Engineering Support Technician Apprenticeship in Plymouth

Our 4-year Engineering Support Technician Apprenticeship is a great opportunity to start your career in engineering while supporting some of the most advanced naval vessels in the world. Based at Devonport Royal Dockyard, you’ll gain the skills and experience needed to keep the Royal Navy’s fleet operational and ready for action.

About the programme

This is no ordinary apprenticeship. As part of our technical support teams, you’ll work alongside experienced engineers who help maintain and upgrade Royal Navy ships and submarines. Your role will focus on analysing, reviewing and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications and materials, while learning how projects are planned and delivered across the dockyard. The work is primarily office‑based but includes regular visits to ships, submarines and workshops, giving you a close‑up view of how complex engineering programmes come to life. You’ll learn how to report on processes, interpret data and apply problem‑solving skills to improve efficiency and safety. Over time, you’ll build your knowledge of engineering principles, materials, diagnostics, planning and documentation, all while gaining a real appreciation of the precision and teamwork that drive naval engineering.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll be supported by mentors, line managers and our Emerging Talent team, who’ll help you build the confidence, capability and professional skills to thrive in this vital role.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll study for the Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician Apprenticeship Standard through City College Plymouth. You’ll spend your first year full‑time at college, building your practical engineering knowledge and hand skills. From your second year onwards, you’ll combine work and study, spending four days a week in the dockyard and one day at college. Your final year will be spent entirely at Devonport, applying what you’ve learned to real engineering projects. At the end of the programme, you’ll complete your End Point Assessment and gain a nationally recognised qualification as a Level 3 Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician.

Once you complete the programme, you’ll be a fully qualified Engineering Support Technician with the technical skills and experience to take on real responsibility. You’ll be expected to stay within this role for three years to help you gain further experience, consolidate your skills, and contribute meaningfully to your team before applying for other roles within the organisation. Upon programme completion, you can expect to earn a competitive salary exceeding £36,000. After 12 months of apprenticeship completion, candidates who consistently excel, demonstrate exceptional commitment, and go above and beyond in their role may be considered for higher education pathways on an individual basis, subject to discussion with their line manager and business needs. There are progression routes across Babcock in areas such as design, project management, planning and operations. 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

• A minimum of 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including Maths, English and a Science or Technology subject.
• Due to ID requirements for entry to the Devonport Dockyard, you will need to provide either a valid passport or a provisional/full UK driving licence. If you do not currently hold one of these forms of ID, we strongly recommend applying in advance to ensure smooth access on your first day.
• 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
• 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.