Engineering Design Apprenticeship in Dunfermline

Location: Rosyth, Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, GB, KY11 2YD

Onsite or Hybrid: OnSite

Programme title: Engineering Design Apprenticeship

Level: SCQF Level 7

Salary:

• Year 1: £15,906
• Year 2: £22,857
• Year 3: £25,617
• Year 4: £29,149
• Post apprenticeship: £39,000+

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 67818

Are you passionate about 2D and 3D engineering design? Join our 4-year Electrical, Control & Instrumentation, Mechanical or Naval Architecture Design Apprenticeship and you’ll begin your specialised engineering career, playing a vital role in bringing innovative marine engineering projects to life.

About the programme

From your first day, you’ll be part of our Design and Engineering team. The work is varied and rewarding, involving everything from developing 3D models and 2D drawings to preparing technical reports, simple calculations and supporting design solutions for engineering projects. You’ll learn how to use industry-standard CAD tools, apply design codes and standards, and see how design decisions are made across an entire engineering lifecycle. Projects range from new ship construction to refits and commercial engineering work, so you’ll gain experience across a broad range of technologies and disciplines. Training comes from those who know the work best. Experienced engineers and designers will guide your learning, helping you apply theory in a real-world context. Collaboration plays a huge part too – you’ll work closely with other design and project teams, seeing how each discipline contributes to delivering high‑quality, safe and efficient outcomes.

You’ll be asked to indicate if you have a preference during the recruitment process.

• Electrical, Control & Instrumentation Design: Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Designers plan, design, develop, implement, and support electrical systems and equipment.
• Mechanical Design: Mechanical Designers plan, design, develop, implement, and support mechanical systems and equipment.
• Naval Architecture Design: Naval Architecture Designers plan, design, develop, implement, and support structures and outfitting.

Your education/training

Your training will be delivered through Forth Valley College, where you’ll work towards an SVQ Level 3 Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering at SCQF Level 7. During your first year, you’ll focus on building your core engineering knowledge at college full time, studying towards your National Certificate (NC) related to your discipline and developing practical skills through Performing Engineering Operations (PEO2). Year 2 will see you begin rotational placements within the engineering department, gaining design office experience as part of a team on live project tasking, also working towards your SVQ Level 3. There will also be the opportunity to undertake a HNC in Year 2, returning to college on day release alongside a continuation of your work based learning. By the end of the programme, you’ll have the skills and confidence to produce high‑quality engineering designs that meet industry standards.

Future prospects

Upon completion of the programme, you’ll have the opportunity to continue your journey with Babcock and specialise as a Naval Architecture Designer, Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Designer or Mechanical Designer, depending on your apprenticeship pathway. A newly qualified designer at Babcock can expect to earn a salary exceeding £39,000. You’ll also have access to further development through professional accreditation and advanced study within our Engineering community. From there, your development doesn’t stop. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped‑out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

What you’ll need

• Highers in Maths or Physics at grade C or above
• One additional Higher in English or a technical/science subject (or equivalent qualification such as a Foundation Apprenticeship in Engineering)
• Four National 5s at grade C or above, including Maths, English, Physics and one other related subject

Many of our apprenticeship programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

What you’ll get

• Fully funded qualification
• Personal development training and opportunities
• Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Employee share scheme
• Flexible 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 strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.