SDA Technical Nuclear Degree Apprentice Scheme

About the role:

The Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Apprenticeship (ST0289) is a four-year program starting in September 2025, based at MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol. Year One will be full-time college study in the South-West area. After a successful Gateway Interview, you will progress to work-based technical placements and defence-specific nuclear training in locations like Barrow-in-Furness, Bristol, Helensburgh, Plymouth, and Rosyth in Years Two to Four.

During the apprenticeship, you will continue with a foundation degree, with block release college attendance. Upon completing Year Three and another Gateway Interview, you'll receive a permanent contract and move into the final stage to complete your full degree while continuing placements.

After Year Four and successful completion of the End Point Assessment, you'll be offered a role within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, with potential relocation to waterfront locations.

In Year One, you'll attend full-time college and participate in activities at company establishments during holidays. In subsequent years, hybrid and flexible working may be available, but regular workplace attendance is required.

These positions are for UK Nationals only and may require Developed Vetting clearance. You must have the right to reside in the UK and have been a resident in the EEA (or countries with bilateral agreements) for at least three years before starting.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in various professional and personal development opportunities, workshops, and a peer mentoring scheme.
• Engage in structured training and gain experience through several work-based placements, applying nuclear engineering/scientific concepts in a defence environment.
• Year One: Full-time college attendance, with activities at MOD establishments during some holidays.
• Regular workplace attendance due to security and business needs.
• Fixed holiday time during Year One: Two weeks at Christmas and one week at Easter.

Throughout your scheme you will be supported by your Apprentice Manager and Placement Supervisor to reach your full potential and become a valuable asset to the SDA Engineering Function.

In subsequent years: Possible hybrid and flexible working outside college term times. Hybrid and flexible working options can be discussed with your trainee scheme manager.

Requirements

Security

Because of the classification of much of the role, all posts will be open to UK Nationals only.

Please note offers of employment are subject to achieving satisfactory pre-employment and security checks. These include an Occupational Health Assessment and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). As part of this you will need to confirm your identity, employment/education history, nationality and any criminal record (unspent convictions only).

The level of security needed is Security Check (SC) and you should usually have been continuously resident in the UK for 5 years immediately before clearance action commences.

If you have lived overseas or travelled extensively during this period, it may affect the length of time to obtain full security clearance and this may affect your offer of employment. It is essential that ALL requests for information are completed fully and timely, as incomplete information may result in significant delays. Offers of employment are also subject to candidates achieving acceptable grades where predicted.

You must demonstrate the following essential criteria:

1. 5 GCSEs at grade C to A* or Grades 4 - 9 including English Language, Mathematics, and a Science / Engineering subject plus two additional subjects.

In addition, you will need to hold one of the following options or have Predicted grades that you will achieve before September 2025:

1. 3 A Levels which must include Mathematics, Science and one other subject. Grades expected are C-A* or grades 4-9.
2. A National Diploma in engineering with a minimum value of 96 UCAS Points.
3. Equivalent in a STEM based subjects could be considered as meeting the mandated application criteria, including a BTEC L3 advanced diploma, HNC, HND in STEM based subjects.

Non-Requirement but can be accepted instead of 2, 3 or 4:

1. Higher qualifications such as Foundation Degree or Degree (in a STEM based subjects).

Candidates are asked to distinguish between an English Language or English Literature qualification awarded.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £25,970, the company contributes £7,523 towards you being a member of a Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

• You will receive learning and development opportunities tailored to your role.
• A generous benefits package including market leading employer pension contributions of around 21% of your salary (not including any personal contribution).
• 25 days holiday +1 additional day every year you work up to 30 days.
• SDA benefits also include: flexible working after 6 months in the business, depending on academic requirements.
• Discount Schemes.
• Health and Wellbeing support.
• Family friendly initiatives and so much more.