Electro-Mechanical Degree Apprenticeship

weServed; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

weServed’s Electro-Mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship offers a 5-year programme at Devonport Dockyard, starting in September 2027. You will work on submarine commissioning and lifting equipment, gaining hands-on electrical and mechanical experience.

You will study for a BEng, with four weeks annually at the University of Warwick and on-site placements. The programme emphasizes BPSS/SC clearance and real-world project exposure, with salary growth beyond £42,000 at completion.

Qualifications

• Minimum five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including Maths and English.
• Combination of A-levels in Mathematics/Physical Science or equivalent.
• Security clearance eligibility (BPSS/SC) required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in commissioning nuclear submarines and mechanical handling assets.
• Learn electrical and mechanical design from concept to manufacturing.
• Develop skills in drawing, calculations, specifications, and reporting.

Skills

GCSEs (Maths & English)

Electrical & Mechanical basics

Problem solving

Education

Maths & Physics A-levels or equivalent

Tech-related diploma/IB/GCSE equivalents

Tools

BPSS clearance

Job description

Programme title:Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Level: 6

Salary: Starting at £27,381, with annual salary increases throughout the apprenticeship programme.

Location:Devonport, Plymouth

Application closing date: 8th December 2026

Programme start date: September 2027

Role ID: 74971

Want a role that combines mechanical and electrical engineering skills to help solve some of the most complex and unique engineering challenges in UK defence technology? Our 5-year Electro-Mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship is a rare opportunity to contribute to the commissioning of nuclear submarines or work on the cranes and lifting equipment that support them across Devonport Dockyard.

About the programme

This Level 6 apprenticeship will give you practical, real-world experience working on electrical and mechanical systems across our Submarine Commissioning Group or the Mechanical Handling Group.

You'll work on the commissioning of nuclear submarines or work on all technical aspects of the Mechanical Handling assets across site, learning how to perform critical tasks such as system installation, operation, and maintenance, alongside fault diagnosis and rectification.

We’ll help you build fundamental skills such as drawing, calculations, specifications, scheduling and reporting. Working with teams from other engineering departments, you’ll also learn the fundamentals of electrical and mechanical design, from concept through to manufacturing.

Throughout the programme, you’ll undertake a series of placements to give you a breadth of experience in all areas of Electro-Mechanical Engineering, supporting you to achieve professional registration.

Your education/training

When you successfully complete your apprenticeship, you’ll have earned a BEng in Electro-Mechanical Engineering.

Your training will take place through a mixture of classroom learning and work placements. Each year you’ll spend four weeks at the University of Warwick for theoretical and practical training (attendance at the University for face-to-face sessions is mandatory), with the rest of your time spent onsite at Devonport Royal Dockyard within our Submarine Commissioning Group or Mechanical Handling Group.

Future prospects

At the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have earned a BEng in Electro-Mechanical Engineering and gained valuable work experience in a highly technical and complex environment. This will put you on par with peers who have completed our graduate programme and are progressing towards taking their roles of responsibility.

At this stage, you can expect a salary exceeding £42,000 per annum.

What you’ll need

• You’ll need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including Mathematics and English or equivalent. Plus, one of the following:
  • A-level at Grade A or above in Mathematics and a Physical Science (Chemistry, Geology, Physics & Astronomy), plus an A in one other A-level subject.
  • EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma DDD in one of the following subjects: Aeronautical Engineering, Applied Science, Construction and the Built Environment, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Engineering, Land-based Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Operations and Maintenance Engineering. This must include gaining a Distinction in one of the following units: Further Engineering Mathematics or Further Mathematics for Construction. Please list the units that you are taking in your application.
  • Access: Achievement of the HE Diploma, to include 30 Level 3 Credits at Distinction including 15 in Mathematics and 15 in another science of technology subject. Please list the units that you are taking in your application.
  • Baccalaureate IB: To include a minimum grade of 5 in higher level Mathematics and Physics, and a 4 or above at higher level in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Environmental Systems and Societies.
• Please note that a successful application for this apprenticeship is dependent on acceptance by our chosen University provider.
• Many of our 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 and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels.
• Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.

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 important information

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.

Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.

We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

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