Electro-Mechanical Degree Apprenticeship

Cooper & Hall Limited; Plymouth; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded qualification

Personal development training

28 days holiday including bank hols

Pension scheme

Employee share scheme

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Cooper & Hall Limited seeks a Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineer Apprentice to support commissioning activities at Devonport Dockyard. You will gain hands-on experience across submarine commissioning and mechanical handling assets while studying at Warwick University.

The programme combines classroom learning with site placements, aiming to produce a BEng in Electro-Mechanical Engineering and professional registration upon completion.

Qualifications

• Minimum five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above including Maths and English.
• A-levels in Maths and a Physical Science (Chemistry/Physics) with top grades, or an engineering-related BTEC/IB.
• Alternative routes: HE Diploma with relevant credits or IB with required Maths/Physics.
• Security clearance requirements BPSS/SC and UK-national eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Assist with system installation, operation and maintenance of electro-mechanical systems.
• Contribute to commissioning of nuclear submarines and mechanical handling assets.
• Learn electrical and mechanical design principles from concept to manufacturing.
• Complete placements across groups to gain breadth of experience and professional registration.

Skills

GCSEs including Maths & English

Maths & Physical Science A-levels

BTEC/HND in Engineering

Security clearance BPSS/SC

Education

A-levels in Mathematics and Physical Science

BTEC Diploma in Engineering or related

IB Diploma with Maths/Physics

Job description

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

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.