Engineering Trades Apprenticeship

Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.; Helensburgh; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is offering a 4-year Engineering Trades Apprenticeship in Helensburgh. Candidates will gain hands-on experience and develop specialist engineering trade skills while contributing to key maintenance projects for the Royal Navy's fleet. The program includes comprehensive training in mechanical, electrical, or fabrication trades, culminating in a qualification as an Engineering Technician. The apprenticeship leads to a competitive salary of £38,461 post-completion, with opportunities for higher-level qualifications.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Minimum 28 days holiday allowance

Employee share scheme

Qualifications

• National Level 5 qualifications in Mathematics, English, and a Science or technical subject, with grades A–C required.
• Two additional qualifications at National Level 4 or 5 (or above), with grades A–C needed.
• Eligibility for Security Clearance may be required.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to maintenance of ships, submarines, and infrastructure.
• Gain hands-on experience in various engineering trade skills.
• Participate in training both on-site and at West College Scotland.

Skills

Health and safety

Engineering mathematical principles

Interpreting engineering drawings

Diagnostic methods

Education

National Level 5 qualifications in Mathematics, English, and a Science

Two additional qualifications at National Level 4 or 5

Job description

Engineering Trades Apprenticeship

Location: Faslane, Helensburgh, GB, G84 8HL

Onsite or Hybrid: OnSite

Programme title: Engineering Trades Apprenticeship

Salary: £16,000, rising annually to £38,461 post-apprenticeship

Ready to learn a skilled trade? On our 4‑year Engineering Trades Apprenticeship, you’ll develop specialist engineering trade skills and gain hands‑on experience maintaining the Royal Navy's fleet.

About the programme

This is no ordinary engineering apprenticeship. Our engineering technicians are at the forefront of maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet.

As an Engineering Technician Apprentice, you'll contribute to the maintenance, upgrades and repairs of ships, submarines and infrastructure at HM Naval Base Clyde.

You’ll work on a variety of projects including the Vanguard and Astute‑Class nuclear submarines. You’ll also provide support to facilities management, helping keep the naval base running safely and efficiently.

This varied and exciting programme covers Mechanical, Electrical and Fabrication trades. You'll be assigned one of these trade routes to specialise in.

Find out more about each of the trades below. You’ll be asked to indicate your preferences during the recruitment process.

Mechanical Fitting

You’ll be trained to use a variety of hand and machine tools whilst learning how to identify faults and return equipment to working condition. You’ll be involved in the installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair of a wide range of equipment including engines, pumps, valves and hydraulic equipment. You could even work on complex weapon systems and nuclear reactor systems.

Electrical Fitting

You’ll learn how to use electrical engineering drawings and specifications to strip, rebuild, test and maintain a wide range of electrical equipment and machinery. You’ll gain knowledge and practical skills that will enable you to install, connect and assist in the commission of complex electrical circuits which could see you work on projects such as warships and nuclear submarines. You will also help to maintain the vast network of cables and machinery that is essential to the daily running of the site.

Fabricating

You will manufacture a wide range of components and construct minor and major ship structures such as the hull, shell, deck, bulkheads, seats, frames and girders using a range of metals. You’ll be trained in outfitting steelwork components, including the installation of doors, auxiliary seating, ladders, hatches and platforms. You will also learn to tack weld using different welding processes and will be trained to use thermal cutting equipment, power tools and metalworking machinery.

Wherever you find yourself, you'll gain knowledge and skills in:

• 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

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you will receive training both on‑site and at West College Scotland. You'll study core engineering principles plus develop specialist skills in mechanical, electrical or fabrication.

Your formal qualifications will be achieved progressively over the course of the programme, as outlined below:

• Year 1: Full‑time at West College Scotland
  • SVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF Level 5
  • National Certificate in your chosen discipline/trade route – Year 1
• Year 2: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde and 1 day per week at West College Scotland
  • SVQ Diploma in your assigned engineering discipline/trade route at SCQF Level 7
  • National Certificate in your chosen discipline/trade route – Year 2
• Years 3–4: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde (if progressing to HNC) and 1 day per week at West College Scotland
  • SVQ Diploma in your assigned engineering discipline/trade route at SCQF Level 7
  • HNC in your chosen discipline/trade route at SCQF Level 7

Upon successfully completing the programme, you’ll become a qualified Engineering Technician, specialising in your chosen field (mechanical fitting, electrical fitting or fabricating). In this role, you can expect to earn a competitive salary of £38,461.

You may also have the opportunity to undertake higher‑level qualifications to further your career within Babcock across a variety of roles and functions.

What you’ll need

• National Level 5 qualifications (or equivalent) in Mathematics, English, and a Science or technical subject, with grades A–C.
• Two additional qualifications at National Level 4 or 5 (or above), with grades A–C.
• 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 will 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.

Application process and closing dates

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.