-year Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship is designed to develop the next generation of skilled Systems Engineers. As an apprentice, you’ll play a key role in supporting critical defence projects, contributing to innovative solutions that make a real impact on our business and our customers – all while studying towards a recognised engineering degree.

About the programme

This brand-new apprenticeship programme will equip you with the knowledge and experience needed to become a capable and confident Systems Engineer. You’ll learn to apply systems principles and concepts to support the development of engineering designs, requirements, architecture, and testing throughout the full Systems Engineering lifecycle.

You’ll work on a wide variety of cutting-edge projects, ranging from submarine design and warship systems to soldier communications and sovereign space capabilities. This hands-on experience will give you a comprehensive understanding of how complex engineering solutions are delivered from concept through to completion.

As part of a collaborative team, you’ll contribute to ensuring our clients’ systems are reliable, adaptable, and efficient. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities, while developing strong communication and teamwork skills. Throughout the programme, you’ll be supported by experienced engineers, mentors, and team leads who are committed to helping you grow both professionally and personally.

Your education/training

You’ll combine employment with part-time study, gaining valuable hands-on experience while working towards a degree. Throughout the programme, you’ll be supported by both Babcock and a training provider, helping you develop the technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours needed to succeed in your engineering career.

The academic component is delivered through structured modules, lectures, and project work, typically on a day-release or block-study basis. This format allows you to immediately apply your learning in the workplace, reinforcing your understanding and accelerating your development.

At Babcock, your practical training will focus on core systems engineering disciplines including design, requirements analysis, and problem-solving. You’ll also explore innovative approaches to developing new solutions across both hardware and software domains. In addition, you’ll build commercial awareness and learn how to apply your engineering skills effectively within a business environment – ensuring your technical development is aligned with industry needs.

Upon successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) Honours degree, demonstrating your capability as a qualified professional and opening up further career and progression opportunities.

Future prospects

By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have earned a degree and gained work experience in systems engineering – equipping you with the skills and confidence to step into an engineering role at Babcock

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.

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

• A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Mathematics (or equivalent, such as Functional Skills Level 2).
• Plus, one of the following:
  • Three A Levels with a total of 104 UCAS points, including:
    • Mathematics at grade C or above
    • A STEM-related subject (Science, Technology, Engineering, or additional Mathematics) at grade C or above
    • One additional subject at grade C or above
  • An Engineering BTEC Level 3 with 90+ credits, which must include the Further Mathematics unit
• 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.