Fire Engineer Apprenticeship

Babcock International; Helensburgh; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is offering a Fire Engineer Apprenticeship based at HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland. This four-year program allows apprentices to earn while they learn, gain industry-recognized qualifications, and work on significant infrastructure projects vital to the Royal Navy. The role provides an extensive training pathway including onsite and college education, focusing on fire safety compliance and engineering competencies. Great benefits, including a funded qualification and development opportunities, are offered, alongside real-world engineering experiences.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Minimum 28 days holiday allowance

Competitive pension scheme

Flexible benefits including bike to work scheme

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Contribute to planning and provide expert consultation on projects.
• Ensure fire safety compliance during design, construction, and post-handover.
• Participate in a £250 million investment programme.

Skills

Mathematics

English

Science or technical subject

Education

National Level 5 qualifications in Mathematics, English, and a Science or technical subject

Two additional qualifications at National Level 4 or 5 or above

Job description

Programme title: Fire Engineer Apprenticeship

Level: SCQF Level 7

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

Location: HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: August 2026

Role ID: 67874

Ready to start a rewarding career in engineering? Our 4-year Fire Engineer Apprenticeship offers the chance to earn while you learn, gain industry‑recognised qualifications, and play a vital role in supporting the Royal Navy’s fleet at HM Naval Base Clyde.

About the programme

This is no ordinary engineering apprenticeship. As a Fire Engineer Apprentice at HM Naval Base Clyde, you will play a vital role in shaping and safeguarding critical infrastructure. You’ll contribute to planning and provide expert consultation on construction and refurbishment projects across the site, ensuring fire safety compliance at every stage – design, construction, and post‑handover. Your input will have a direct impact on project budgets and timelines, particularly when upgrades or design changes are required to meet fire safety standards.

You’ll be part of a £250 million investment programme to modernise Clyde’s infrastructure, preparing it to accommodate the next generation of nuclear submarines and securing its position at the heart of the UK’s defence strategy for decades to come. At Clyde, Babcock plays a central role in supporting the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet and surface vessels, delivering engineering excellence, infrastructure management, and nuclear facility operations. As an apprentice, you’ll gain hands‑on experience across these critical areas while developing specialist skills that will set you apart in the industry.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you will receive training both on‑site and at college. 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 (SCQF Level 5) in Performing Engineering Operations
  • NC Engineering Systems – 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 Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
  • NC Engineering Systems – Year 2
• Years 3–4: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde (if progressing to HNC) and 1 day per week at Glasgow Kelvin College
  • SVQ Diploma in Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
  • HNC Building Services - Year 1 – in 3rd Year of Apprenticeship and Year 2 – in 4th year of apprenticeship

Future prospects

Through a combination of classroom learning and onsite training you’ll develop well‑rounded engineering competencies and behaviours, preparing you for life in industry. At the end of your programme, you'll be a well‑rounded professional ready to take on the role of a Fire Engineer at Babcock.

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’ll provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.

• 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

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

Your career development

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.