Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Apprenticeship in Helensburgh

Programme title: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Apprenticeship

Level: SCQF Level 7

Salary: £16,000 rising annually to c.£38,461 post apprenticeship

Location: HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: August 2026

Ready to start a rewarding career as an Engineering Technician? Our 4-year Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Apprenticeship offers the chance to earn while you learn, gain industry‑recognised qualifications, and play a vital role in supporting the Royal Navy’s fleet at HM Naval Base Clyde.

About the programme

As a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Apprentice, you’ll be part of a skilled team responsible for the maintenance, upgrades, and repairs of ships and submarines. Your work will help ensure the operational readiness of the Royal Navy vessels.

Day‑to‑day, you’ll learn how to:

• Carry out fitting activities, inspections, and repairs on refrigeration systems and equipment.
• Maintain chilled water plants, cool and cold rooms, and perform general refrigeration maintenance, including pressure testing.
• Identify and rectify system defects and implement alterations to maintain performance and availability of submarines, surface vessels, and estate facilities.
• Work safely within all Health & Safety legislation, following Safe Systems of Work and current policies.

Important: This apprenticeship will involve working in confined spaces. You must be comfortable performing tasks in restricted environments.

Your education / training

As part of your apprenticeship, you will receive training both on‑site and at college. 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 Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
  NC Engineering Systems – Year 2
• Years 3–4: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde (if progressing to HNC) and 1 day per week at Glasgow Kelvin College
  SVQ Diploma in Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
  HNC Building Services – Year 1 – in 3rd Year of Apprenticeship and Year 2 – in 4th year of apprenticeship

Future prospects

Through a combination of classroom learning and onsite training you’ll develop well‑rounded engineering competencies and behaviours, preparing you for life in industry. At the end of your programme, you’ll be a well‑rounded professional ready to take on the role of a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineering Technician at Babcock.

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.

Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

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 closing dates

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.