Commissioning Test Engineer Apprenticeship

Programme title: Commissioning Test Engineer Apprenticeship
Level: SCQF Level 7
Salary: £16,000 (rising annually to c.£45,000 post-apprenticeship)
Location: HM Naval Base Clyde 
Application closing date: March 2025
Programme start date: September 2025 

Are you passionate about electrical or mechanical engineering? This 4-year apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity to launch your career in the highly specialised field of test engineering. Throughout the programme, you will earn qualifications while gaining valuable practical experience, setting you on the path to a rewarding future.

About the programme 

As a Commissioning Test Engineer Apprentice at HM Naval Base Clyde, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the correct installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment and systems that support the Royal Navy's vessels, including the Trident and Astute Class submarines.

This apprenticeship offers practical experience in maintaining and testing vital onboard systems, such as hydraulics, high-pressure air systems, motor generators, and 24v DC systems. You will be responsible for testing and commissioning these systems to ensure they are safe and meet design specifications. 

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Conducting system health checks
• Creating and refining Test Forms to support health checks
• Setting up systems for operational use
• Performing installation checks
• Carrying out performance testing and trials
• Fault findings and diagnostics

You may also have opportunities to participate in projects focused on enhancing testing methods and optimising test equipment.

Throughout your time in our Commissioning Group, you will deepen your understanding of the systems and equipment critical to Fleet Engineering. The programme will provide you with valuable insights into engineering standards, advanced techniques, and the crucial role commissioning plays in ensuring the operational success of Royal Navy submarines.

Your education/training 

As part of your apprenticeship, you will receive training at West College Scotland. During your apprenticeship, you will study towards a series of recognised industry qualifications:  

• SVQ 2 Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF Level 5
• NC in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering at SCQF Level 6
• SVQ 3 in Engineering Technical Services (Tech Services) at SCQF Level 7
• HNC in Engineering Systems at SCQF Level 7.

Future prospects  

Upon successfully completing the programme, you’ll be ready to step into the role of Test Engineer at Babcock, with a current starting salary of around £45,000.

Your apprenticeship will lay the foundation for a structured career path, with opportunities to progress to the position of Senior Test Engineer.

What you’ll need  

• Maths at National 5 or above or equivalent.
• English at National 5 or above or equivalent.
• Science or Technical subject at National 5 or above or equivalent.
• Two other subjects at National 4 or National 5 or above.
• 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.

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.