Civil and Structural Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Programme title: Civil and Structural Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
Level: 6
Salary: £22,008 (rising annually to c.£41,837 post-apprenticeship)
Location: Bristol
Application closing date: March 2025
Programme start date: September 2025 

Kickstart your career in Civil and Structural Engineering with our 5-year degree apprenticeship. You’ll gain experience on critical nuclear new build, decommissioning, and defence projects, while working towards a BEng in Civil Engineering from the University of Exeter.

About the programme 

Our Cavendish Nuclear business is focused on cleaning up the nuclear legacy and creating a world where nuclear plays a key contribution in protecting our nation, ensuring security of energy supply, and meeting our net zero commitments. 

This apprenticeship is your opportunity to develop into a skilled Civil, Structural, and Architectural (CS&A) Engineer, contributing to operations at Cavendish Nuclear. You’ll gain experience across a range of exciting projects, including nuclear new builds, decommissioning, and defence.

As an Engineering Apprentice, you will be involved in a diverse range of activities, from structural and civil analysis and design to 3D modelling, 2D drawing development, site surveying, and construction and installation support. You will also assist with project administration and management tasks.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design: Supporting the development of technical solutions through the creation of design models, calculations, reports, and drawings; conducting site surveys; and applying appropriate analysis and relevant codes.
• Modelling and Drawing: Assisting in the development of 3D models using Autodesk Revit, 2D drawings with Autodesk AutoCAD, and conducting clash detection and sequencing activities in Autodesk Navisworks.
• Construction and Installation Support: Assisting with hazard elimination and risk reduction, responding to technical queries and non-conformances, ensuring compliance with quality systems and health and safety procedures, and verifying technical aspects of site activities.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll gain valuable experience in our design office, working alongside a team of experienced colleagues eager to share their knowledge and expertise. This apprenticeship is more than just a stepping stone - it's the beginning of an exciting and rewarding engineering career, shaping the future of the nuclear sector.

Your education/training 

As part of your apprenticeship, you will study for a BEng in Civil Engineering at the University of Exeter. We will also support you in gaining professional recognition through the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE).

The apprenticeship combines practical and theoretical training, along with company-specific workplace learning. You will participate in four, two-week teaching blocks each year. In the first three years, you will build a strong foundation in engineering science and a focus on applying mathematics to engineering challenges. You will also develop essential skills in project management, health and safety, and understanding socio-environmental impacts. 

The final two years will focus on applying your knowledge to real-world engineering problems, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Future prospects  

Upon successfully completing the programme, you’ll be ready to step into the role of CS&A Engineer at Cavendish Nuclear with a current salary of around £41,837.

With knowledge and experience gained, you can aspire to progress through the grades of Engineer, with increasing role responsibility. Whether you choose to become a technical subject matter expert or move into leadership roles, managing engineering teams and projects, your career progression will be driven by your aspirations and achievements.

What you’ll need  

• GCSE English and Mathematics at B/6 or above (or equivalent).
• 3 GCSEs in any other subjects at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).
• 3 A Levels in STEM subjects or equivalent Level 3 qualification e.g. BTEC at Merit or Distinction with a strong mathematical element.
• 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.