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- Tasks: Join the NDE team to identify flaws and ensure submarines are mission-ready.
- Company: BAE Systems, a leader in advanced defence and aerospace solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, free higher education, pension scheme, and flexible health benefits.
- Why this job: Make the invisible visible and contribute to engineering excellence and safety.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths, English, and Science (grades A*-C or equivalent).
- Other info: 95% of apprentices stay on with us for exciting career opportunities.
Join the NDE team and become part of a legacy that’s critical to engineering excellence and safety. You will play a key role in identifying flaws and ensuring that every submarine we produce is ready for its mission. Make the invisible, visible!
We offer a competitive salary with annual increases throughout the apprenticeship and a range of employee benefits including free higher education as well as access to the Company pension and share saving scheme.
Training course: Non‑destructive testing (NDT) operator (level 2).
Hours: Shifts to be confirmed – 37 hours a week.
Start date: Monday 14 September 2026.
Duration: 3 years 6 months.
Work: Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.
What you will do at work:
- You will join a team of skilled professionals who work across every stage of a submarine's build.
- Getting hands‑on with key structural activities, whilst mastering cutting‑edge inspection methods that keep these vessels safe and ready for the Royal Navy.
- Learning directly from some of the best in the business, providing on‑the‑job training.
- Gain world‑class qualifications in Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) at PCN Level 2.
- You will be trained in essential methods like Magnetic Testing through a mix of hands‑on experience and specialist training at external facilities.
- Approximately 60% of your time will be spent on practical inspections and 40% on desk‑based tasks like data management.
- There is even the opportunity to pursue further education, such as an NDT Foundation Degree.
Where you will work:
BAE Systems
1st Floor, Main Shipyard Offices
Barrow-in-Furness
Cumbria
LA14 1AF
Training: Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You will study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider: FURNESS COLLEGE
Demonstrate health & safety competencies pertinent to the relevant NDT method:
- Working at heights, in confined spaces and in restricted zones.
- Carry out inspections using one NDT method, revealing defects present on the external surface of the test item/component using minimum levels of interpretation, usually by visual assessment only.
- Refer inspection results to more skilled or qualified personnel to continue with the inspection process, assessment and interpretation.
- Safe operation of the equipment within its capabilities and limitations.
- Work effectively within the limitations of standard tests and measurements relevant to their field of activity.
- Perform NDT inspections in accordance with written NDT Work Instructions.
- Escalate concerns over frequency of type defects to supervisor, confirming results and accurately recording findings.
- Clearly mark defective areas for follow‑up validation by supervisory staff such as NDT Engineering Technicians.
- Prepare and submit clear and concise NDT inspection reports detailing the inspection findings.
- Read technical drawings to assist in the inspection process.
- Work under technical supervision and report regularly on progress.
- Ask the supervisor for advice and guidance where appropriate.
- Demonstrate a disciplined approach relating to industry standard operations and processes.
- Exhibit environmental awareness and undertake safe working practices for self and others.
- Have good practical ability, including hand/eye coordination, in order to apply NDT.
- Achieve good time management and a disciplined approach.
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
Requirements:
GCSE in: 5 GCSE Inc Maths, English & Science or Technical (grade A*-C or 9-4 or equivalent). Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
About this employer: At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology‑led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 people in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.
As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing & lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts.
Disability Confident: A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long‑term health condition. This includes non‑visible disabilities and conditions. You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You will need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.
After this apprenticeship: Approximately 95% of apprentices choose to stay on with us. As a global business there are a world of opportunities – whether you decide to stay in the UK, or explore an overseas role.
Contact for this apprenticeship: FURNESS COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000350609.
Apply now: Closes on Saturday 28 February 2026. Sign in with your GOV.UK One Login to apply. After signing in, you will apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.
V05056 - Advanced Apprentice Non-Destructive Examination - NDE (Quality) employer: Furness College
Contact Detail:
Furness College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land V05056 - Advanced Apprentice Non-Destructive Examination - NDE (Quality)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research BAE Systems and their NDE team. Understanding their values and projects will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current apprentices or employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to NDT and quality assurance. Mock interviews with friends or family can help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the apprenticeship and any updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace V05056 - Advanced Apprentice Non-Destructive Examination - NDE (Quality)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for Non-Destructive Examination shine through! We want to see why you're excited about this apprenticeship and how it fits into your career goals.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that relate to NDT and engineering. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Furness College
✨Know Your NDT Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods. Familiarise yourself with techniques like Magnetic Testing and how they apply to submarine inspections. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Since this apprenticeship involves hands-on work, be prepared to discuss any relevant practical experience you have. Whether it's a school project or a hobby that involves precision and attention to detail, highlight these experiences to demonstrate your practical ability and hand-eye coordination.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship, such as the types of projects you'll be involved in or the training opportunities available. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Safety Awareness
Given the nature of the work, safety is paramount. Be ready to discuss your understanding of health and safety practices relevant to NDT. Mention any previous training or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to safe working practices, which is crucial in this field.
