Mechanical Engineering Accelerated Degree Apprenticeship

Programme title: Mechanical Engineering Accelerated Degree Apprenticeship

Level: 6

Salary: £39,760

Location: Warrington

Application closing date: 29th January 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Overview

Fast-track your mechanical engineering career with our 2-year Accelerated Degree Apprenticeship. Designed for individuals with relevant prior learning, this programme enables you to complete your degree apprenticeship in a shorter timeframe than the standard programme. This unique opportunity blends structured academic study with hands-on experience, leading to a full BEng (Hons) degree and a rewarding career in the nuclear industry.

About the programme

Our Cavendish Nuclear business supports customers to deliver a future where nuclear is a key part of the energy solution. By joining our Mechanical Engineering Accelerated Degree Apprenticeship, you'll be part of a team at the forefront of developing advanced technologies that make the world safer and more secure. As an apprentice, you'll contribute to a variety of projects involving mechanical engineering, from conceptual stages to manufacturing readiness. Learning from experienced colleagues, you'll have the opportunity to rotate through departments to contribute to important projects.

Through this fast-tracked programme, you will:

• Develop expertise in mechanical engineering, including the creation of drawings, calculations, specifications, schedules, and technical reports.
• Complete calculations, including scoping calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Produce technical documentation to support the design and development of nuclear engineering solutions.
• Evaluate designs for potential risks and hazards, focusing on nuclear and radiological safety.
• Contribute to projects across the entire design and engineering lifecycle, from early concept development to detailed design and manufacturing preparation.
• Produce operations and maintenance manuals.
• Develop and outline installation sequences and process flow diagrams.
• Support the manufacture and installation of engineering equipment.

Your work will be integral to vital projects advancing the UK's nuclear clean-up efforts. This includes decommissioning outdated facilities to safeguard the environment and refurbishing laboratories and nuclear waste plants to ensure safety and efficiency. Each project contributes to the safe clean-up of the UK's nuclear legacy and helps create a world where nuclear plays a key contribution in protecting our nation, ensuring security of energy supply and meeting our net zero commitments.

Your education/training

You will undertake the Product Design and Development Engineer (Degree) Apprenticeship, 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) degree, accredited by an Engineering Council licensed Professional Engineering Institution, alongside a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship qualification.

Future prospects

At the end of the programme, you will have acquired the skills and experience to move into a Mechanical Engineering role within 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.

What you’ll need

To be eligible for this accelerated apprenticeship, you must hold one of the following:

• Level 5 HND in Engineering with Merit
• Level 5 Nuclear Technician Apprenticeship in Engineering with Merit
• Previous experience in a technical or engineering role within the engineering or nuclear industry

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. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

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.