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Process and Plant Engineer Degree Apprentice

DEVONPORT ROYAL DOCKYARD LIMITED · Plymouth

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

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Pay
£27,381 a year
Hours
35 a week
Length
60 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.

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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 Process and Plant Engineer Degree Apprentice and, over the course of our 5-year programme, you’ll work towards a BEng in Engineering while contributing to projects that support national security. You'll learn from experienced professionals, gain 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 successful career in process and plant engineering.

You'll contribute to projects involving nuclear process systems and plant equipment that support submarine maintenance, helping to ensure critical infrastructure remains safe, compliant and operational.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll support engineering design and technical assurance activities within a nuclear-regulated environment, completing placements across teams including Design Delivery, Technical and Operational Support, Safety Engineering, Engineering Management, Operations and Maintenance, Reactor Commissioning, and Radioactive Waste Management.

Day-to-day, you'll work alongside experienced engineers to support the production of design documentation, carry out engineering calculations and analyses, and contribute to projects across the engineering lifecycle, while developing your knowledge of engineering software, tools, codes and standards. You'll also support inspections and validations in operational environments.

What you would study

Science industry process and plant engineer (degree) (level 6)

As part of your apprenticeship, you'll study for a BEng in Professional Engineering (Science Industry Process/Plant Engineer) through Aston University.

Delivered through a block-release study model, the degree covers the essentials of professional engineering, including mathematics and science, while specialising in process and plant engineering. You'll study topics such as computer-aided design, thermo-fluid sciences, engineering management, sustainable engineering and project management, among others.

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 Aston University in Birmingham on a block-release basis.

Training provider: ASTON UNIVERSITY

Working week

Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.

What you need

  • GCSE English at grade C (essential)
  • GCSE Maths at grade C (essential)
  • GCSE Science at grade C (essential)
  • A Level Mathematics-based subject at grade C (essential)
  • A Level STEM subject at grade C (essential)

Skills they are looking for

  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical

After the apprenticeship

This apprenticeship provides a strong foundation for a long-term career in process and plant engineering. Upon successful completion of the programme, you'll progress into an engineering design delivery or through-life operational support role.

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 progress your career.

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

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.

Process and Plant Engineer Degree Apprentice, DEVONPORT…