Engineering Support Technician Apprenticeship

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

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Plymouth is offering an Engineering Support Technician apprenticeship aimed at training individuals in naval engineering. This role involves analyzing engineering drawings and specifications while gaining hands-on experience at the Devonport Dockyard. Apprentices will study for a Level 3 qualification and enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, with opportunities for progression post-apprenticeship. Security clearance will be required for entry.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

28 days holiday allowance

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share scheme

Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Requires good communication abilities for teamwork and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Analyse and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Learn project planning and delivery within the dockyard.
• Report on processes and apply problem-solving for efficiency.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above

Job description

Our 4-year Engineering Support Technician Apprenticeship is a great opportunity to start your career in engineering while supporting some of the most advanced naval vessels in the world. Based at Devonport Royal Dockyard, you'll gain the skills and experience needed to keep the Royal Navy's fleet operational and ready for action.

Responsibilities

Your role will focus on analysing, reviewing and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications and materials, while learning how projects are planned and delivered across the dockyard. The work is primarily office‑based but includes regular visits to ships, submarines and workshops, giving you a close‑up view of how complex engineering programmes come to life. You'll learn how to report on processes, interpret data and apply problem‑solving skills to improve efficiency and safety. Over time, you'll build your knowledge of engineering principles, materials, diagnostics, planning and documentation, all while gaining a real appreciation of the precision and teamwork that drive naval engineering.

Education and Training

As part of your apprenticeship, you'll study for the Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Apprenticeship Standard through City College Plymouth. You'll spend your first year full‑time at college, building your practical engineering knowledge and hands‑on skills. From your second year onwards, you'll combine work and study, spending four days a week in the dockyard and one day at college. Your final year will be spent entirely at Devonport, applying what you've learned to real engineering projects. At the end of the programme, you'll complete your End Point Assessment and gain a nationally recognised qualification as a Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including Maths, English and a Science or Technology subject.
• Upon programme completion, you can expect to earn a competitive salary exceeding £36,000.
• After 12 months of apprenticeship completion, candidates who consistently excel, demonstrate exceptional commitment, and go above and beyond in their role may be considered for higher education pathways on an individual basis, subject to discussion with their line manager and business needs.
• There are progression routes across Babcock in areas such as design, project management, planning and operations.
• 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

• 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.
• STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.
• Automatic enrolment onto the Apprentice Development Programme, which includes digital and face‑to‑face sessions led by wellbeing and performance experts and external partners to help you thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.