Engineering Systems Apprentice

Our team based at the BUTEC Shore Support Base in Kyle of Lochalsh requires an apprentice Engineering System’s apprentice, a multi-disciplined role that supports a wide range of shore-based and sea operations.

• Operation, maintenance and testing of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) & Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) which include a variety of electronic and mechanical sub-systems.
• Operation, testing and repair of electronic systems used for the tracking and measurement of radiated noise from underwater vehicles.
• Participation in preventive and corrective maintenance schedules for a wide range of vehicles and equipment.
• Participation in local multi-skill arrangements, including sea-going work and trials activities.

As an apprentice you will learn and obtain experience in the fundamentals of electrical and/or mechanical engineering. Your first year will be spent at Inverness UHI and thereafter through part-time study at BUTEC / UHI. During your time at BUTEC you will assist with a variety of electrical and mechanical tasks and may work independently on less skilled tasks as you are given more responsibility.

Key skills required:

• Being able to identify issues and solve problems
• Being organized and analytical
• Having the strength and stamina for occasional heavy lifting
• Being able to work well alone or as part of a team
• Proactive and able to use your initiative
• Hard working and conscientious
• Willing to take ownership of your work

Academic requirements: You will need to have attained or predicted 4 National 5s, A – C in English Language, Maths and either Physics or Chemistry and 1 other subject. You will be undertaking the SCQF Level 6 Modern Engineering Apprenticeship – Electronic Pathway. Travel to the training provider will be funded by QinetiQ within policy.

The multi-skilled pathway in Engineering comprises the National Certificate in Electrical Engineering, SVQ2 Performing Engineering Operations and Core Skills at SCQF level. This is completed in year one of the programme full time on site at UHI Inverness. Accommodation costs at Inverness College are funded by Skills Development Scotland. Years 2-4, the Diploma in Engineering in the workplace. An assessor will guide you with the qualification and assess competencies throughout.

Our Benefits (the list is not exhaustive):

• On demand learning, access to courses, modules, and lectures via multiple digital learning platforms
• Coaching and Mentoring
• 25 days annual holiday excluding bank holiday
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Employee discount portal
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee-led networks

Security: Many of our roles at QinetiQ are subject to national security vetting. Applicants who already hold the appropriate level of vetting may be able to transfer it upon appointment, subject to approval. Many roles are also subject to restrictions on access to information, which means factors such as nationality, previous nationalities held and the country in which you were born may impact your role. Please note that all applicants for this role must be eligible for SC clearance, as a minimum. Further guidance regarding clearances can be found: UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). Please also be aware that under immigration rules, our Early Careers roles do not meet the legal threshold for candidates who are resident in the UK on student visas. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds.

Closing date for new applicants: 22nd May 2026