Project Controls Apprenticeship in Helensburgh

Programme title: Project Controls Apprenticeship

Level: SCQF Level 7

Salary: £16,000, rising annually to £38,000, post-apprenticeship

Location: HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland

Application closing date: 12th March

Programme start date: August

This 4-year apprenticeship offers an excellent introduction to the world of project controls and engineering. You will gain technical qualifications while contributing to significant real-world projects that support the Royal Navy.

About the programme

This role is based within the Project Controls team, supporting our Fleet contracts with the Royal Navy at HM Naval Base Clyde. This includes the maintenance of both Vanguard and Astute Class submarines. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will gain exposure to various project controls functions, including Risk Management, Change Control, Estimating, Cost Control, Governance, Forecasting, and Planning. In the early stages, you will learn how these functions integrate, and by the end of the programme, you will specialise in one area, developing expertise that will provide a strong foundation for your chosen career path.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you will receive training both on-site and at West College Scotland. Your formal qualifications will be achieved progressively over the course of the programme, as outlined below:

• Year 1: Full-time at West College Scotland SVQ Level 2 (SCQF Level 5) in Performing Engineering Operations NC Engineering Systems – Year 1
• Year 2: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde and 1 day per week at West College Scotland SVQ Diploma in Technical Services in Engineering (SCQF Level 7) NC Engineering Systems – Year 2
• Years 3–4 (if progressing to HNC): 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde and 1 day per week at West College Scotland SVQ Diploma in Technical Services in Engineering (SCQF Level 7) HNC Engineering Systems

In addition, you will work towards the Association for Project Management (APM) Project Fundamentals Qualification, further enhancing your project management knowledge.

Future prospects

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be ready to step into a Project Controls role within the function you specialised in during your final year. You can expect to receive a competitive starting salary of £39,000. We offer a well-defined career progression pathway, beginning with Assistant Specialist, advancing to Specialist, and progressing to Senior Specialist roles. Additionally, there are opportunities to move between different project controls functions or to develop into management roles within Project Management or the Programme Management Office.

What you’ll need

National Level 5 qualifications (or equivalent) in Mathematics, English, and a Science or technical subject, with grades A–C. Two additional qualifications at National Level 4 or 5 (or above), with grades A–C. Many of our apprenticeship 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 Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.

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.