Programme title: Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Degree Apprenticeship
Level: 6
Salary: Starting at £27,381, with annual salary increases throughout the apprenticeship programme
Location: Babcock Technology Centre, Bristol
Application closing date: 8th December 2026
Programme start date: September 2027
Role ID: 74989
Our 5-year Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Degree Apprenticeship offers a rare opportunity to work on the systems that power the UK’s nuclear submarines, while studying towards a BEng (Hons) degree in Electronics or Electrical & Electronic Engineering.
About the programme
This Level 6 degree apprenticeship is designed to help you develop core engineering skills while contributing to projects that support the UK’s submarine fleet.
Each week, you’ll contribute to a variety of tasks within the electrical team. This includes supporting live projects, assisting with feasibility and non-contract work, and developing your knowledge through collaboration with experienced engineers. You’ll also be involved in producing key deliverables such as electrical load charts, equipment feasibility studies, design changes (Alterations & Additions), and maintaining equipment databases. In some cases, you may oversee subcontractors delivering work on behalf of the team.
Throughout the programme, you’ll build your understanding of electrical theory in the context of submarine design and gain insight into the full project lifecycle – from initial scoping and costing through to final delivery to the Ministry of Defence.
Your work may include:
- Producing electrical drawings, calculations, specifications, schedules, and reports
- Creating technical documentation to support the design and engineering of technical solutions
- Surveying submarines during dockyard maintenance periods
- Using design tools such as AutoCAD or Unity to assist with the creation of design changes and 3D boat models
- Receiving training in Electrical Safety and BS7671 (IET Electrical Wiring Regulations)
Your education/training
As part of this apprenticeship, you’ll study towards a BEng (Hons) in Electronics or Electrical and Electronic Engineering – equipping you with the academic foundation and technical expertise needed for a successful career in engineering.
You’ll spend at least two days per week at the Babcock Technology Centre in Bristol, with the remaining time dedicated to university study at a partner institution. Throughout the programme, you’ll be supported by a dedicated line manager who will guide your work, and a mentor who will help you develop professionally and work towards professional registration.
On successful completion, you’ll be awarded an Honours Degree accredited by a Professional Engineering Institution licensed by the UK Engineering Council – enabling you to take the next step towards becoming an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer.
Future prospects
Completing this apprenticeship opens the door to a rewarding engineering career. You’ll graduate with a degree, valuable project experience, and a strong understanding of electrical systems used in nuclear-powered submarines.
Most apprentices progress into engineering roles within our Submarine Support Enterprise (SSE) Electrical team, supporting the maintenance and enhancement of in-service submarines. From there, you can advance to Senior and Principal Engineer positions, with opportunities to specialise technically, move into leadership, or pursue a combination of both.
You’ll also be supported in achieving professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng), helping you take the next step in your professional development.
What you’ll need
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher (or equivalent) with English and Mathematics at B/6 or higher.
- 3 A Levels (at grade C or above) in Maths and two other STEM subjects, T Level in an Engineering related subject or an equivalent Level 3 qualification e.g. BTEC at Merit or Distinction with a strong mathematical element.
- We value strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- While academic achievements are important, we place equal emphasis on your attitude and your enthusiasm to be part of Babcock International.
- We’re looking for evidence of genuine interest and passion for building a career as an Electrical Engineer.
- Some experience of producing drawings (such as block cable diagrams, line diagrams, wiring diagrams etc) using CAD software is preferred but not necessary.
- 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) security 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.
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 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.
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