Higher Level Quality Assurance Apprenticeship

Babcock International; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering services company is offering a Quality Assurance apprenticeship in Plymouth. As an apprentice, you will undertake a two-year program focusing on quality assurance in naval defense projects. Responsibilities include supporting audits, inspecting products, and developing Quality Control Plans. The role requires a minimum of 5 GCSEs and 3 A-Levels. You will receive a fully funded qualification, personal development training, and competitive salary upon completion.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Minimum 28 days holiday allowance

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share scheme

Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• You must have 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4/C or above, including maths and English.
• You need 3 A-Level grades A-C.
• You will study for the Level 4 Quality Practitioner qualification.

Responsibilities

• Support senior quality practitioners in formulating Quality Strategy.
• Perform inspections and tests on parts and products.
• Develop Quality Control Plans and manage supplier relationships.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Problem-solving

Data analysis

Audit planning

Education

5 GCSEs at grade 4/C or above

3 A-Levels grades A-C

Job description

Our Quality Assurance apprentices play a vital role in ensuring that our organisation operates at its best by acting as the 'voice of the customer'. They help maintain the highest standards, identify problems, and recommend improvements to ensure our policies, processes, and products are of the highest standards. As a Quality Assurance apprentice, you will be an integral member of our Quality Management function. You'll be based at HM Naval Base Devonport in Plymouth, with potential opportunities to travel across the UK.

Placements

• Audit
• Supplier Quality
• Operational Quality in production facilities
• On board naval warships or nuclear submarines
• Facilities (Nuclear and Non‑Nuclear)
• Major Infrastructure Projects
• Business Management Systems
• Welding/Non‑Destructive Testing
• Laboratory Services
• Nuclear Facilities Operational Maintenance

Typical day & responsibilities

Depending on your placement, your typical day could include carrying out external supplier inspections, looking for efficiencies or problem‑solving on our production shop floor, or the administration of internal and external audits. Your tasks could include:

• Supporting senior quality practitioners to formulate Quality Strategy
• Inspecting and testing parts and products
• Planning and conducting audits
• Developing Quality Control Plans
• Managing supplier relationships
• Analysing data to identify improvements
• Guiding and supporting others to improve quality competency and performance
• Developing documents to support new projects.

Education & training

You’ll study to become a Level 4 Quality Practitioner which aligns with Chartered Quality Institute Practitioner (PCQI) professional recognition. Your course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the field of quality assurance. Through a mix of theoretical learning and hands‑on application, you’ll gain the tools you need to thrive.

Looking to gain experience in quality assurance across a diverse range of naval defence projects? If so, our 2‑year Higher Level Apprenticeship in Quality Assurance could be the perfect fit for you.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4/C or above, including maths and English, and 3 A‑Levels grades A‑C.
• Upon programme completion, you’ll be ready to step into a Quality Technician or Engineer role with a competitive salary starting from £32,000.

Eligibility & security

• 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

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.