Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing Degree Apprenticeship

Want to be at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, solving complex engineering challenges for the UK's submarine fleet? Our Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to lead cutting-edge projects that are essential to national defence.

About the programme

This degree apprenticeship will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of essential manufacturing and production skills while working within our Submarine Support Engineering team.

Our Submarine Support Engineering team plays a crucial role in ensuring that the entire UK submarine fleet delivers unrivalled strength and security for our nation - every minute of every day. In this team, you will be integral to launch planning and the seamless delivery of new designs and equipment for maritime vessels. Your focus will be on mastering advanced manufacturing techniques and developing the project management skills necessary for delivering products on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you will collaborate closely with engineers, functions, and managers across multiple Babcock sites, as well as engage with our customers and suppliers. In your first year, you will hone your expertise in key manufacturing techniques such as milling, turning, and fitting. As you progress, you will delve into more advanced techniques and rotate through various placements within the business, allowing you to work alongside skilled engineers and build valuable relationships with key stakeholders.

This practical experience will enable you to expand your skills and knowledge across a diverse range of manufacturing disciplines, including analysis, design, quality assurance, and project management- preparing you for a successful career in Manufacturing Engineering.

Your education/training

Your apprenticeship training will be conducted in partnership with the University of the West of England (UWE) and Weston College.

In your first year, you will spend two days per week at Weston College, focusing on the fundamentals of hands-on engineering. This practical experience will be complemented by three days per week in the workplace. 

From Years 2 through 5, you will attend UWE one day per week to complete your BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. The remaining four days of the week will be dedicated to working onsite at Babcock, gaining in-depth knowledge and experience within the Submarine Support Engineering team.

This training will combine classroom learning with practical work placements. By the end of your apprenticeship, you will have earned a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering through the University of the West of England, setting you up for a successful career in engineering.

Future prospects

At the end of the programme you will be at Engineer grade, identical to your peers who have completed our graduate programme and are working to become future Lead Engineers and Design Managers at Babcock. 

Your expected salary at the stage will be in the region of £42,000 per annum.

What you’ll need

You’ll need a minimum of 5 GCSEs all at Grade C/4 or above, including English and Mathematics, or equivalent (we accept Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths).

Plus one of the following:

• A-level subjects: Grade C or above in Mathematics and Physics plus a minimum of E in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computing/Computer Science, Design and Technology, Electronics, Engineering, ICT, Further Mathematics, Music Technology, Statistics. 
• EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: At grade MMP in 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 Physics, and a 4 or above at higher level in one of the following subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Environmental Systems and Societies. 
• T Levels: Grade C in A-Level Mathematics, in addition to your T Level qualification in Engineering. 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 early careers roles 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 roles you are eligible for.
• Please note that a successful application for this apprenticeship is dependent on acceptance by the University of the West of England.

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.

Level: 6

Salary: 

• Year 1: £25,364
• Year 2: £28,528
• Year 3: £34,326
• Year 4: £36,572
• Year 5: £39,120

Application closing date: March 2025

Programme start date: September 2025