Higher Level Engineering Apprenticeship

Babcock International; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Plymouth is offering an engineering apprenticeship that encompasses diverse disciplines like mechanical, electrical, and naval architecture. You will be involved in creating technical documentation and working closely with design teams. The program provides on-site training and the opportunity to earn a Level 4 Engineering Maintenance Technician certificate. Benefits include a minimum of 28 days holiday and a competitive pension scheme, ensuring you gain valuable experience and skills for your future career.

Benefits

Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share scheme

Flexible benefits including cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• You must complete a HNC in Engineering during the apprenticeship.
• Ability to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Create or update technical documentation, reports, or specifications.
• Work closely with engineering design teams.
• Participate in various engineering disciplines during training.

Skills

Data analysis and interpretation

Project Management

Problem-solving

Lean tools and techniques

Computer-based software system/packages

Documentation control

Financial planning

Communication and stakeholder management

Education

5 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English and Maths

3 A-Levels (or equivalent) at grade C or above, including Maths and a Science or Technology-based subject

Job description

Whichever discipline you choose to specialise in you'll tend to have a multi‑disciplinary understanding. You'll be responsible for creating or updating technical documentation, reports, or specifications that include information on quality, reliability, production schedules, costing, and more. This could include setting out how a product must be designed, manufactured, tested, modified, maintained, stored, transported, commissioned, or decommissioned - all within a predominantly office‑based role. You'll find out more about each of the disciplines below. As part of the interview, you will be asked to select your first and second preferred engineering discipline choice and explain your reasons for choosing it. This helps us understand your interests, motivations, and how your strengths align with the role.

Naval Architecture

You will be trained to use your skill and knowledge to analyse and design various aspects of floating vessels and structures, from nuclear submarines to floating work platforms. You will work closely with engineering design teams to make sure that designs are safe, seaworthy and cost‑effective. You'll prepare design plans using computer software and check and test specifications using computer simulations and 3D models.

Electrical

You may draw up project plans and circuit diagrams using computer‑assisted engineering and design software, estimate costs and project timings, coordinate the work of technicians and our industrial staff and be involved in test installations and systems, as well as analysing test data.

Mechanical

You will understand engineering principles such as mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics, enabling you to design and analyse many types of mechanical systems. You'll be proficient in computer‑aided design (CAD) software and may create detailed models and simulations for product development, and you'll experience plenty of hands‑on experience and problem‑solving exercises to hone your creative thinking.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Data analysis and interpretation - Extracting, analysing, and interpreting engineering and manufacturing data to draw accurate conclusions and make informed decisions.
• Project Management - Utilising project management tools for effective decision‑making and risk assessment.
• Problem‑solving - Applying problem‑solving techniques such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA) and more, to identify root causes and enhance quality.
• Lean tools and techniques - Utilising lean tools and techniques such as Six Sigma and 8 Wastes to drive efficiency and minimise waste.
• Computer‑based software system/packages - Utilising Computer Aided Design (CAD), Data Analytics, and Databases.
• Documentation control - Ensuring compliance with quality standards through proper documentation and processes.
• Financial planning - Undertaking financial planning, recording, and review processes and documentation such as departmental budgets, estimating, cost control and cost forecasting.
• Communication and stakeholder management - Communicating findings through various media, including presentations and reports.

Throughout the apprenticeship, you'll have the chance to work at various locations on our site, gaining valuable insights into all our operations. It’s a dynamic work environment, where every day brings new opportunities. From conducting external supplier inspections to driving efficiencies on our production shop floor, or even overseeing internal and external audits – your day will be filled with meaningful contributions.

Your education / training: In the first year, you’ll spend your time at college, followed by one day per week in the second and third years, with the remaining four days on site. The fourth year will be dedicated to on‑site training. During your apprenticeship, you’ll have the opportunity to earn a HNC in Engineering. After successfully completing the apprenticeship End‑Point Assessment, you’ll receive a nationally recognised certificate as a Level 4 Engineering Maintenance Technician.

Future prospects: Upon successfully completing the programme, you’ll become a qualified Engineering Technician, specialising in your chosen field (mechanical, electrical or naval architecture). You’ll be expected to stay within this role for one‑year post‑completion to help you gain further experience, consolidate your skills, and contribute meaningfully to your team before applying for other roles within the organisation. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped‑out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 (or equivalent) including English and Maths.
• 3 A‑Levels (or equivalent) at grade C or above, including Maths and a Science or Technology‑based subject.
• 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).

Personal Development Training and Opportunities

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

Benefits

• 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.