Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Babcock International; Hessle; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded qualification

Personal development training

28 days holiday including bank

Pension scheme

Employee share scheme

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Cavendish Nuclear, part of Babcock, offers a 5-year Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship starting Sep 2027 at Humberside. You will study for a BEng (Hons) in Electro‑mechanical Engineering while gaining hands-on experience on nuclear new build and decommissioning projects.

You'll use CAD, 3D modelling, mechanical calculations, and produce engineering drawings to national and international standards, shadow engineers, and build toward Incorporated Engineer registration as you progress.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including Maths, English and Science.
• UCAS points: 104 with Maths and Physics or STEM at grade C.
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM in Engineering including Maths units.
• Access Course: 104 points including 15 Level 3 credits in Maths and Physics or STEM at Merit.
• IB Diploma: 104 points from Higher Level incl Maths and Physics or STEM.
• T Level: Merit including Maths and Physics.
• IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component lower than 5.5.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on CAD work, 3D modelling, mechanical calculations, and engineering documentation to national/international standards.
• Define design requirements, develop 3D CAD models, produce detailed drawings, and perform scoping calculations.
• Support assembly, testing, and operations teams; manage plant/equipment obsolescence; resolve nonconformances.

Education

GCSEs: 5 passes at grade 4 (C) or above including Maths, English and Science

UCAS points: 104 with Maths & Physics or STEM at grade C

BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM in Engineering including Maths units

Access Course: 104 points incl 15 Level 3 credits in Maths/Physics/STEM at Merit

IB Diploma: 104 points in Higher Level incl Maths/Physics/STEM

T Level: Merit incl Maths & Physics

IELTS: 6.0 overall, no component < 5.5

Tools

CAD

Job description

Programme title: Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
Level: 6

Year 1: 23,598

Year 2: 26,903

Year 3: 30,208

Year 4: 33,513

Year 5: 37,025

Location: Humberside

Application closing date: 8th December 2026

Programme start date: September 2027

Role ID: 74994

Join our Cavendish Nuclear business and build a career that truly matters. Over this 5-year programme, you'll study towards a BEng (Hons) in Electro-mechanical Engineering 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.

About the programme

As a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice at Cavendish Nuclear, you'll join a collaborative and experienced team working across all phases of the engineering lifecycle. Whether you're supporting new build or decommissioning projects, you'll play a vital role in the UK's civil nuclear sector 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.

As part of your role, you'll define design requirements, develop 3D CAD models, produce detailed engineering drawings, and carry out scoping calculations. You'll also prepare equipment specifications, technical reports, and help manage plant and equipment obsolescence to ensure systems remain safe and reliable. Supporting assembly, testing, and operational teams, you'll 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 Humberside, you'll support major projects at locations like Sellafield. You'll begin by shadowing experienced engineers, building a strong foundation in design, modelling, calculations, and documentation. As you develop, you'll take on more complex tasks and gain valuable experience 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

You'll study with the University of Nottingham through the Electro‑mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship - a five-year programme that combines university teaching with practical experience in the workplace. Each year, you'll attend university for four separate one‑week blocks, plus additional time on campus for exams. These sessions are designed to strengthen your technical knowledge and build your engineering skills.

For the rest of the year, you'll continue learning while working. You'll watch recorded lectures, complete assignments, and carry out projects that relate directly to your job. This flexible approach means you can study at times that suit your schedule, while applying what you learn in real‑world situations.

At the end of the programme, you'll graduate with a BEng (Hons) inElectro‑mechanical Engineering. You'll then move on to a final review and assessment, completing your apprenticeship and stepping into your career as a qualified electro‑mechanical engineer.

Future prospects

By the end of the programme, you will have earned your degree and gained the skills, experience and knowledge to thrive as a Mechanical Engineer at Cavendish Nuclear.

You'll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence.

As a global organisation, Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth, we've introduced the Babcock Role Framework, which outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks, you'll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

What you'll need

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including Maths, English and Science, plus one of the following:
  • 104 UCAS points including A Levels in Maths and Physics or another STEM subject at grade C
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM in Engineering including Maths units
  • Pass Access Course: 104 points including 15 Level 3 credits in Maths and Physics or STEM at Merit
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma: 104 points from Higher Level subjects including Higher Level 6 in Maths and Physics or STEM
  • T Level: Merit including Maths and Physics
  • IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component lower than 5.5
• Many of our 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 and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels'

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
• 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 important information

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there's a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.

We're a Disability Confident Employer.

We're committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone's free to thrive.