Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Programme title: Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
Level: 6
Salary:  
Year 1: £25,364
Year 2: £28,528
Year 3: £34,326
Year 4: £36,572
Year 5: £39,120
Location: Devonport, Plymouth
Application closing date: March 2025
Programme start date: September 2025 
Role ID: 60375 

Want a role that combines mechanical and electrical engineering skills to help solve some of the most complex and unique engineering challenges in UK defence technology?

Our 5-year Electro-Mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship is a rare opportunity for you to help commission the nuclear submarines that play a vital role in securing the UK’s long-term defence.

About the programme

This Level 6 apprenticeship will give you practical, real-world experience working on electrical and mechanical systems across our Submarine Commissioning Group. 

You'll work on the commissioning of nuclear submarines, learning how to perform critical tasks such as system installation, operation, and maintenance, alongside fault diagnosis and rectification. 

We’ll help you build fundamental skills such as drawing, calculations, specifications, scheduling and reporting. Working with teams from other engineering departments, you’ll also learn the fundamentals of electrical and mechanical design, from concept through to manufacturing. 

Throughout the programme, you’ll undertake a series of placements to give you a breadth of experience in all areas of Electro-Mechanical Engineering, supporting you to achieve professional registration through the Institute of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE).

Your education / training

When you successfully complete your apprenticeship, you’ll have earned a BEng in Electro-Mechanical Engineering. 

Your training will take place through a mixture of classroom learning and work placements. Each year you’ll spend a number of weeks at the University of Warwick for theoretical and practical training (attendance at the University for face-to-face sessions is mandatory), with the rest of your time spent onsite at Devonport Royal Dockyard within our Submarine Commissioning Group.

Future prospects

At the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have earned a BEng in Electro-Mechanical Engineering and gained valuable work experience in nuclear submarine commissioning as a Commissioning Engineer. This will put you on par with peers who have completed our graduate programme and are progressing towards becoming future Lead Engineers or Design Managers within the business.

At this stage, you can expect a salary exceeding £42,000 per annum.

What you’ll need

You’ll need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English or equivalent. Plus, one of the following:

• A-level at Grade A or above in Mathematics and a Physical Science (Chemistry, Geology, Physics & Astronomy), plus an A in one other A-level subject. 
• EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma DDD in one of the following subjects: Aeronautical Engineering, Applied Science, Construction and the Built Environment, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Engineering, Land-based Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Operations and Maintenance Engineering. This must include gaining a Distinction in one of the following units: Further Engineering Mathematics or Further Mathematics for Construction. Please list the units that you are taking in your application.
• Access: Achievement of the HE Diploma, to include 30 Level 3 Credits at Distinction including 15 in Mathematics and 15 in another science of technology subject. Please list the units that you are taking in your application.
• Baccalaureate IB: To include a minimum grade of 5 in higher level Mathematics and Physics, and a 4 or above at higher level in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Environmental Systems and Societies. 
• Many of our early careers roles 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 roles you are eligible for. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). For our early careers roles, you must be able to achieve BPSS and many of them require you to be eligible for Security Clearance.
• Please note that a successful application for this apprenticeship is dependent on acceptance by our chosen University provider.

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.

Closing dates   

Please be aware that if there is a high level of interest in this programme, applications may close earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered for a place on this programme, please submit your application as early as possible.