Engineering Design Apprenticeship

Babcock International; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is seeking an Engineering Design Apprentice to join their Waterfront and Design Team. This role involves supporting various projects within the Royal Navy's submarine fleet, including generating CAD drawings and assisting in structural validation. The apprenticeship focuses on providing practical experience alongside a recognized qualification. Salary starts at around £30,000 annually, with potential career progression into Draughtsperson and design roles.

Benefits

Personal development training

28 days holiday allowance

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share scheme

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn and apply engineering principles.
• Ability to create and interpret CAD drawings.
• Strong communication skills for interdisciplinary collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Support a range of projects within the Royal Navy's submarine fleet.
• Assist with CAD drawings and structural validation surveys.
• Contribute to design reviews and assurance activities.

Skills

2D and 3D CAD skills

communication skills

team collaboration

Education

Level 3 Engineering Design Technician Apprenticeship

Job description

Job Overview

As an Engineering Design Apprentice, you'll be part of our Waterfront and Design Team, supporting a range of projects across the Royal Navy's submarine fleet. The team is part of a 200-strong engineering community responsible for capability upgrades, defect investigations, safety assessments and specialist analysis - all of which help ensure submarine safety and availability for the UK’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent. Every day is different as you cover a wide variety of design‑related activities. You'll create 2D and 3D computer‑aided design (CAD) drawings, assist with spatial and structural validation surveys onboard submarines, and contribute to design reviews and assurance activities.

You'll also gain experience in using engineering documentation, understanding change control and developing the communication skills needed to work with engineers across multiple disciplines. Every project you support plays a vital part in protecting people and assets. The design information you help to create and maintain will contribute directly to the continued safety, reliability and performance of the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet.

Education & Training

Your education and training will be structured as a Level 3 Engineering Design Technician Apprenticeship Standard through Train’D Up. Training blends virtual learning with workplace experience and includes live tutor‑led e‑tutorials with regular feedback and assessments. By the end of the programme you will have achieved a recognised qualification as a Level 3 Engineering Design Technician and developed the practical experience to apply your learning confidently within a professional design environment.

Future Prospects

Upon completing your apprenticeship you will progress into a Draughtsperson role within the Waterfront and Design Team. From there, your development does not stop. Through the Babcock Role Framework you will have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped‑out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to advance wherever you want to go.

Security Clearance

Many of our apprenticeship programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship or residence 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).

A newly qualified Draughtsperson at Babcock currently earns a competitive salary of around £30,000 per annum, with opportunities to grow into positions such as Designer, Senior Designer and Engineer for those who show drive, curiosity and potential.

Personal Development & Perks

• 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 will also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities, which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.