Mechanical Design Apprenticeship

Programme title: Mechanical Design Apprenticeship

Level: 4

Salary: 

Year 1: £21,205

Year 2: £24,494

Year 3: £27,782

Year 4: £31,072

Post-apprenticeship: £39,760
Location: Radar Road, Leicester

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Our 4-year Mechanical Design Apprenticeship offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to real-world nuclear engineering projects while developing the knowledge and technical skills to become a confident and capable design professional.

About the programme 

Join our Mechanical Design team and take an active role in delivering practical engineering solutions across the nuclear industry. Our work supports every stage of a power station’s lifecycle – from routine upgrades to complex decommissioning projects.

Throughout the programme, you’ll develop your skills in producing mechanical models and detailed engineering drawings, creating Bills of Materials, and applying technical standards that support safe and compliant designs. There may also be chances to support activities like equipment surveys, prototype development, and manufacturing or testing processes.

You’ll learn alongside experienced professionals and gain insight into how a regulated design environment operates. Placements across other business functions will broaden your perspective and help you build strong working relationships across the organisation.

Every task will help you build confidence and capability, all with the support of mentors and line managers who are there to guide your progress.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll study for the Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Standard through Loughborough College.

You’ll attend college one day per week during term time. Progress reviews with your college assessor and workplace mentor will take place every 12 weeks, with regular opportunities for feedback and development built in.

Future prospects 

Once you complete the programme, you’ll be ready to move into a permanent role as a Mechanical Designer, with the skills, confidence and experience to make a valuable contribution from the outset.

Upon programme completion, you can expect to earn a competitive salary exceeding £39,000.

You’ll also have the opportunity to work toward professional registration, guided by a mentor from a UK engineering institution.

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 

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above including Maths, English and Science.
• Two A Levels including Maths and Physics.
• 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.

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