Higher Level Engineering Apprenticeship

Programme Title: Higher Level Engineering Apprenticeship
Level: 4

Salary:

Year 1: £23,289

Year 2: £29,685

Year 3: £34,955

Year 4: £36,839

Location: Devonport, Plymouth
Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID:  67811

The Higher Level Engineering Apprenticeship at Babcock is your opportunity to embark on a rewarding career in engineering. Our engineering apprentices are at the forefront of maintaining the Royal Navy's fleet and play an integral role in creating a safe and secure world.

About the Programme

Join our exciting 3.5-year Higher Level Engineering Apprenticeship programme, where you'll specialise in one of three distinct engineering disciplines: Mechanical, Electrical, or Naval Architecture.

Whichever discipline you choose to specialise in you’ll tend to have a multi-disciplinary understanding. You’ll be responsible for creating or updating technical documentation, reports, or specifications that include information on quality, reliability, production schedules, costing, and more. This could include setting out how a product must be designed, manufactured, tested, modified, maintained, stored, transported, commissioned, or decommissioned – all within a predominantly office-based role. You’ll find out more about each of the disciplines below.

As part of the interview, you will be asked to select your first and second preferred engineering discipline choice and explain your reasons for choosing it. This helps us understand your interests, motivations, and how your strengths align with the role.

Naval Architecture 

You will be trained to use your skill and knowledge to analyse and design various aspects of floating vessels and structures, from nuclear submarines to floating work platforms. You will work closely with engineering design teams to make sure that designs are safe, seaworthy and cost-effective. You’ll prepare design plans using computer software and check and test specifications using computer simulations and 3D models.

Electrical

You may draw up project plans and circuit diagrams using computer-assisted engineering and design software, estimate costs and project timings, coordinate the work of technicians and our industrial staff and be involved in test installations and systems, as well as analysing test data.

Mechanical

You’ll understand engineering principles such as mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics, enabling you to design and analyse many types of mechanical systems. You’ll be proficient in computer-aided design (CAD) software and may create detailed models and simulations for product development, and you’ll experience plenty of hands-on experience and problem-solving exercises to hone your creative thinking. 

No matter which specialism you pursue, you'll be gathering, analysing and interpreting information and data to make impactful decisions and solve real-world problems.

Along the way, you’ll gain skills that will set you up for the future which may include:

• Data analysis and interpretation – Extracting, analysing, and interpreting engineering and manufacturing data to draw accurate conclusions and make informed decisions.  
• Project Management - Utilising project management tools for effective decision-making and risk assessment.
• Problem-solving - Applying problem-solving techniques such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and more, to identify root causes and enhance quality.
• Lean tools and techniques - Utilising lean tools and techniques such as Six Sigma and 8 Wastes to drive efficiency and minimise waste.
• Computer-based software system/packages – Utilising Computer Aided Design (CAD), Data Analytics, and Databases.
• Documentation control - Ensuring compliance with quality standards through proper documentation and processes.
• Financial planning – Undertaking financial planning, recording, and review processes and documentation such as departmental budgets, estimating, cost control and cost forecasting. 
• Communication and stakeholder management - Communicating findings through various media, including presentations and reports.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you'll have the chance to work at various locations on our site, gaining valuable insights into all our operations.

It's a dynamic work environment, where every day brings new opportunities. From conducting external supplier inspections to driving efficiencies on our production shop floor, or even overseeing internal and external audits – your day will be filled with meaningful contributions.

Your education/training

In the first year, you'll spend your time at college, followed by one day per week in the second and third years, with the remaining four days onsite. The fourth year will be dedicated to onsite training.

During your apprenticeship, you'll have the opportunity to earn a HNC in Engineering. After successfully completing the apprenticeship End Point Assessment, you'll receive a nationally recognised certificate as a Level 4 Engineering Maintenance Technician.

Future prospects

Upon successfully completing the programme, you’ll become a qualified Engineering Technician, specialising in your chosen field (mechanical, electrical or naval architecture).

You’ll be expected to stay within this role for one-year post completion to help you gain further experience, consolidate your skills, and contribute meaningfully to your team before applying for other roles within the organisation.

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

• A minimum of 5 GCSE’s at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English and Maths.
• 3 A-Levels (or equivalent) at grade C or above, including Maths and a Science or Technology based subject.
• 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 will 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.