Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship

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

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK is offering a 3.5-year Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship. This programme provides hands-on experience across multiple engineering fields such as mechanical, electrical, and welding. Candidates will engage in a full-time study combined with real-world challenges at HM Naval Base Devonport. Successful apprentices can expect a starting pay exceeding £35,000, with clear progression pathways available within the company.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Minimum 28 days holiday

Competitive pension scheme

Opportunities for personal development

Qualifications

• Valid passport or UK driving licence is required for access.
• Logical thinking and a responsible approach to safety are essential.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a 3.5-year Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship.
• Gain hands-on experience maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet.
• Complete an End-Point Assessment for certification.

Skills

Health and safety

Planning and documentation

Diagnostic methods

Interpreting engineering drawings

Problem-solving aptitude

Education

At least three GCSEs at grade C/4 or above

Job description

Program Overview

Ready to learn a skilled trade? Join our 3.5‑year Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship and develop specialist engineering trade skills while gaining hands‑on experience maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet.

Trade Routes

• Mechanical fitting – trained on hand and machine tools to identify faults and return equipment to working condition; involved in installation, commissioning, maintenance, and repair of engines, pumps, valves, hydraulics and potentially complex weapon or nuclear reactor systems.
• Electrical fitting – learn to read engineering drawings and specifications, rebuild, test, maintain electrical equipment; install, connect and aid commissioning of complex circuits on warships and nuclear submarines, and maintain cables and machinery essential to daily site operation.
• Fabricating – manufacture components and build ship structures (hull, shell, deck, bulkheads, seats, frames, girders); outfit steelwork components; perform tack welding and use thermal cutting, power tools, and metalworking machinery.
• Welding – master MIG, MMA, TIG and MAG processes, progress to Class 1 certification; apply skills to structural components on submarines and warships both in factory and on‑the‑water.
• CNC Machining – produce precision components on CNC turning and milling machines using CAD/CAM software and 3‑D models to meet engineering drawings.
• Pipefitting – fabricate and install low and high‑pressure pipe systems (water, air, hydraulics, steam, fuel); interpret drawings, weld and brazing, work on ships, submarines and dockyard service systems.

Key Skills & Knowledge Areas

• Health and safety
• Planning and documentation
• Engineering mathematical and scientific principles
• Methods and techniques
• Structure, properties and characteristics of materials
• Diagnostic methods to overcome problems
• Interpreting engineering drawings and data
• Adhering to and refining processes and procedures

Requirements

Prerequisites include a valid passport or UK driving licence (for Devonport Dockyard access). You must hold at least three GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including English, Maths and a science or technology subject. Logical thinking, problem‑solving aptitude and a responsible approach to safety and quality assurance are essential.

Many apprenticeship programmes are subject to security clearance restrictions. Eligibility for this programme requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.

Programme Structure

Year 1: Full‑time study at City College Plymouth, focusing on fundamental engineering. CNC‑machining specialists will attend full‑time for six months.

Years 2 and 3: College one day a week, with the remaining four days in the dockyard at HM Naval Base Devonport. Rotational exposure to real‑world engineering challenges alongside experienced professionals.

Completion: The apprenticeship ends with an End‑Point Assessment. Successful completion awards a nationally recognised Level 3 certificate in your chosen trade.

Future Prospects

After the programme you become a qualified Engineering Technician, specialising in your chosen field. You are expected to stay in this role for three years to deepen experience and then can apply for higher education or other roles within the organisation. Pay typically exceeds £35,000, and progression pathways are mapped out through the Babcock Role Framework.

Benefits

• 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
• Opportunities to participate in STEM outreach and volunteering activities
• Access to the Apprentice Development Programme with digital and face‑to‑face sessions covering wellbeing, performance, and career support