Nuclear Scientist and Engineer Degree Apprentice
Devonport Royal Dockyard Limited · Plymouth · posted 15 October 2026
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- 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 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.
Where it leads
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.
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.
Things to consider
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.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE Any Subject (grade C) — essential
- GCSE Any Subject (grade C) — essential
- GCSE English (grade C) — essential
- GCSE Maths (grade C) — essential
- GCSE Science (grade C) — essential
- A Level STEM (science, technology, engineering or maths) (grade C) — essential
Where you'll work
- Devonport Royal Dockyard, Devonport, Plymouth, PL1 4SG
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