Higher Level Commercial Apprenticeship in Plymouth

Programme title: Higher Level Commercial Apprenticeship

Level: 5

Salary:

• Year 1: £21,641
• Year 2: £27,412
• Post apprenticeship: £30,000+

Location: Devonport, Plymouth

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 67813

Our 2-year Higher Level Commercial Apprenticeship is a fantastic opportunity to build a career in business and contract management while supporting some of the most complex engineering projects in the UK. You’ll help shape and deliver contracts that keep the Royal Navy’s fleet operational, learning how to manage commercial relationships, support bids, and contribute to the success of high-value programmes.

About the programme

The Commercial function at Babcock plays a vital role in ensuring we deliver value and excellence for our customers. You’ll join a team that helps manage complex contracts across the Naval Nuclear business unit, supporting the safe and efficient delivery of major defence projects. Over two years, you’ll complete four placements of around six months each, each offering the chance to experience a different part of the business. One rotation might focus on supporting live contracts and engaging with customers and suppliers, while another could involve developing bids for new opportunities or helping ensure compliance with governance and assurance processes. As your experience grows, you’ll develop a broad skill set that covers everything from negotiating and managing terms and conditions to analysing commercial risks and supporting successful contract delivery. Collaboration will be a key part of your work as you partner with engineers, legal advisors and project managers to understand how commercial decisions shape project outcomes. Throughout the programme, you’ll be supported by experienced mentors and managers who’ll help you build confidence, capability and sound professional judgement.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll study for the Level 5 Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship Standard through City College Plymouth. You’ll attend college once a week and spend the rest of your time applying your learning in the workplace. This qualification is designed to develop your management and leadership skills, with modules covering business planning, finance, relationship management and operational delivery. We’ll also support you in working towards chartered status as a member of the World Commerce and Contracting (WorldCC) Association, giving you a recognised professional pathway in the field of commercial management.

Future prospects

When you complete your apprenticeship, you’ll move into a permanent role as a Commercial Administrator, followed by progression to Commercial Support Advisor after your third year. Upon programme completion, you can expect to earn a competitive salary exceeding £30,000, with ongoing support to further your qualifications and continue your professional development. 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

A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4/C or above, including Maths and English and 3 A-Levels grades A-C. Due to ID requirements for entry to the Devonport Dockyard, you will need to provide either a valid passport or a provisional/full UK driving licence. If you do not currently hold one of these forms of ID, we strongly recommend applying in advance to ensure smooth access on your first day. 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

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
• 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.