At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Safety Culture Lead in promoting a positive safety culture through assessments and workshops.
- Company: Join Babcock at Devonport Royal Dockyard, the largest naval base in Western Europe.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and connect with supportive colleagues.
- Other info: Potential for graduate programme consideration based on performance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety practices while gaining insight into a complex industrial environment.
- Qualifications: Must be in final year of a Psychology or related behavioural science degree.
Psychology Undergraduate Placement Year
Programme title: Psychology Undergraduate Placement Year
Location: Devonport, Plymouth
Application closing date: 16 October 2025
Start date: September 2026
Role ID: 66882
What you’ll be doing
Join us at Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth – the largest naval base in Western Europe – for your placement year, where you’ll be part of our Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) team.
During your time with us, you’ll support the Safety Culture Lead in delivering our cultural strategy to promote a positive safety culture across the site. You’ll carry out assessments, surveys, workshops, and interviews to evaluate safety culture and measure the impact of our interventions.
Applying your Psychology background, you’ll help identify and propose improvements to safety practices and cultural initiatives. You’ll also collaborate with our Learning from Experience team to analyse incidents and near misses, contributing to ongoing safety performance improvements.
This placement offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into a complex industrial environment and work alongside a diverse, experienced team committed to making a meaningful impact.
What you’ll get out of it
Our placements are about more than work experience – they’re an opportunity to immerse yourself in life at Babcock, form meaningful connections, and develop skills that will set you up for your future career. You’ll work alongside supportive colleagues and gain guidance from experienced professionals every step of the way.
We value the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas that placement students bring to our team. We believe you have the potential to shape the future of our business. But we also understand that this placement is as much about you assessing what’s right for you as it is about us getting to know you. Perform well, and you could be considered for a position on our graduate programme – your journey with Babcock could just be getting started.
What you’ll need
- You must be entering your final year of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Psychology or a related behavioural science/behaviour change discipline.
- Many of our graduate 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.
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.
Psychology Undergraduate Placement Year in Plymouth employer: Babcock International
At Babcock, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique placement opportunity at the Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, allowing you to develop your skills alongside experienced professionals while contributing to meaningful safety initiatives. With a focus on employee growth, successful placement students may even secure a position in our graduate programme, paving the way for a rewarding career in a dynamic industrial environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology Undergraduate Placement Year in Plymouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Babcock and its Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) team. Understanding their values and culture will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or past placement students on LinkedIn. They can share insights about their experiences and might even give you tips on how to stand out during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for potential interview questions related to safety culture and behavioural change. Use examples from your studies or previous experiences to demonstrate your skills and how they align with the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Babcock. Don’t wait until the last minute – get your application in early!
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Undergraduate Placement Year in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Psychology:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for psychology shine through! Share specific examples of how your studies have prepared you for this placement and how you can contribute to our Safety Culture Lead's mission.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the role and our values. Highlight relevant experiences, skills, and coursework that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Since we review applications on a rolling basis, getting yours in early gives you a better chance of standing out. Head over to our website and get started today!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock International
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your psychology knowledge, especially as it relates to safety culture and behavioural change. Familiarise yourself with key concepts and theories that could apply to the role, so you can confidently discuss how your background can contribute to the team.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Let your passion for psychology and safety culture shine through during the interview. Share specific examples of projects or experiences that sparked your interest in these areas, and explain why this placement excites you. Companies love candidates who are genuinely enthusiastic about their work!
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers. This shows that you're engaged and interested in the role. You might want to ask about the team's current initiatives or how they measure the impact of their safety culture interventions. It’s a great way to demonstrate your proactive mindset.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common interview questions. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time for the real deal!
