Engineering
Manufacturing Engineer Degree Apprenticeship - Safety Engineering
Babcock · University of the West of England (UWE)
Location
Bristol
Postcode
BS16 1EJ
Salary
Starting at £27,381, with annual salary increases throughout the apprenticeship programme
Duration
5 years
Positions available
1
Level
Level 6 – Degree
Degree awarded
BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing
Start date
1 September 2027
Application deadline
8 December 2026
Vacancy reference
74985
Minimum grades
112 UCAS tariff points; GCSE Maths and English grade 4+; A-level Mathematics grade C+; pass in one science/technology A-level; minimum 2 A-levels
Disability Confident
✓ Yes
About the role
Help ensure the safe operation of the Royal Navy's submarine fleet. During this five-year programme, you'll join the Submarine Support Engineering (SSE) team in Bristol, supporting the Ministry of Defence across a range of engineering projects while gaining a fully funded degree. You'll gain experience across a variety of engineering teams and projects, developing an understanding of how safety is managed throughout the engineering lifecycle while building technical capability, confidence and professional judgement. Your typical week could include conducting hazard identification and analysis, assessing the ability of submarine systems to perform their safety functions, and evaluating risks to personnel and platforms. You'll also support the design and assessment of systems and components to meet demanding operational and safety requirements.
Requirements
112 tariff points required. GCSE: Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics, or equivalent (Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths accepted). A-level subjects: Grade C or above in Mathematics plus a pass in one of: Biology, Chemistry, Computing/Computer Science, Design and Technology, Electronics, Engineering, ICT, Further Mathematics, Music Technology, Physics, Statistics. Minimum of two A-levels required. EDEXCEL (BTEC) Diploma: One of 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 with Merit in Further Engineering Mathematics or Further Mathematics for Construction. Access: HE Diploma with 30 Level 3 credits at Merit including 15 in Mathematics and 15 in science or technology. Baccalaureate IB: Minimum grade 5 in higher level Mathematics and pass at higher level in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design Technology, Physics, or Environmental Systems and Societies. Irish Highers: H2 in Mathematics plus pass in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Physics, or Technology. T Levels: Grade C in A-Level Mathematics plus T Level qualification equivalent to 2 full A-Levels. Must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) clearance. UK national requirement for national security legislation.
Skills
Safety engineeringHazard identification and analysisRisk assessmentSafety case developmentSystems design and assessmentTechnical investigationBowTie modellingProject support
Required qualifications
Essential
GCSE · English · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · Mathematics · Grade 4
Essential
A Level · Mathematics · Grade C
Essential
A Level · Biology, Chemistry, Computing/Computer Science, Design and Technology, Electronics, Engineering, ICT, Further Mathematics, Music Technology, Physics or Statistics · Grade C
Desired
Degree · Any · Grade 2:2
Training & development
Study for BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing through University of the West of England (UWE), accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). In year one, attend UWE campus two days per week; from year two, one day per week. Academic learning covers thermofluids, structural mechanics, manufacturing technology, simulation and process safety. Training in safety engineering techniques each year including risk analysis and ALARP principles, Bow Tie analysis, fault tree and event tree analysis, hazard identification, and safety case writing. Courses delivered at Babcock's Bristol or Devonport sites and count towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Additional training
Experience with industry-standard safety engineering tools including BowTieXP, Adelard Safety Case Environment and Reliability Workbench. May complete placements outside Bristol to broaden experience. Enrolled onto Apprentice Development Programme with digital and face-to-face sessions covering wellbeing and performance.
Future prospects
By the end of apprenticeship, ready to step into a role within Submarine Support Engineering (SSE) team as a degree-qualified Safety Engineer. Opportunity to build progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, supporting journey into advanced roles such as Senior Safety Engineer.
Company benefits
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, STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.
About Babcock
Babcock is a global organisation providing engineering, technical and support services. They support the Ministry of Defence across a range of engineering projects and provide countless opportunities to enhance skills and advance careers.
Website
www.babcock.co.ukIf this one works out
This role is in Bristol. If you'd be moving for it, a room in a shared house there typically runs £650–£900 a month.