Programme title: Non-Destructive Testing Apprentice
Level: SCQF Level 7
Salary:
Year 1: £15,974
Year 2: £22,857
Year 3: £25,728
Year 4: £29,274
Location: Rosyth, Fife, Scotland
Application closing date: 12th March 2026
Programme start date: September 2026
Role ID: 67854
Our 4-year Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to develop specialist skills in radiography and inspection techniques, while gaining recognised qualifications in Engineering Manufacturing and Fabrication.
About the programme
As an NDT Apprentice based at our Rosyth site, you’ll play a key role in supporting customer programmes, helping ensure the quality of critical projects to undertake critical missions. Your work will range from factory-based manufacturing to major structural welding on Royal Navy vessels. With such varied tasks, no two days will be the same, and you'll play a vital role in supporting the Royal Navy's operations.
You’ll contribute directly to our purpose of creating a safe and secure world, together – ensuring the safety and integrity of vital assets through high-quality inspections and surveys.
Your responsibilities will include:
• Planning and documentation
• Engineering mathematical and scientific principles
• Methods and techniques
• Structure, properties and characteristics of materials.
• Diagnostic methods to overcome problems
• Interpreting engineering drawings and data
• Adhering to and refining processes and procedures
• Conducting detailed surveys and maintaining rigorous standards
• Collaborating with stakeholders to ensure compliance with regulations and codes
• Producing essential technical reports
You’ll also be an integral part of the NDT and Quality Control Team at Rosyth, developing your expertise in this highly specialised field.
By the end of the programme, you’ll be a well-rounded professional, ready to step into the role of NDT Technician.
Your education/training
You will complete the Engineering: Manufacturing and Fabrication Modern Apprenticeship, delivered through Forth Valley College and on-site at Babcock in Rosyth.
Programme structure:
• Year 1: Full-time college (August to June)
• Year 2: Full-time onsite work
• Year 3: Full-time onsite work (HNC students attend college one day per week)
• Year 4: Full-time onsite work focused on finalising logbooks and qualifications
Upon successful completion, you’ll achieve a Modern Apprenticeship Qualification at SCQF Level 7, which includes:
• HNC in Engineering or a related discipline (SCQF Level 5 or above)
• Diploma in Engineering (Manufacturing and Fabrication) at SCQF Level 7
Future prospects
Upon programme completion, you’ll be qualified to work as an NDT Technician, with a competitive salary exceeding £36,000.
You may also choose to continue your studies with an HNC in a related subject. Career progression within Babcock is supported, with opportunities to specialise and grow your technical expertise.
What you’ll need
• 4 National Grades (5) in Maths, English, and two other subjects at grade C or above
• Willingness to learn, collaborate, and show genuine interest in the subject
• Ability to follow instructions and prioritise safety
• 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.
