Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

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

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is offering a Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in Bristol. Over four years, apprentices will study for a BEng (Hons) while working on nuclear projects, gaining hands-on experience in design, modelling, and engineering documentation. The role offers growth in a supportive environment with a competitive starting salary exceeding £43,000.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Minimum 28 days holiday allowance

Employee share scheme

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Must complete a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Security clearance required for eligibility.
• Must achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

Responsibilities

• Support design requirements and develop 3D CAD models.
• Resolve technical issues affecting projects.
• Assist with the documentation to national standards.

Skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Computer-aided design (CAD)

Mechanical calculations

Education

112 UCAS points including maths and physics

Five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above

Tools

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software

CAD software

Job description

Overview

Join our Cavendish Nuclear business and build a career that truly matters. Over this 4-year programme, you’ll study towards a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing while gaining hands-on experience on initiatives that support the safe delivery of nuclear new build and decommissioning projects. It provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in the nuclear industry.

Programme title: Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship — Level: 6

Location: Bristol

Role ID: 67222

Location: Bristol, UK

Onsite or Hybrid: OnSite

Responsibilities

As a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice at Cavendish Nuclear, you’ll join a collaborative and experienced team working across all phases of the engineering lifecycle. You’ll support new build or decommissioning projects, helping to deliver national energy resilience, meet net zero commitments, and safely clean up the nuclear legacy. You’ll work on a variety of nuclear projects, from developing new technologies and maintaining essential systems to extending the life of vital infrastructure. Your day-to-day activities will include hands-on experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD), 3D modelling, mechanical calculations, and producing engineering documentation to national and international standards. You’ll support operational teams, resolve technical issues, and inform decisions that impact real-world outcomes. You’ll define design requirements, develop 3D CAD models, produce detailed engineering drawings, carry out scoping calculations, prepare equipment specifications and technical reports, and help manage plant and equipment obsolescence to ensure systems remain safe and reliable. You’ll support assembly, testing, and operational teams, offer technical guidance, resolve engineering queries, and manage nonconformance issues, while gaining exposure to advanced engineering tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software. Based at one of our key sites in Bristol, you’ll support major projects at locations like Sellafield. You’ll begin by shadowing experienced engineers, build a strong foundation in design, modelling, calculations, and documentation, and gradually take on more complex tasks across the full design lifecycle.

Every drawing, design, or calculation you contribute to plays a part in protecting people, the environment, and the nation’s energy future. Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll be surrounded by supportive mentors and experienced engineers who are invested in your growth. You’ll be part of a wider emerging talent community, sharing experiences and learning alongside other apprentices across the business. You’ll be trusted to take ownership of your development and supported every step of the way as you turn theory into real-world impact.

Your education/training

As part of the Level 6 Manufacturing Engineer (Degree) Apprenticeship, you’ll work towards a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing from the University of the West of England (UWE), accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

In your first year, you’ll attend Weston College for two to two and a half days per week. From your second year onwards, you’ll study at UWE’s Frenchay Campus one day per week.

This course is designed to support your academic development while enabling you to apply your learning in a practical, real-world setting. You’ll develop key skills in creative problem solving, manufacturing management, computer-aided design (CAD), modelling and simulation, teamwork, and innovation.

By the end of the programme, you’ll be ready to take on a role as a Structural and System Integrity Engineer, with a starting salary of over £43,000. You’ll also have the opportunity to progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence. As a global organisation, Babcock provides opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. The Babcock Role Framework outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities, giving a transparent view of steps to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

What you’ll need

Qualifications

• A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Mathematics (or equivalent, such as Functional Skills Level 2).
• 112 UCAS points, including one of the following:
• A Levels: Grade C in Mathematics and Physics, plus a pass in another STEM subject
• BTEC Diploma in a relevant engineering field, with Merit in specific maths units
• Access to HE Diploma: 30 Level 3 credits at Merit, including 15 in Maths and 15 in another science or tech subject
• International Baccalaureate: Grade 5 in higher level Maths and Physics, plus a pass in another relevant subject
• Irish Highers: H2 in Maths and Physics, plus a pass in another relevant subject
• T Levels: Grade C in A-Level Maths plus your T Level at Merit in an engineering T-Level discipline
• Please note that successful application is dependent on acceptance by UWE.
• Many of our apprenticeship programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which may impact eligibility. 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.

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 apprentices find rewarding.

It’s hard to beat the variety of opportunities and business experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will 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

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.