Nuclear Health Physics Monitor Apprenticeship

Babcock International; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company is offering a Nuclear Health Physics Monitor Apprenticeship in Plymouth. This 3-year program provides on-the-job training and classroom learning, leading to a nationally recognized qualification. Candidates must have GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above and be willing to work in shifts. You'll earn a competitive salary while ensuring safety in high-security environments.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Minimum 28 days holiday allowance

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share scheme

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above required.
• Ability to achieve BPSS and SC clearance is essential.

Responsibilities

• Train as a Nuclear Health Physics Monitor.
• Develop safety skills for working with ionising radiation.
• Participate in classroom learning and hands-on training.

Skills

GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above

Willingness to undertake shift work

Education

Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English

Job description

Programme title: Nuclear Health Physics Monitor Apprenticeship

Level: 2

Salary: £31,229

Location: Devonport, Plymouth

Application closing date: 4th December 2025

Programme start date: September 2026

About the programme

Looking for a unique and rewarding career that puts the safety of people and the environment first? As a Nuclear Health Physics Monitor Apprentice, you’ll train to become part of a vital team protecting those who work with ionising radiation. This 3-year apprenticeship and training programme offers you the opportunity to earn while you learn in a specialist field that plays a crucial role in the UK’s nuclear operations.

In this rewarding role, you’ll join the Health Physics Operations Group (HPOG) at HM Royal Naval Dockyard Devonport – the largest naval base in Western Europe – where you’ll work alongside experienced professionals to develop critical safety skills and knowledge.

From the start, your time will be split between classroom learning at a dedicated training facility in Royal William Yard and hands-on work across operational areas of the dockyard. The programme includes a pre-course safety induction and training, a 4-week Health Physics fundamentals New Entrant course, and 19 training modules delivered over the 36 months. These cover all aspects of radiological implicated work, assessments and monitoring techniques, as well as contingency and emergency response.

Throughout your training, you’ll learn to detect radiation dose rates, identify contamination, test monitoring equipment and take the right actions to protect people, plant and the environment. As part of a 24/7 team, your role helps ensure everyone’s safety in high-security environments – making a meaningful difference every day.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you will study toward the Level 2 Nuclear Health Physics Monitor Apprenticeship Standard.

All your training and assessment will take place either onsite at Devonport or at the training facility in Royal William Yard, supported by Babcock's specialist Health Physics trainers and assessors. Upon successful completion of the End Point Assessment, you’ll gain an industry-recognised qualification.

Future prospects

By the end of your training, you’ll be a fully qualified Health Physics Monitor, with a nationally recognised qualification and competitive starting salary of over £34,000.

As you continue your career, you could progress through the Health Physics Succession Planning Programme, which supports development into leadership roles within the Health Physics Operations Group. Many Health Physics Monitors go on to become Health Physics Shift Mangers, Senior Specialist Trainers (Health Physics) or Health Physics Operation Managers.

What you’ll need

• GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above, or Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English.
• Willingness to undertake shift work, including day and night shifts on a five-week rotation (which attracts an additional pay allowance).
• 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.

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

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 closing dates

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.