At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in engineering through diverse placements across Cavendish Nuclear.
- Company: Join Babcock, a global leader in defence and aerospace engineering.
- Benefits: Earn a competitive salary while studying towards a respected degree.
- Other info: Dynamic four-year programme with clear pathways for career advancement.
- Why this job: Contribute to groundbreaking projects in nuclear engineering and develop essential skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs and A Levels in relevant subjects required; passion for engineering is a must.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 35200 £ per year.
This is your chance to gain real experience across the entire engineering lifecycle. As an Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Engineering Apprentice, you’ll rotate through 6-month placements across different areas of our Cavendish Nuclear business. This structure is designed to help you build a well-rounded skillset and explore what excites you most within engineering. You could be designing control systems for nuclear decommissioning, supporting the infrastructure of the UK’s submarine deterrent, or working on the development of cutting-edge facilities for future nuclear fusion reactors. Your week might involve working with PLCs, SCADA systems, reactor protection, or radiological monitoring equipment.
Throughout, you’ll be supported by experienced engineers and mentors who will help you develop the confidence, communication and technical skills you need to succeed. This programme offers you a chance to contribute to some of the most important and exciting engineering projects in the country.
Training
You will study towards the Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Degree Apprenticeship standard through the University of Derby. Your academic learning will take place at the Nuclear Skills Academy, located in Derby’s newly refurbished iHub building on Infinity Park. This cutting-edge facility serves as the central hub for all apprenticeship programmes and is managed by the University of Derby. The Nuclear Skills Academy is supported by a network of industry and education partners, including the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the National College for Nuclear, and Derby City Council – ensuring your education is grounded in the latest developments and best practices in the field.
The programme is delivered part-time over four years, with three semesters per year in the first three years and two semesters in the final year. As a work-based learning qualification, your apprenticeship integrates both off-the-job and on-the-job training. This structure allows you to apply your academic knowledge directly to your workplace experiences, helping you develop the skills, behaviours, and understanding required to succeed in the industry.
In your final year, you’ll complete an integrated End Point Assessment (EPA), designed to evaluate your readiness for professional practice. By the end of the programme, you’ll be equipped with a respected degree and nuclear engineering experience.
What happens at the end
By the end of the programme, you will have earned your degree and gained the skills, experience and knowledge to thrive as an 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
- Team working
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
- A Level Science (grade C) - essential
Key details
- Wage: £23,598 a year
- Working week: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
- Hours: 35 hours per week
- Duration: 4 Years
- Start date: 2027-09-01
- Closing date: 2026-12-07
- Apprenticeship standard: Electrical and electronic engineer (degree) (level 6)
- Training provider: UNIVERSITY OF DERBY
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 Degree Apprenticeship employer: Cavendish Nuclear
Cavendish Nuclear is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises safety and innovation in the nuclear sector. With flexible hybrid working arrangements across the UK, employees benefit from collaborative opportunities with industry experts while engaging in meaningful projects that contribute to national safety. The company is committed to professional development, ensuring that team members grow their skills in a highly regulated environment, making it an ideal place for those seeking a rewarding career in engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Degree Apprenticeship
✨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 Cavendish Nuclear’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 Degree Apprenticeship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an engineering apprenticeship at Cavendish Nuclear, 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 Cavendish Nuclear 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 Cavendish Nuclear 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 Cavendish Nuclear
✨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 Cavendish Nuclear.
✨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 Cavendish Nuclear.
✨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 Cavendish Nuclear, demonstrating that you're ready to dive into the learning experience.
