Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Babcock Mission Critical Services España SA.; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A major engineering firm in Bristol is seeking candidates for a Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. This 4-year program offers a fully funded BEng (Hons) qualification while gaining hands-on experience in critical engineering projects for the UK's defence sector. Candidates should have strong mathematics skills, relevant A-levels, and a desire to contribute to the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet. The role also ensures a competitive starting salary upon completion.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Personal development training

Minimum 28 days holiday allowance

Employee share scheme

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum of tariff points: 112.
• GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics or equivalent.
• A-level subjects: Grade C in Mathematics plus a pass in another subject.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural assessments using hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Design and assess structures for explosive shock survivability.
• Conduct platform surveys in naval bases.

Skills

Mathematics

Engineering principles

Analytical skills

Education

BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Ansys

MathCAD

AutoCAD

Job description

Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Help ensure the future strength and safety of the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet. Over this 4-year programme, you’ll join our Submarine Support Engineering team in Bristol where you’ll play a meaningful role in engineering projects that matter, all while gaining a fully funded degree.

About the programme: From the moment you join us, you’ll become part of a team delivering vital engineering support to the UK’s defence sector. Based in the Structures Engineering team within the Submarine Support Engineering (SSE) Constructive Group, you’ll work across a variety of cutting-edge submarine projects that support both in-service platforms and those still in development.

Your typical week could include performing structural assessments, using hand calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA), designing and assessing structures for explosive shock survivability, or conducting platform surveys in Devonport Royal Dockyard and HM Naval Base Clyde. You’ll gain exposure to safety certifications, technical investigations, feasibility studies and capability upgrades that are essential to our nation’s submarine operations.

As well as developing your understanding of platform structures and engineering standards, you’ll begin using industry-standard tools like Ansys, MathCAD and AutoCAD. You’ll be supported every step of the way by experienced mentors who will help you build your confidence, technical skills and professional judgement.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you will study for a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing through the University of the West of England (UWE), accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). In year one, you’ll attend UWE’s Weston campus two days per week. From year two onward, you’ll study one day a week at the Frenchay campus. Your academic learning will cover topics such as thermofluids, structural mechanics, manufacturing technology and simulation, giving you the essential knowledge to complement your work-based learning.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to step into a role within our Structures Engineering Team as a degree-qualified Engineer, with a competitive starting salary of over £39,000. You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.

What you’ll need

• Tariff points: 112
• GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent (we accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths).
• A-level subjects: Grade C or above in Mathematics plus a pass in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computing/Computer Science, Design and Technology, Electronics, Engineering, ICT, Further Mathematics, Music Technology, Physics, Statistics. Points from A-level General Studies and AS-level subjects (not taken onto full A-level) can be included towards overall tariff. You must have a minimum of two A-levels.
• EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: One of the following BTEC Diplomas: Aeronautical Engineering, Applied Science, Construction and the Built Environment, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Engineering, Land-based Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Operations and Maintenance Engineering. Must include Merit in one of the following units: Further Engineering Mathematics or Further Mathematics for Construction. Please list the units that you are taking in your application.
• Access: Achievement of the HE Diploma; to include 30 Level 3 credits at Merit including 15 in Mathematics and 15 in another science or technology subject. Please list the units that you are taking in your application.
• Baccalaureate IB: To include a minimum grade of 5 in higher level Mathematics and a pass at higher level in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies.
• Irish Highers: H2 in Mathematics plus a pass in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, Technology.
• T Levels: Grade C in A-Level Mathematics, in addition to your T Level qualification. If you have or are looking to partially complete your T-Level, you are still required to have the equivalent to 2 full A-Levels as part of our minimum entry requirements. As a result, if you are applying with only the core or occupational specialism, this may be insufficient as a stand-alone qualification.
• 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 Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK.

What you’ll get

We’ll 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

Babcock is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and will not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment or bullying. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection process, please let us know and we will do everything possible to support you.