Engineering Operative Apprenticeship

Tussell Limited; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence contractor is offering an Engineering Operative Apprenticeship in Plymouth. This 15-18 month programme provides practical engineering experience across electrical, mechanical, or fabrication disciplines while supporting the Royal Navy's fleet of ships and submarines. Candidates must have good communication skills and ideally GCSEs in Maths and English. Upon completion, apprentices may progress to a Level 3 apprenticeship and earn a competitive salary over £30,000. The role includes a supportive environment for career growth and various benefits.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Personal development training

Minimum 28 days holiday allowance

Employee share scheme

Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Good communication skills are essential.
• A can-do attitude and willingness to learn are important.
• Valid ID required for entry to the dockyard.
• Eligibility for security clearance is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the Royal Navy's fleet of ships and submarines.
• Develop skills in electrical, mechanical, or fabrication disciplines.
• Participate in STEM outreach activities.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Self-motivator

Collaborative team player

Education

GCSEs at grade D/3 in Maths and English

Job description

Are you fascinated by how things work? Our 15-18 month Engineering Operative Apprenticeship will give you practical engineering experience maintaining the Royal Navy's fleet of ships and submarines. You’ll develop vital skills in electrical, mechanical, or fabrication disciplines while contributing to projects that help keep the UK safe.

About the programme

This Level 2 Engineering Operative apprenticeship will build your engineering skills in one of three trade routes: Electrical, Mechanical, or Fabrication. Supporting our Engineering Fitters, we’ll train you in core engineering skills like hand fitting, health and safety and general maintenance.

You’ll also receive specialised training based on the trade route you’re studying. If you’re in Electrical, this could include maintaining electrical equipment and systems, as well as learning to form and assemble electrical cable enclosures and support systems. For Mechanical, you’ll learn how to maintain mechanical devices and equipment, as well as repair mechanical components to bring them back into working condition. If you’re specialising in Fabrication, your training may involve producing sheet metal components and assemblies, or cutting and shaping materials using thermal cutting equipment. No matter which route you take, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet.

As part of the interview, you will be asked to select your first and second preferred trade area (electrical, mechanical or fabrication) and explain your reasons for choosing it. This helps us understand your interests, motivations, and how your strengths align with the role.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll be prepared to step into the role of a Production Support Operative, working alongside mechanical fitters, electrical fitters, or fabricators. In this role, you can expect to earn a competitive salary of over £30,000.

For those who demonstrate the necessary skills, behaviours, and motivation to progress, there may be an opportunity to advance to a Level 3 apprenticeship after an 18-month period following the completion of the initial apprenticeship.

What you’ll need

• GSCEs at grade D/3 in Maths and English would be beneficial, but is not mandatory.
• Excellent communications skills
• A can‑do attitude, a self‑motivator and a collaborative team player.
• Due to ID requirements for entry to the Devonport Dockyard, you will need to provide either a valid passport or a provisional/full UK driving licence. If you do not currently hold one of these forms of ID, we strongly recommend applying in advance to ensure smooth access on your first day.
• 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
• 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.

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.

Training

You will work towards obtaining the Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship standard.

The first four months of your apprenticeship will take place at City College Plymouth, learning the fundamentals of engineering, such as basic hand skills and the use of hand and bench tools. From then on, you’ll spend one day a week at the college and four days at Devonport Dockyard, applying your skills on the job. Ongoing weekly attendance at college may be required for tutorial sessions or to complete Functional Skills in Maths and English if you do not already hold GCSE qualifications.

After your first year, you’ll move to the End Point Assessment (EPA) phase for your final three months. During this time, you’ll complete a portfolio of evidence showcasing your work and skills.

Additional job details

Location: Plymouth

Contract, dates and working times

Full‑time

How to apply

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.

Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 12 March 2026

Don't forget to mention Prospects to employers when you contact them.

Babcock is an international defence company providing support and product solutions to enhance our customers’ defence capabilities and critical assets.

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