Job Description

Programme title: Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
Level: 6
Salary:
Year 1: 25,364
Year 2: 28,528
Year 3: 34,326
Year 4: 36,572
Post-apprenticeship salary: 39,120
Location: Bristol
Application closing date: 18th December 2025
Programme start date: September 2026
Role ID: 67208
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.
Future prospects
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.
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

• Tariff points: 112
• GCSE: 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 (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
• 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 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.

Skills Required