Commissioning Engineering Apprenticeship in Garelochhead

Level: SCQF Level 7

Salary: £16,000 (rising annually to £39,999 post-apprenticeship)

Location: HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: August 2026

Are you passionate about electrical or mechanical engineering? This 4-year apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity to launch your career in the highly specialised field of commissioning engineering. Throughout the programme, you will earn qualifications while gaining valuable practical experience, setting you on the path to a rewarding future.

About The Programme

As a Commissioning Engineer Apprentice at HM Naval Base Clyde, you’ll play a key role in ensuring the correct installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment and systems that support the Royal Navy's vessels, including the Trident and Astute Class submarines. This apprenticeship offers practical experience in maintaining and testing vital onboard systems, such as hydraulics, high-pressure air systems, motor generators, and 24v DC systems. You will be responsible for testing and commissioning these systems to ensure they are safe and meet design specifications.

Your day-to-day Responsibilities Will Include

• Conducting system health checks
• Creating and refining Test Forms to support health checks
• Setting up systems for operational use
• Performing installation checks
• Carrying out performance testing and trials
• Fault findings and diagnostics

You may also have opportunities to participate in projects focused on enhancing testing methods and optimising test equipment. Throughout your time in our Commissioning Group, you will deepen your understanding of the systems and equipment critical to Fleet Engineering. The programme will provide you with valuable insights into engineering standards, advanced techniques, and the crucial role commissioning plays in ensuring the operational success of Royal Navy submarines.

Your education/training Qualifications

As part of your apprenticeship, you will receive training both on-site and at West College Scotland. Your formal qualifications will be achieved progressively over the course of the programme, as outlined below:

• Year 1: Full-time at West College Scotland
  SVQ Level 2 (SCQF Level 5) in Performing Engineering Operations
  NC Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering – Year 1
• Year 2: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde and 1 day per week at West College Scotland
  SVQ Diploma Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
  NC Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering – Year 2
• Years 3–4: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde (if progressing to HNC) and 1 day per week at West College Scotland
  SVQ Diploma Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
  HNC Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering.

Future prospects

Upon successfully completing the programme, you’ll be ready to step into the role of Commissioning Engineer at Babcock, with a current starting salary of £39,999. Your apprenticeship will lay the foundation for a structured career path, with opportunities to progress to the position of Senior Commissioning Engineer.

What you’ll need

National Level 5 qualifications (or equivalent) in Mathematics, English, and a Science or technical subject, with grades A–C. Two additional qualifications at National Level 4 or 5 (or above), with grades A–C. 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.

Your career development

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.