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EngineeringScience

Nuclear Scientist and Engineer Degree Apprentice

Babcock
Location
Devonport, Plymouth
Postcode
PL2 2BG
Salary
Starting at £27,381, with annual salary increases throughout the apprenticeship programme
Duration
4 years
Level
Level 6 – Degree
Degree awarded
Bachelors (Honours) degree
Start date
1 September 2027
Application deadline
8 December 2026
Vacancy reference
74965
Minimum grades
GCSE Maths and English grade 4/C or above, A Levels grade C or above including Maths and one other STEM subject
Disability Confident
✓ Yes

About the role

Join Babcock as a Nuclear Scientist and Engineer Degree Apprentice and, over the course of a four-year programme, you'll work towards a Bachelors (Honours) degree while contributing to projects that support national security. 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 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.

Requirements

Not stated in description

Working week

Minimum three days per week on site at Devonport with block-release university study

Skills

engineering designtechnical analysissimulation and modellingengineering calculationstechnical report writingsystems engineeringnuclear science and technology

Required qualifications

Essential
GCSE · Maths · Grade 4/C
Essential
GCSE · English · Grade 4/C
Essential
A Level · Maths · Grade C
Essential
A Level · STEM subject (one other) · Grade C
Essential
A Level · Any · Grade C
Essential
Degree · Nuclear Science and Engineering or equivalent · Grade Honours

Training & development

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. You'll complete placements across specialist teams at Devonport, including Design Delivery, Safety Engineering, Operations and Maintenance, Reactor Commissioning, Nuclear Standards, Reactor Product Safety and Assurance, and Radioactive Waste Management.
Additional training
You'll be automatically enrolled onto the Apprentice Development Programme, which includes a series of digital and face-to-face sessions presented by wellbeing and performance experts and external partners to equip you with knowledge and tools to thrive on your programme and beyond.
Future prospects
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 have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior 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. Opportunity to get involved in STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

Things to consider

Many of Babcock's programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions. Your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. This programme requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme Information (NNPPI) clearance. You must be able to achieve and maintain these clearances. Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. Applications are reviewed in the order received and may close early if oversubscribed. Please apply to one programme only.

About Babcock

Babcock is a global organisation providing opportunities across numerous sectors including defence, nuclear, and engineering services.
Website
www.babcock.co.uk/