At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship and gain hands-on experience in skilled trades.
- Company: Be part of the Royal Navy's engineering team, maintaining their fleet.
- Benefits: Fully funded qualification, personal development, 28 days holiday, and competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and participation in STEM outreach activities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with real-world engineering challenges and earn while you learn.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English, Maths, and a science or technology subject required.
Program Overview
Ready to learn a skilled trade? Join our 3.5‑year Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship and develop specialist engineering trade skills while gaining hands‑on experience maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet.
Trade Routes
- Mechanical fitting – trained on hand and machine tools to identify faults and return equipment to working condition; involved in installation, commissioning, maintenance, and repair of engines, pumps, valves, hydraulics and potentially complex weapon or nuclear reactor systems.
- Electrical fitting – learn to read engineering drawings and specifications, rebuild, test, maintain electrical equipment; install, connect and aid commissioning of complex circuits on warships and nuclear submarines, and maintain cables and machinery essential to daily site operation.
- Fabricating – manufacture components and build ship structures (hull, shell, deck, bulkheads, seats, frames, girders); outfit steelwork components; perform tack welding and use thermal cutting, power tools, and metalworking machinery.
- Welding – master MIG, MMA, TIG and MAG processes, progress to Class 1 certification; apply skills to structural components on submarines and warships both in factory and on‑the‑water.
- CNC Machining – produce precision components on CNC turning and milling machines using CAD/CAM software and 3‑D models to meet engineering drawings.
- Pipefitting – fabricate and install low and high‑pressure pipe systems (water, air, hydraulics, steam, fuel); interpret drawings, weld and brazing, work on ships, submarines and dockyard service systems.
Key Skills & Knowledge Areas
- Health and safety
- Planning and documentation
- Engineering mathematical and scientific principles
- Methods and techniques
- Structure, properties and characteristics of materials
- Diagnostic methods to overcome problems
- Interpreting engineering drawings and data
- Adhering to and refining processes and procedures
Requirements
Prerequisites include a valid passport or UK driving licence (for Devonport Dockyard access). You must hold at least three GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including English, Maths and a science or technology subject. Logical thinking, problem‑solving aptitude and a responsible approach to safety and quality assurance are essential. Many apprenticeship programmes are subject to security clearance restrictions. Eligibility for this programme requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.
Programme Structure
- Year 1: Full‑time study at City College Plymouth, focusing on fundamental engineering. CNC‑machining specialists will attend full‑time for six months.
- Years 2 and 3: College one day a week, with the remaining four days in the dockyard at HM Naval Base Devonport. Rotational exposure to real‑world engineering challenges alongside experienced professionals.
- Completion: The apprenticeship ends with an End‑Point Assessment. Successful completion awards a nationally recognised Level 3 certificate in your chosen trade.
Future Prospects
After the programme you become a qualified Engineering Technician, specialising in your chosen field. You are expected to stay in this role for three years to deepen experience and then can apply for higher education or other roles within the organisation. Pay typically exceeds £35,000, and progression pathways are mapped out through the Babcock Role Framework.
Benefits
- 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
- Opportunities to participate in STEM outreach and volunteering activities
- Access to the Apprentice Development Programme with digital and face‑to‑face sessions covering wellbeing, performance, and career support
Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship in Plymouth employer: Babcock International
Join Babcock International as an Engineering Technician Trades Apprentice and immerse yourself in a dynamic work culture that prioritises hands-on learning and professional growth. With access to fully funded qualifications, personal development training, and a competitive benefits package, including a minimum of 28 days holiday and a pension scheme, you will be well-supported in your journey to becoming a qualified technician while contributing to the Royal Navy's fleet at HM Naval Base Devonport.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you can, try to gain some practical experience in engineering before applying. Whether it's through internships, volunteering, or even tinkering with projects at home, showing that you’ve got real-world skills will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current apprentices or professionals in the field on platforms like LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. You never know who might help you land that apprenticeship!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview! Research common questions for engineering apprenticeships and practice your answers. Be ready to discuss your problem-solving skills and how you approach safety and quality assurance—these are key in this field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for the Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship. Plus, you’ll get all the latest updates and tips directly from us to help you succeed in your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for engineering! Share why you want to join the Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship and what excites you about working with the Royal Navy's fleet.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the apprenticeship. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, especially in mechanical or electrical work, and don’t forget to mention your GCSEs and any other qualifications that meet our requirements.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your information logically so we can easily see your qualifications and motivations without sifting through unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your progress throughout the selection process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Trade
Make sure you brush up on the specific engineering trade skills mentioned in the job description. Whether it's mechanical fitting or CNC machining, being able to discuss these areas confidently will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Safety First!
Since health and safety is a key part of the apprenticeship, be prepared to talk about safety protocols you've learned or followed in previous experiences. This could be anything from using protective gear to understanding safety regulations in a workshop environment.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of examples where you've had to use logical thinking or problem-solving skills. Be ready to explain how you approached a challenge, what steps you took, and what the outcome was. This will demonstrate your aptitude for the technical aspects of the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the training structure, opportunities for progression, or the types of projects you'll be involved in. It shows you're engaged and serious about the apprenticeship.
