Process and Plant Engineer

Programme title: Process and Plant Engineer Degree Apprentice  Science Industry Process and Plant Engineer Degree Apprenticeship

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: 74967

Join Babcock as a Process and Plant Engineer Degree Apprentice and, over the course of our five-year programme, you’ll work towards a BEng in Professional Engineering (Science Industry Process/Plant Engineer) 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 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.

Your education/training

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.

What y****ou’ll need 

• You need GCSEs at grade 4 or above in Maths and English, and three A levels at grades CCC or above, including a mathematics-based subject and a STEM subject, or equivalent STEM-related BTEC qualifications at grade DMM or above.
• 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 Information (NNPI) 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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