Skip to content
Back to search

Degree level

Nuclear Scientist and Engineer Degree Apprentice

DEVONPORT ROYAL DOCKYARD LIMITED · Plymouth

Live

Advertised to close on 7 December 2026, but employers often close early.

We re-check every listing several times a day, and flag it here when one closes. How this works

Pay
£27,381 a year
Hours
35 a week
Length
48 months
Starts
1 Sep 2027
Advertised closing date
7 Dec 2026
Openings
2 positions
Last checked
just now

Applications are handled by DEVONPORT ROYAL DOCKYARD LIMITED directly.

Know someone this would suit?

Disability Confident employer

This employer is in the government Disability Confident scheme. If you have a disability, you can ask to be considered for an interview under the scheme, as long as you meet the essential requirements. Read about the scheme on GOV.UK.

What you would do

Join Babcock as a Nuclear Scientist and Engineer Degree Apprentice and, over the course of our 4-year programme, you’ll work towards a BH degree while contributing to projects that support national security. You'll learn from experienced professionals, gain valuable practical experience and help deliver work that creates a safer world.

Day to day

  • Based at Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe, you'll join a targeted development programme designed to prepare you for a career in nuclear science and engineering
  • You'll work alongside an experienced team supporting the safe refit and maintenance of the UK's nuclear submarine fleet. You'll develop an understanding of the nuclear systems and equipment that underpin critical defence operations, helping to ensure they operate safely, efficiently and in compliance with stringent regulations
  • You'll contribute to activities such as engineering design, technical analysis, simulation and modelling, engineering calculations, and the production of technical reports and drawings, gaining experience in how engineering and scientific principles are applied in a safety-critical environment
  • Through placements across specialist teams, including Design Delivery, Safety Engineering, Operations and Maintenance, Reactor Commissioning, Nuclear Standards, Reactor Product Safety and Assurance, and Radioactive Waste Management, you'll gain broad experience across the nuclear lifecycle while developing an understanding of how complex engineering systems are designed, operated and maintained in a safety-critical environment

What you would study

Nuclear scientist and nuclear engineer (integrated degree) (level 6)

As part of your apprenticeship, you'll study for a Bachelors (Honours) degree qualification, accredited by the constituent bodies of the Engineering or Science Council, and delivered through University Centre Somerset's Cannington Campus.

Delivered through a block-release study model, the degree covers topics including nuclear science and technology, electrical and mechanical engineering, engineering mathematics, fluid systems, control and instrumentation, systems engineering, advanced manufacturing, and engineering leadership.

Alongside your studies, you'll complete placements across specialist teams at Devonport, applying your learning to real projects while benefiting from dedicated technical training, mentoring and support from experienced engineers.

You'll need to be able to work on site at Devonport for a minimum of three days per week and live within a reasonable commuting distance. Throughout the programme, you'll attend University Centre Somerset on a block-release basis.

Training provider: UNIVERSITY CENTRE SOMERSET COLLEGE GROUP

Working week

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

What you need

  • GCSE Any Subject at grade C (essential)
  • GCSE Any Subject at grade C (essential)
  • GCSE English at grade C (essential)
  • GCSE Maths at grade C (essential)
  • GCSE Science at grade C (essential)
  • A Level STEM (science, technology, engineering or maths) at grade C (essential)

Skills they are looking for

  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Problem solving skills

After the apprenticeship

By the end of your apprenticeship, you'll be equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress into a role at Devonport.

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.

Where

Plymouth, South West (PL1).

About DEVONPORT ROYAL DOCKYARD LIMITED

Babcock is an international defence, aerospace and security company operating in our focus countries of the UK, Australasia, Canada, France and South Africa, with exports to additional markets with potential to become focus countries. We meet our customers’ key requirements of affordability, availability, and capability by delivering engineering, support and critical systems to defence and civil markets.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Personal development training and opportunities

28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share scheme

Flexible benefits

Things to consider

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), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme Information (NNPPI) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.

Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.

Nuclear Scientist and Engineer Degree Apprentice,…