Quality Assurance and Control Apprenticeship in Dunfermline

Our 4-year Quality Assurance and Control Apprenticeship offers a fantastic opportunity to play a part in some of the UK’s most significant engineering projects. Based at our Rosyth site, you’ll learn how quality assurance and control underpin everything we do – from new ship construction to the careful dismantling of Royal Navy submarines.

About the programme

This apprenticeship is all about learning how quality shapes the success of every engineering project. You’ll join the Submarine Dismantling Programme (SDP) team, supporting the Ministry of Defence as we safely dismantle and process decommissioned nuclear‑powered submarines. Along the way, you’ll also gain experience across other programmes, including Type 31 Frigates, Commercial Marine and Missile Tube Assembly work. You’ll start by learning the fundamentals of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC), including how materials are traced, inspected and documented to meet strict standards. Over time, you’ll build skills in supplier management, inspection, corrective action processes and safety practices, developing a clear understanding of how quality fits into every stage of a project. As your knowledge grows, you’ll work with engineers, project teams and suppliers to check, verify and record progress, helping to make sure that everything we deliver meets the highest technical and safety requirements. It’s a role that makes a real impact on the safety, efficiency and reputation of our work.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll study for the SCQF Level 7 Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering: Manufacturing and Fabrication through Fife College. Your first year will focus on classroom learning at college and early exposure to the workplace during college holidays. From your second year, you’ll spend more time on site, gaining experience through live project placements and applying your knowledge directly to ongoing work. By the end of the programme, you’ll be ready to take on a full‑time role as a Quality Assurance and Control Practitioner, supporting the continued success of projects across Babcock. Upon programme completion, you can expect to earn a competitive salary exceeding £39,000. There are also opportunities to continue your studies with a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in a related subject, supported by your workplace experience. Many of our apprentices progress into senior quality, inspection or management roles as they gain further experience. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped‑out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

What you’ll need

• Four National 5 qualifications at Grade C or above, including Maths, English and two other subjects.
• A genuine interest in engineering and quality assurance.
• 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. 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.