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EngineeringScience

Process and Plant Engineer Degree Apprentice

DEVONPORT ROYAL DOCKYARD LIMITED · ASTON UNIVERSITY
Location
Plymouth
Postcode
PL1 4SG
Salary
£27,381 a year
Duration
5 Years
Hours per week
35h
Positions available
2
Level
Level 6 – Degree
Degree awarded
Science industry process and plant engineer (degree) (level 6)
Start date
1 September 2027
Application deadline
7 December 2026
Posted
15 October 2026
Vacancy reference
2000058720
Disability Confident
✓ Yes

About the role

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.

Working week

Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Skills

IT skillsAttention to detailAnalytical skillsLogical

Required qualifications

Essential
GCSE · English · Grade C
Essential
GCSE · Maths · Grade C
Essential
GCSE · Science · Grade C
Essential
A Level · Mathematics-based subject · Grade C
Essential
A Level · STEM subject · Grade C

Training & development

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.

Future prospects

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.

Company 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.

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.