Nuclear Scientist and Engineer

Programme title: Nuclear Scientist and Engineer Degree Apprentice

Level: 6

Salary: Starting at £27,381, with annual salary increases throughout the apprenticeship programme

Location: Devonport, Plymouth

Application closing date: 8th December 2026

Programme start date: September 2027

Role ID: 74965 

Join Babcock as a Nuclear Scientist and Engineer Degree Apprentice and, over the course of our four-year programme, you’ll work towards a Bachelors (Honours) degree while contributing to projects that support national security. You'll learn from experienced professionals, gain valuable practical experience and help deliver work that creates a safer, more secure world.

About the programme

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 develop an understanding of the nuclear systems and equipment that underpin critical defence operations, helping to ensure they operate safely, efficiently and in compliance with stringent regulations.

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.

Through placements across specialist teams, including Design Delivery, Safety Engineering, Operations and Maintenance, Reactor Commissioning, Nuclear Standards, Reactor Product Safety and Assurance, and Radioactive Waste Management, you'll gain broad experience across the nuclear lifecycle while developing an understanding of how complex engineering systems are designed, operated and maintained in a safety-critical environment.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, 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.

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 University Centre Somerset on a block-release basis.

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 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 to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

What y****ou’ll need 

• You'll need GCSEs at grade 4/C or above in Maths and English, plus three A Levels at grade C or above, including Maths and one other STEM subject.
• Many of our programmes 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 programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Programme Information (NNPPI) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.     
• Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.

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.

Application process and important information

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.

Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.

We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

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