Non-Destructive Testing Apprenticeship

Programme title: Non-Destructive Testing Apprenticeship

Level: SCQF Level 7

Salary: £16,000 rising annually to c.£38,461 post apprenticeship

Location: HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: August 2026

Ready to start a high-impact technical career? Our 4-year Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Apprenticeship provides a fantastic opportunity to work on submarines while earning engineering qualifications.

About the programme

As an NDT Apprentice based at HM Naval Base Clyde, you'll be vital to our Fleet Time Support programme, ensuring the Royal Navy’s Vanguard and Astute-Class nuclear submarines are ready for their important missions.

You’ll be responsible for conducting surveys to ensure work has been completed to the correct standards before submarine deployments. 

Your day-to-day will be far from ordinary:

• Carrying out detailed surveys and upholding rigorous standards
• Collating and analysing survey reports
• Working with key stakeholders to assure compliance with specific regulations and codes
• Producing crucial technical reports
• Assisting with work package sequencing
• Supporting the management team to maintain and improve safety.  

You’ll also be a key member of the Radiography Team at HMNB Clyde, working as a trainee radiographer and developing your skills in this specialist field.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you will receive training both on-site and at West College Scotland. Your formal qualifications will be achieved progressively over the course of the programme, as outlined below:

• Year 1: Full-time at West College Scotland
  • SVQ Level 2 (SCQF Level 5) in Performing Engineering Operations
  • NC Engineering Systems – Year 1
• Year 2:  3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde and 1 day per week at West College Scotland
  • SVQ Diploma in Technical Services in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
  • NC Engineering Systems – Year 2

• Years 3–4: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde (if progressing to HNC) and 1 day per week at West College Scotland
  • SVQ Diploma in Technical Services in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
  • HNC Engineering Systems

Future prospects 

Through a combination of classroom learning and onsite training you’ll develop well-rounded engineering competencies and behaviours, preparing you for life in industry. At the end of your programme, you'll be a well-rounded professional ready to take on the role of Nuclear Procedures and Standards Inspector Trainee at Babcock.

What you’ll need  

• National Level 5 qualifications (or equivalent) in Mathematics, English, and a Science or technical subject, with grades A–C.
• Two additional qualifications at National Level 4 or 5 (or above), with grades A–C.

• 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.