Programme title: Calibration Technician Apprenticeship
Level: SCQF Level 7
Salary: £16,000 (rising annually to c.£38,460 post-apprenticeship)
Location: HM Naval Base Clyde or Coulport
Application closing date: March 2025
Programme start date: September 2025
Ref: 60734
This 4-year apprenticeship offers an excellent foundation for a rewarding career in calibration engineering. You’ll earn recognised qualifications while gaining hands-on experience working on Royal Navy submarines.
About the programme
As a Calibration Technician Apprentice, you’ll become a key part of our expert Calibration Services team at HM Naval Base Clyde. You’ll work alongside highly skilled technicians and engineers to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test equipment used to monitor, measure, and maintain complex systems for the Trident and Astute Class submarine programmes.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll develop expertise in this highly specialised field, where precision is key. Working with advanced instruments, you’ll gain the skills needed to calibrate, adjust, and repair equipment to exacting standards.
Your daily responsibilities will include calibrating and fine-tuning test equipment in line with approved procedures, verifying accuracy across a wide range of measurements, and supporting critical safety and performance requirements. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to specialised projects, such as designing calibration setups and producing custom testing accessories like switch boxes.
This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in measurement science and engineering while making a direct impact on the quality and safety of the UK’s defence systems. You’ll thrive in a structured, supportive environment that encourages you to develop and refine your skills, setting you on a path to a successful career in calibration.
Your education/training
Your training includes both on-the-job experience and classroom learning at West College Scotland. During your apprenticeship, you will work towards:
• SVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF Level 5
• SVQ Level 3 in your chosen engineering discipline/trade route at SCQF Level 7
• National Certificate in your chosen discipline/trade route at SCQF Level 6
• Higher National Certificate in your chosen discipline/trade route at SCQF Level 7
Through a combination of classroom learning and onsite training, you’ll develop well-rounded engineering competencies and behaviours, preparing you for life in the industry.
Future prospects
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you will have gained the skills and knowledge needed to progress into the role of Industrial Calibrator, which currently offers a salary of £38,460.
There are various career progression opportunities available, including roles such as Calibration Engineer or Senior Calibration Specialist. As you gain experience and enhance your skills, you’ll have the potential to take on greater responsibilities and move into line management or leadership positions.
What you’ll need
• National Level 5 qualifications (or equivalent) in Maths and English, and a Science or technical subject.
• Two other qualifications at National Level 4 or 5 or above
• Many of our early careers roles 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 roles you are eligible for. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). For our early careers roles, you must be able to achieve BPSS and many of them require you to be eligible for Security Clearance.
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.
Closing dates
Please be aware that if there is a high level of interest in this programme, applications may close earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered for a place on this programme, please submit your application as early as possible.
