Programme title: Chemical and Process Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
Level: 6
Salary:
Year 1: £23,598
Year 2: £26,903
Year 3: £30,208
Year 4: £33,513
Location: Warrington
Application closing date: 8th December 2026
Programme start date: September 2027
Role ID: 74999
Join our Cavendish Nuclear business and help deliver safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear solutions that protect people and the planet. Through this 4-year programme, you’ll work towards a BEng degree while contributing to engineering projects that support the UK’s energy security, advance clean energy goals, and strengthen national defence.
About the programme
As a Chemical and Process Engineering Apprentice, you’ll be part of a collaborative and welcoming team that’s solving complex challenges in nuclear power generation and decommissioning. From your first day, you’ll begin learning how to apply core chemical engineering principles to real-world projects that support everything from low-carbon energy to defence and environmental clean-up.
You’ll be based in one of our main hubs – Dalton Avenue in Warrington, the Babcock Technology Centre in Bristol, or Humberside – and work on a diverse portfolio of projects. These might include adapting reactor technologies for UK deployment, supporting the UK’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet, or helping to decommission legacy nuclear sites safely and sustainably.
Your tasks could include defining process requirements, specifying and testing equipment, or assessing how our systems perform under different conditions. As your skills grow, so will your responsibilities. You’ll develop problem-solving techniques, communication skills and an understanding of the tools and software used across the sector.
Your education/training
You’ll study remotely with Teesside University, following the Science Industry Process and Plant Engineer Degree Apprenticeship standard.
This well-established chemical engineering programme is delivered through a flexible, blended learning model designed to fit around your work commitments. You’ll engage in online learning supported by weekly live seminars, giving you access to expert teaching while applying your knowledge directly in the workplace.
On successful completion, you’ll be awarded a BEng in Professional Engineering (Science Industry Process/Plant Engineer), along with an apprenticeship certificate graded at pass, merit, or distinction – recognising your achievement and readiness to progress in your engineering career.
Future prospects
Upon successful completion of your degree and apprenticeship end-point assessment, you will transition into a Junior Engineering role at Cavendish Nuclear, contributing to projects across both the civil and defence nuclear sectors.
We are committed to supporting your continued professional development as you work towards becoming a fully qualified Process Engineer and achieving Chartered Engineer status with IChemE. As part of this journey, you’ll join our IChemE Accredited Company Training Scheme (ACTS), benefiting from structured placements, formal training, and ongoing mentoring and coaching.
This comprehensive support framework is designed to help you build the technical expertise, leadership skills, and industry experience needed for a successful engineering career.
What you’ll need
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English and Chemistry
- Maths GCSE at grade 6 (B) or above
- A-level grades ABB or above, including Maths and Chemistry
- 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’.
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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