Mechanical Calibration Apprenticeship in Helensburgh

This 4-year apprenticeship offers an excellent foundation for a rewarding career in mechanical calibration engineering. You’ll earn recognised qualifications while gaining hands-on experience working on Royal Navy submarines.

As a Mechanical Calibration Apprentice, you’ll become a key part of our expert Calibration Services team at HM Naval Base Clyde. You’ll work alongside highly skilled technicians and engineers to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test equipment used to monitor, measure, and maintain complex systems for the Trident and Astute Class submarine programmes. Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll develop expertise in this highly specialised field, where precision is key.

Your daily responsibilities will include:

• Calibrating and fine-tuning test equipment in line with approved procedures
• Verifying accuracy across a wide range of measurements
• Supporting critical safety and performance requirements
• Contributing to specialised projects, such as designing calibration setups and producing custom testing accessories like switch boxes

This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in measurement science and engineering while making a direct impact on the quality and safety of the UK’s defence systems. You’ll thrive in a structured, supportive environment that encourages you to develop and refine your skills, setting you on a path to a successful career in calibration.

As part of your apprenticeship, you will receive training both on-site and at West College Scotland. Your formal qualifications will be achieved progressively over the course of the programme:

• Year 1: Full-time at West College Scotland – SVQ Level 2 (SCQF Level 5) in Performing Engineering Operations; NC Mechanical Engineering – Year 1
• Year 2: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde and 1 day per week at West College Scotland – SVQ Diploma in Technical Services in Engineering (SCQF Level 7); NC Mechanical Engineering – Year 2
• Years 3–4: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde (if progressing to HNC) and 1 day per week at West College Scotland – SVQ Diploma in Engineering Technical Support (SCQF Level 7); HNC Mechanical Engineering

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you will be able to progress into the role of Industrial Calibrator (salary £38,461) or advance to positions such as Calibration Engineer, Senior Calibration Specialist, line management, or leadership roles.

Qualifications required include National Level 5 qualifications (or equivalent) in Maths and English, and a Science or technical subject, along with two other qualifications at National Level 4 or 5 or above. Many of our apprenticeship programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions, which may affect eligibility based on place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency.

If you think this is the right apprenticeship for you, click the "Apply now" button to start your new career with this apprenticeship. This employer is part of the Disability Confident scheme. If you identify yourself as disabled and meet the minimum criteria for this job, you should be offered an interview.