Engineering Design Apprenticeship

Programme title: Engineering Design Apprenticeship

Level: SCQF Level 7

Salary:
Year 1: £15,906
Year 2: £22,857
Year 3: £25,617
Year 4: £29,149

Post apprenticeship: £39,000+

Location: Rosyth, Fife, Scotland

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID:67818

Join our 4-year Electrical, Control & Instrumentation, Mechanical or Naval Architecture Design Apprenticeship and you’ll help design the systems that power, control and protect some of the most advanced ships in the world.

About the programme 

From your first day, you’ll be part of our Design and Engineering team, contributing to electrical and control systems that keep vessels operating safely and efficiently. The work is varied and rewarding, involving everything from developing 3D models and 2D drawings to preparing technical reports, carrying out calculations and supporting design updates for new and upgraded ships.

You’ll learn how to use industry-standard CAD tools, apply design codes and standards, and see how design decisions are made across an entire engineering lifecycle. Projects range from new ship construction to refits and commercial engineering work, so you’ll gain experience across a broad range of technologies and disciplines.

Training comes from those who know the work best. Experienced engineers and designers will guide your learning, helping you apply theory in a real-world context. Collaboration plays a huge part too – you’ll work closely with other design and project teams, seeing how each discipline contributes to delivering high-quality, safe and efficient outcomes.

Your education/training 

Your training will be delivered through Forth Valley College, where you’ll work towards an SVQ Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering at SCQF Level 7, alongside an HNC in Engineering.

During your first year, you’ll focus on building your core engineering knowledge at college, studying towards your National Certificate (NC) and developing practical skills through Performing Engineering Operations (PEO2). By mid-year, you’ll move to site to begin your SVQ Level 3, gaining experience on live projects while continuing your studies. In your second year, you’ll return to college one day a week to complete your HNC alongside your work-based learning.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have the skills and confidence to produce high-quality engineering designs that meet industry standards.

Future prospects  

Upon completion of the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to continue your journey with Babcock and specialise as a Naval Architecture Designer., Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Designer or Mechanical Designer, depending on your apprenticeship pathway. 

A newly qualified designer at Babcock can expect to earn a salary exceeding £39,000. You’ll also have access to further development through professional accreditation and advanced study within our Engineering community.

From there, your development doesn’t stop. 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  

●    Highers in Maths or Physics at grade C or above
●    One additional Higher in English or a technical/science subject (or equivalent qualification such as a Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering)
●    Four National 5s at grade C or above, including Maths, English, Physics and one other related 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’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.