At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to work on innovative nuclear engineering projects and gain hands-on experience.
- Company: Cavendish Nuclear, part of Babcock, a global leader in defence and engineering.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a competitive salary and a degree from the University of Nottingham.
- Other info: Supportive mentors and a clear career pathway to becoming a qualified engineer.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's energy future while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs and A Levels in Maths and Physics required; passion for engineering is essential.
The predicted salary is between 42300 - 51700 £ per year.
As a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice at Cavendish Nuclear, you’ll join a collaborative and experienced team working across all phases of the engineering lifecycle. Whether you’re supporting new build or decommissioning projects, you’ll play a vital role in the UK’s civil nuclear sector helping to deliver national energy resilience, meet net zero commitments, and safely clean up the nuclear legacy.
You’ll work on a variety of nuclear projects, from developing new technologies and maintaining essential systems to extending the life of vital infrastructure. Your day-to-day activities will include hands-on experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD), 3D modelling, mechanical calculations, and producing engineering documentation to national and international standards. You’ll support operational teams, resolve technical issues, and inform decisions that impact real-world outcomes.
As part of your role, you’ll define design requirements, develop 3D CAD models, produce detailed engineering drawings, and carry out scoping calculations. You’ll also prepare equipment specifications, technical reports, and help manage plant and equipment obsolescence to ensure systems remain safe and reliable. Supporting assembly, testing, and operational teams, you’ll offer technical guidance, resolve engineering queries, and manage nonconformance issues, while gaining exposure to advanced engineering tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.
Based at one of our key sites in Humberside, you’ll support major projects at locations like Sellafield. You’ll begin by shadowing experienced engineers, building a strong foundation in design, modelling, calculations, and documentation. As you develop, you’ll take on more complex tasks and gain valuable experience across the full design lifecycle. Every drawing, design, or calculation you contribute to plays a part in protecting people, the environment, and the nation’s energy future.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll be surrounded by supportive mentors and experienced engineers who are invested in your growth. You’ll be part of a wider emerging talent community, sharing experiences and learning alongside other apprentices across the business. You’ll be trusted to take ownership of your development and supported every step of the way as you turn theory into real-world impact.
Training
You’ll study with the University of Nottingham through the Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship – a five-year programme that combines university teaching with practical experience in the workplace. Each year, you’ll attend university for four separate one-week blocks, plus additional time on campus for exams. These sessions are designed to strengthen your technical knowledge and build your engineering skills.
For the rest of the year, you’ll continue learning while working. You’ll watch recorded lectures, complete assignments, and carry out projects that relate directly to your job. This flexible approach means you can study at times that suit your schedule, while applying what you learn in real-world situations.
At the end of the programme, you’ll graduate with a BEng (Hons) in Electro-mechanical Engineering. You’ll then move on to a final review and assessment, completing your apprenticeship and stepping into your career as a qualified electro-mechanical engineer.
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 a Mechanical Engineer at Cavendish Nuclear. You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence.
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
- Analytical 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 9am to 5pm
- Hours: 35 hours per week
- Duration: 5 Years
- Start date: 2027-09-01
- Closing date: 2026-12-07
- Apprenticeship standard: Electro-mechanical engineer (level 6)
- Training provider: UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM
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.
Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in Hessle 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 Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in Hessle
✨Get Hands-On in the Field
Mechanical engineering is all about practical skills, so dive into local workshops or maker spaces. Attending hands-on events can help you network with professionals who might know about apprenticeship opportunities at companies like Cavendish Nuclear.
✨Utilise Engineering Competitions
Join engineering competitions or clubs at your university or in your community. These not only look great on your CV but can also connect you with companies looking to recruit apprentices, including Cavendish Nuclear.
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're currently studying, make sure to hit up your university's career services. They often have connections with firms like Cavendish Nuclear who are on the lookout for eager apprentices. Take full advantage of their resources!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any projects you've worked on, whether for school or personal interest. A well-curated portfolio can impress potential employers like Cavendish Nuclear when you're stepping into the apprenticeship scene.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship in Hessle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:When applying for a mechanical engineering apprenticeship, highlight any relevant skills or hands-on experience you've got. If you've worked on projects related to design, CAD software, or any hands-on mechanical work, make sure to include that to show you're ready for the practical side of things!
Dive into Your Education:Apprenticeships value your learning potential, so don’t forget to mention your academic achievements, specifically in STEM subjects. Talk about any courses or certifications related to mechanical engineering you've taken and how they inspire you to grow in this field.
Personalise Your Cover Letter:This isn’t just any application—you want to grab attention! In your cover letter, weave in your passion for mechanical engineering. Share why you’re excited about potentially working with Cavendish Nuclear and how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Teamwork & Problem-Solving:Mechanical engineering is all about collaboration and critical thinking. Include examples in your CV or cover letter where you’ve tackled a problem as a team, or solved a challenge in a project. This shows recruiters at Cavendish Nuclear that you're ready to contribute positively from day one.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cavendish Nuclear
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
As this is an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, make sure you highlight any hands-on experience you have. Bring along examples of projects or tasks you've done, whether it's in school or outside. If you've got a portfolio of work or even some photos of your projects, that can really set you apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Brush up on the specific tools and techniques commonly used in mechanical engineering. Be prepared to discuss software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or simulation tools, as these might come up during technical questions. Understanding of basic engineering principles will also give you a solid foundation to impress your interviewers at Cavendish Nuclear.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
Apprenticeships are all about learning on the job. So, be ready to articulate why you want to pursue this path at Cavendish Nuclear. Share any relevant coursework or experiences that piqued your interest in mechanical engineering, and let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Practice Problem-Solving on the Spot
You may face some situational or problem-solving questions during your interview, especially practical ones that mimic real-world engineering challenges. Practise how you'd approach such problems – think through your reasoning and how you would apply your knowledge practically. This shows you can think on your feet, which is key in mechanical engineering!
