Quality Graduate Programme
Programme title: Quality Graduate Programme
Salary: Minimum £35,000. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.
Location: Devonport, Plymouth
Application closing date: 20 October 2026
Programme start date: September 2027
Role ID: 74704
What will you do on the programme?
On the Quality Graduate Programme, you’ll develop a solid foundation in quality management while gaining experience in project environments from the outset.
You’ll build your understanding of core quality principles, including how standards and specifications ensure consistency, compliance, and high performance. Along the way, you’ll see how quality is applied in practice within construction and develop insight into its close relationship with engineering.
You’ll also explore key areas such as risk management and management systems, while gaining valuable experience in both internal and external auditing. As your knowledge grows, you’ll deepen your understanding of the difference between assurance and control, and discover how data is used to monitor performance and drive continuous improvement.
How is the programme structured?
Our two-year graduate programme is designed to help you develop your skills in a practical, supportive environment. You’ll work closely with experienced Quality Engineers, contributing to real project activities. As your confidence and capability grow, you’ll take on increasing responsibility and begin working more independently.
The role is primarily based at Devonport Royal Dockyard, with opportunities to attend supplier visits, inspections, and project interventions, depending on project requirements.
How do we develop and support you?
From day one, you’ll receive structured support, tailored training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.
You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.
We’ll also support your journey towards professional chartership. Through a comprehensive programme of learning modules, you’ll begin working towards accreditation with the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI). You’ll be enrolled at entry level from the outset, with the opportunity to progress to Practitioner level (PCQI) as your skills, knowledge, and experience grow.
What’s waiting for you after the programme?
When you complete the programme, you’ll move into a permanent role within our Quality function, where you can build on what you’ve learned and continue to develop your expertise. You’ll also receive ongoing support to progress towards professional chartership.
From there, your development doesn’t stop. We’ll support you as you grow into more senior roles and take on greater responsibility. 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 rewards and benefits will you get?
We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.
In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,000, you’ll benefit from:
- A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays
- Generous pension and employee share schemes
- Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
- Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.
What do you need to apply?
- You’ll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a 2:2 or above in any degree.
- A full UK driving licence is beneficial, as the role involves travel to supplier sites and project locations.
- Many of our 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 and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.
- Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.
Where will you be based?
Places on our Quality Graduate Programme for September 2027 are available in Devonport, Plymouth.
Our business in Plymouth works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Royal Navy at HM Naval Base Devonport. We provide through-life support for submarines, surface ships and associated systems and equipment as part of our continuing commitment to support our nation’s naval capability.
Application process and important information
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.
Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.
We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.
We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
