Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship - Leicester

Overview

Join our Cavendish Nuclear business and build a career that truly matters. Over this 4-year programme, you’ll study towards a BEng (Hons) in Professional Engineering (Product Design) while gaining hands-on experience on initiatives that support the safe delivery of nuclear new build and decommissioning projects. It provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in the nuclear industry.

As a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice at Cavendish Nuclear, you’ll join a collaborative and experienced team working across all phases of the engineering lifecycle. Whether you’re supporting new build or decommissioning projects, you’ll play a vital role in the UK’s civil nuclear sector helping to deliver national energy resilience, meet net zero commitments, and safely clean up the nuclear legacy.

You’ll work on a variety of nuclear projects, from developing new technologies and maintaining essential systems to extending the life of vital infrastructure. Your day-to-day activities will include hands-on experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD), 3D modelling, mechanical calculations, and producing engineering documentation to national and international standards. You’ll support operational teams, resolve technical issues, and inform decisions that impact real-world outcomes. As part of your role, you’ll define design requirements, develop 3D CAD models, produce detailed engineering drawings, and carry out scoping calculations. You’ll also prepare equipment specifications, technical reports, and help manage plant and equipment obsolescence to ensure systems remain safe and reliable. Supporting assembly, testing, and operational teams, you’ll offer technical guidance, resolve engineering queries, and manage nonconformance issues, while gaining exposure to advanced engineering tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.

Based at one of our key sites in Leicester, you’ll support major projects at locations like Sellafield. You’ll begin by shadowing experienced engineers, building a strong foundation in design, modelling, calculations, and documentation. As you develop, you’ll take on more complex tasks and gain valuable experience across the full design lifecycle. Every drawing, design, or calculation you contribute to plays a part in protecting people, the environment, and the nation’s energy future.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll be surrounded by supportive mentors and experienced engineers who are invested in your growth. You’ll be part of a wider emerging talent community, sharing experiences and learning alongside other apprentices across the business. You’ll be trusted to take ownership of your development and supported every step of the way as you turn theory into real-world impact.

Your education/training

You will study towards the Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Degree Apprenticeship standard through the University of Derby.

Your academic learning will take place at the Nuclear Skills Academy, located in Derby’s newly refurbished iHub building on Infinity Park. This cutting-edge facility serves as the central hub for all apprenticeship programmes and is managed by the University of Derby. The Nuclear Skills Academy is supported by a network of industry and education partners, including the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the National College for Nuclear, and Derby City Council – ensuring your education is grounded in the latest developments and best practices in the field.

The programme is delivered part-time over four years, with three semesters per year in the first three years and two semesters in the final year. As a work-based learning qualification, your apprenticeship integrates both off-the-job and on-the-job training. This structure allows you to apply your academic knowledge directly to your workplace experiences, helping you develop the skills, behaviours, and understanding required to succeed in the industry.

In your final year, you’ll complete an integrated End Point Assessment (EPA), designed to evaluate your readiness for professional practice. By the end of the programme, you’ll be equipped with a respected degree and nuclear engineering experience.

Future prospects

By the end of the programme, you will have earned your degree and gained the skills, experience and knowledge to thrive as a Mechanical Engineer at Cavendish Nuclear – with a competitive salary exceeding £43,000.

You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence.

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

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above, including Maths, English and Science, plus one of the following:
• 104 UCAS points at A Level including Maths and Physics or another STEM subject at grade C
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM in Engineering including Maths units
• Pass Access Course: 104 points including 15 Level 3 credits in Maths and Physics or STEM at Merit
• International Baccalaureate: 104 points including Higher Level 6 in Maths and Physics or STEM
• T Level: Merit in an engineering T-Level discipline
• IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5
• Many of our apprenticeship programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions.

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
• Adaptable 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 highly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.