Programme title: Health Physics Apprenticeship
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: 67821
Our 4‑year Health Physics Apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to be part of the world‑leading programme to dismantle the UK’s legacy fleet of nuclear‑powered submarines. Join us and you’ll learn how to monitor radiological conditions, support environmental safety, and play an active role in protecting both people and the environment.
About the programme
As a Health Physics Monitor Apprentice within our Radioactive Waste and Health Physics Department, you’ll contribute directly to the safe dismantling of the UK’s legacy submarine fleet for the Ministry of Defence, while also supporting other nuclear‑related projects at Rosyth.
Using specialised equipment, you’ll learn how to carry out radiological surveys of work areas, identify and communicate potential hazards, and offer clear, practical advice on safety measures. You’ll also gain experience supporting emergency responses and applying radiological protection procedures in a range of operational situations.
Day‑to‑day, you’ll work as part of the team supporting nuclear operations at Rosyth and developing the core skills required of a Health Physics Monitor, including:
- Monitoring and surveying: Conducting routine radiation and contamination surveys of work areas, equipment and personnel to ensure compliance with safety standards before, during and after operations.
- Instrument checks: Completing functional checks on radiological instruments and detectors to maintain their accuracy and reliability.
- Data recording: Accurately recording, interpreting and reporting survey results and sample analyses.
- Advice and information: Communicating radiological hazards and risks clearly and guiding personnel on the correct protective actions to take.
- Source management: Accounting for and managing radioactive sources in line with site procedures.
- Emergency response: Supporting emergency arrangements by monitoring conditions during incidents and applying radiological protection measures in high‑risk situations.
Throughout the programme, you’ll be supported by mentors, line managers and our Emerging Talent team. Their guidance will help you build your technical skills, professional confidence and sense of achievement as you progress.
Please note, this role involves working in confined or restricted spaces on board nuclear submarines. Candidates must be comfortable working and performing tasks in restricted environments. The role also includes manual work, which may involve lifting, bending, using tools or standing for extended periods.
Your education/training
You’ll work towards the SCQF Level 7 Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering Technical Support.
Most of your first year will be spent at Forth Valley College, with some time on site in Rosyth to help you build familiarity with the team and working environment. From your second year onwards, you’ll be based onsite and will complete a blend of classroom learning, work shadowing and practical training with experienced colleagues.
Your training will cover topics such as Radiation Protection, Personal Monitoring, Emergency Arrangements, Waste Disposal and Health Physics Instrumentation.
Future prospects
Once you successfully complete your apprenticeship, you’ll be appointed as a Health Physics Monitor, working as part of the Submarine Dismantling Project at Rosyth.
There are strong career development opportunities, with potential progression into roles such as Health Physics Supervisor, Health Physics Operations Manager, or moving into Environmental Safety or Radioactive Waste specialisms at Rosyth.
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
- You’ll need four National 5s at grade C or above, including English, Maths, and a science subject (Physics preferred), plus one further National 5 or an NC in any science subject (as an equivalent to the fourth National 5).
- A full UK driving licence is essential, as you will be required to transport radioactive waste and support emergency response activities using a designated response vehicle.
- 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. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.
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.
