At a Glance
- Tasks: Join engineering teams to design control systems and develop CAD models for nuclear safety.
- Company: Babcock, a global leader in defence and aerospace engineering.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a competitive salary and gain a recognised degree.
- Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship with clear career pathways and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and sustainability in the nuclear industry.
- Qualifications: GCSEs and A Levels in Maths and Physics required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
In this varied role, you’ll join one of our engineering teams working across either our Civil Decommissioning or Defence business streams. From designing control systems to developing Computer Aided Design (CAD) models and performing electrical load calculations, every task helps ensure the safety and sustainability of nuclear infrastructure.
You’ll support the full design lifecycle: from initial concept through to detailed design and design for manufacture. Typical tasks may include producing technical documentation, assessing designs for risk and safety, and learning to work with standards and regulations that apply across the industry.
As part of your development, you’ll take part in internal training that broadens your knowledge beyond your core role. This includes radiological shielding, risk assessment and nuclear appreciation modules – all designed to give you a well-rounded understanding of how we create a safe and secure world.
Training
You will study towards the Product Design and Development Engineer (Degree) Apprenticeship standard through the University of Lancashire. Your training will be delivered through a blended learning model that combines in-person and online teaching. Each semester begins with a three-day block of face-to-face delivery, followed by weekly online sessions throughout the term. This structure is designed to support both academic learning and practical application.
The programme is tailored for engineers involved in product development and integrates key disciplines such as materials science, Computer Aided Design (CAD), systems integration, and prototyping. It focuses on equipping learners to create fit-for-purpose solutions in regulated environments.
Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a BEng (Hons) in Professional Engineering (Product Design) and a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship qualification.
What happens at the end
By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to take on the role of Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Engineer at Cavendish Nuclear. You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.
As a global organisation, Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth, we’ve introduced the Babcock Role Framework, which outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks, you’ll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.
Skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving skills
Qualifications
- GCSE Any Subject (grade C) - essential
- GCSE English (grade C) - essential
- GCSE Maths (grade C) - essential
- GCSE Science (grade C) - essential
- A Level Maths (grade C) - essential
- A Level Physics (grade C) - essential
Key details
- Wage: £23,598 a year
- Working week: Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.
- Hours: 35 hours per week
- Duration: 4 Years
- Start date: 2027-09-01
- Closing date: 2026-12-07
- Apprenticeship standard: Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
- Training provider: UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE
About the employer
Babcock is an international defence, aerospace and security company operating in our focus countries of the UK, Australasia, Canada, France and South Africa, with exports to additional markets with potential to become focus countries. We meet our customers’ key requirements of affordability, availability, and capability by delivering engineering, support and critical systems to defence and civil markets.
Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in Plymouth employer: Babcock
Babcock is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and leadership thrive. With competitive compensation, generous benefits, and a strong commitment to employee development, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of asset management while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in beautiful locations like Bristol, Plymouth, and Helensburgh. Join us to be part of a global organisation dedicated to making a meaningful impact on national security and public infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in Plymouth
✨Get Hands-On at Local Workshops
Don’t miss out on local engineering workshops and hackathons! They’re a brilliant way to learn something new, meet fellow aspiring engineers, and often, company reps will be scouting for fresh talent. Plus, you can mention your hands-on experiences at these events during your interviews!
✨Join Engineering Societies and Clubs
Get involved with engineering societies at your school or in your area. These communities often host talks, networking events, and even competitions, which can open doors to apprenticeship opportunities. Plus, chatting with industry professionals is never a bad idea!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Consider starting a blog or a social media account where you can share your engineering projects, ideas, and learnings. This not only demonstrates your passion but also your initiative. Share the link on your application to really showcase who you are!
✨Don’t Wait, Apply Early!
Apprenticeships often have early application windows, so keep an eye on Babcock’s website and get your applications in as soon as you can. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to secure an interview and land that coveted position!
We think you need these skills to ace Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in Plymouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an engineering apprenticeship at Babcock, make sure to highlight any relevant technical skills and subjects you've excelled in. Include specific projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of engineering principles—anything from physics projects to CAD designs can really make your application stand out!
Include Your Learning Experience:Since this is an apprenticeship, we want to see how keen you are to learn. In your cover letter, talk about what you hope to gain from this opportunity at Babcock and how it aligns with your career goals. Don’t be shy—express your enthusiasm for getting hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV for Engineering:Make sure your CV reflects your passion for engineering. List relevant coursework, skills, and any hands-on experiences like workshops or engineering clubs. Feel free to use a clear and structured layout so it's easy for the hiring team at Babcock to see your qualifications at a glance.
Keep it Visual—If Possible!:If you've worked on any engineering projects, consider including visual elements in your application—like pictures, graphs or even a small portfolio link. This isn’t mandatory, but visuals can help us appreciate your work and problem-solving skills more effectively!
How to prepare for a job interview at Babcock
✨Showcase Your Passion for Engineering
Since you're applying for an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for engineering. Be ready to talk about any projects you've done, be it in school or in your spare time, as this shows your commitment and eagerness to learn on the job at Babcock.
✨Get Hands-On with Technical Questions
Expect some technical queries related to basic engineering principles. Brush up on subjects you’ve covered in your studies, such as materials science or thermodynamics. They might throw a scenario your way to gauge how you would approach solving a problem—don't be afraid to think aloud!
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Apprenticeships often require working in teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in school or during any group projects. Share specific examples that reflect your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, as this is highly valued in engineering roles at Babcock.
✨Ask About Learning Opportunities
Make sure to prepare some questions about the apprenticeship itself, like how training will be structured or the types of projects you'll tackle. Showing curiosity about your growth will impress the interviewers at Babcock, demonstrating that you're ready to dive into the learning experience.
