SDA Technical Nuclear Degree Apprentice Scheme

The Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Apprenticeship (ST0289) is a four-year program starting in September 2025, based at MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol. Year One involves full-time college study in the South-West. After a successful Gateway Interview, you'll progress to work-based technical placements and defence-specific nuclear training in locations such as Barrow-in-Furness, Bristol, Helensburgh, Plymouth, and Rosyth in Years Two to Four.

During the apprenticeship, you will pursue a foundation degree with block release college attendance. After Year Three and another Gateway Interview, you'll receive a permanent contract and complete your full degree while continuing placements. Upon successful completion of Year Four and the End Point Assessment, you'll be offered a role within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, potentially involving relocation to waterfront locations.

In Year One, you'll attend full-time college and participate in activities at company establishments during holidays. Subsequent years may offer hybrid and flexible working options, but regular workplace attendance is required. These positions are open to UK Nationals only and may require Developed Vetting clearance. You must have the right to reside in the UK and have been a resident in the EEA (or countries with bilateral agreements) for at least three years before starting.

Responsibilities:

• Participate in professional and personal development opportunities, workshops, and a peer mentoring scheme.
• Engage in structured training and gain experience through work-based placements, applying nuclear engineering/scientific concepts in a defence environment.
• Year One: Full-time college attendance, with activities at MOD establishments during some holidays.
• Maintain regular workplace attendance due to security and business needs.
• Fixed holiday time during Year One: Two weeks at Christmas and one week at Easter.
• You will be supported by your Apprentice Manager and Placement Supervisor throughout the scheme to help you reach your potential and become a valuable asset to the SDA Engineering Function.
• In subsequent years, hybrid and flexible working outside college term times may be possible. These options can be discussed with your trainee scheme manager.

Requirements:

Due to the classification of much of the role, all posts are open to UK Nationals only. Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory pre-employment and security checks, including Occupational Health Assessment and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). You will need to confirm your identity, employment/education history, nationality, and any criminal record (unspent convictions only). The required security clearance is Security Check (SC), usually requiring continuous UK residency for 5 years prior. Extensive travel or overseas residence may delay clearance and affect employment offers. Complete all information requests fully and promptly to avoid delays. Employment offers depend on achieving predicted grades.

You must demonstrate the following essential criteria:

• 5 GCSEs at grades C to A* or 4-9, including English Language, Mathematics, and a Science/Engineering subject, plus two additional subjects.
• Predicted or achieved grades in one of the following: 3 A Levels including Mathematics, Science, and another subject (grades C-A* or 4-9); a National Diploma in engineering with at least 96 UCAS Points; or an equivalent STEM qualification such as BTEC L3, HNC, or HND.
• Higher qualifications like a Foundation Degree or Degree in STEM subjects can also be considered.

Note: Please specify whether your English qualification is in Language or Literature.

Benefits:

• Salary of £25,970 plus company contribution of £7,523 towards a Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Tailored learning and development opportunities.
• Market-leading pension contributions (~21% of salary, excluding personal contributions).
• 25 days holiday plus an additional day per year worked, up to 30 days.
• Flexible working after 6 months, depending on academic requirements.
• Discount schemes, health and wellbeing support, family-friendly initiatives, and more.