Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Programme title: Mechanical 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 

This 4-year apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to earn a full BEng in Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing degree while gaining direct experience working on nuclear new build, plant life extension and decommissioning projects. It provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in the nuclear industry.

About the programme 

Our Cavendish Nuclear business plays a pivotal role in cleaning up the nuclear legacy and creating a world where nuclear plays a key contribution to protecting our nation, ensuring energy security and meeting net zero commitments. Through our Nuclear Services, we provide essential support to both operational plants and turnkey projects covering the full design cycle – from concept to final commissioning, allowing invaluable experience to be obtained as part of this programme.

As a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice, you’ll be an integral part of our Engineering team, gaining practical experience in delivering projects for customers and directly applying your academic learning to real-world challenges.

Throughout the programme, you will develop expertise in core areas of mechanical engineering, including:

• Defining design requirements and providing technical support throughout the different design stages.
• Developing 3D Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) models to solve real world problems.
• Design for manufacture.
• Performing calculation to demonstrate compliance to customer, national, and international standards and regulations.
• Preparing detailed technical reports.
• Supporting various manufacturing stages - assembly, testing, and commissioning with technical guidance.
• Resolving technical queries and managing nonconformance issues.

This programme is ideal for individuals eager to combine academic study with practical experience, all within a supportive team environment dedicated to excellence.

Your education/training 

You’ll study towards a Level 6 Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing degree apprenticeship through University of the West of England (UWE). This programme blends academic learning with practical application, allowing you to directly implement your studies in your role.

Upon completion, you will hold a BEng in Mechanical Engineering as well as the Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Future prospects  

By the end of the programme, you will have earned your degree and gained the skills, experience and knowledge to thrive as a mechanical engineer. You’ll be well-prepared to advance within the organisation, either into a technical specialty or a broader engineering role. Post-apprenticeship, you can expect a competitive salary above £40,000.

Additionally, you’ll be paired with a mentor from a UK professional engineering body who will support your development and guide you towards achieving professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer.

What you’ll need  

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher (or equivalent) with English and Mathematics at B/6 or higher.
• 3 A Levels in Maths (Grade C or above) and two other STEM subjects, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification e.g. BTEC at Merit or Distinction with a strong mathematical element.
• We value strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills. While academic achievements are important, we place equal emphasis on your attitude and your enthusiasm to be part of our future at Cavendish Nuclear. We’re looking for evidence of genuine interest and passion for building a career as a Mechanical Engineer. 
• 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.