Programme title: Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
Level: 6
Salary:
Year 1: £22,800
Year 2: £25,993
Year 3: £29,186
Year 4: £32,380
Post-apprenticeship salary: £43,343
Location: Bristol
Application closing date: 18th December 2025
Programme start date: September 2026
Role ID: 67222
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 Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing 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.
About the programme
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 Bristol, 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
As part of the Level 6 Manufacturing Engineer (Degree) Apprenticeship, you’ll work towards a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing from the University of the West of England (UWE), accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
In your first year, you’ll attend Weston College for two to two and a half days per week. From your second year onwards, you’ll study at UWE’s Frenchay Campus one day per week.
This course is designed to support your academic development while enabling you to apply your learning in a practical, real-world setting. You’ll develop key skills in creative problem solving, manufacturing management, computer-aided design (CAD), modelling and simulation, teamwork, and innovation.
Future prospects
By the end of the programme, you’ll be ready to take on a role as a Structural and System Integrity Engineer, with a competitive starting salary of over £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
- A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Mathematics (or equivalent, such as Functional Skills Level 2).
- 112 UCAS points, including one of the following:
- A Levels: Grade C in Mathematics and Physics, plus a pass in another STEM subject
- BTEC Diploma in a relevant engineering field, with Merit in specific maths units
- Access to HE Diploma: 30 Level 3 credits at Merit, including 15 in Maths and 15 in another science or tech subject
- International Baccalaureate: Grade 5 in higher level Maths and Physics, plus a pass in another relevant subject
- Irish Highers: H2 in Maths and Physics, plus a pass in another relevant subject
- T Levels: Grade C in A-Level Maths plus your T Level at Merit in an engineering T-Level discipline
- Please note that successful application is dependent on acceptance by UWE.
- 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.
