Project Controls Apprenticeship in Helensburgh

Overview

Join to apply for the Project Controls Apprenticeship role at Cavendish Nuclear.

This 4-year apprenticeship offers an excellent introduction to project controls and engineering. You will gain technical qualifications while contributing to significant real-world projects supporting the Royal Navy.

Programme details

Programme title: Project Controls Apprenticeship

Level: SCQF Level 7

Salary: £16,000 rising annually to £38,461 post-apprenticeship

Location: HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland

Application closing date: 12 March 2026

Programme start date: August 2026

What you’ll do

This role is based within the Project Controls team, supporting Fleet contracts with the Royal Navy at HMNB Clyde. This includes the maintenance of Vanguard and Astute Class submarines. Throughout the apprenticeship, you will gain exposure to Risk Management, Change Control, Estimating, Cost Control, Governance, Forecasting, and Planning. You will learn how these functions integrate in the early stages and specialise in one area by the end of the programme.

Education and qualifications

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

• Year 1: Full-time at West College Scotland
• SVQ Level 2 (SCQF Level 5) in Performing Engineering Operations
• NC Engineering Systems – Year 1

• Year 2: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde and 1 day per week at West College Scotland
• SVQ Diploma in Technical Services in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
• NC Engineering Systems – Year 2

• Years 3–4 (if progressing to HNC): 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde and 1 day per week at West College Scotland
• SVQ Diploma in Technical Services in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
• HNC Engineering Systems

In addition, you will work towards the Association for Project Management (APM) Project Fundamentals Qualification to further enhance your project management knowledge.

Future prospects

Upon successful completion, you will be ready to step into a Project Controls role in your chosen specialisation. You can expect a competitive starting salary of £38,461. There is a defined career progression path—from Assistant Specialist to Specialist to Senior Specialist—with opportunities to move between project controls functions or into management roles within Project Management or the Programme Management Office.

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
• Security and trade control considerations may affect eligibility for some programmes. You must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Full details at GOV.UK: clearance levels

What you’ll get

• Fully funded qualification
• Personal development training and opportunities
• Minimum 28 days holiday including bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Employee share scheme
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work and shopping portal

You will also have opportunities to engage in STEM outreach activities and volunteering.

Application process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. Please submit your application and complete any required online assessments as soon as possible for the best chance of consideration.