Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Programme title:Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
Level: 6

Salary:

Year 1: 22800

Year 2: 25993

Year 3: 29186

Year 4: 32380

Post-apprenticeship salary: 43343

Location:Leicester

Application closing date: 18th December 2025

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 67217

Join our Cavendish Nuclear business and build a career that truly matters. Over this4-year programme youll study towards a BEng (Hons) in Nuclear Engineeringwhile gaining hands-on experience on initiatives that support the safe delivery of nuclear new build and decommissioning projects. It provides a solid foundation for a rewarding career in the nuclear industry.

About the programme

As a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice at Cavendish Nuclear youll join a collaborative and experienced team working across all phases of the engineering lifecycle. Whether youre supporting new build or decommissioning projects youll play a vital role in the UKs civil nuclear sector helping to deliver national energy resilience meet net zero commitments and safely clean up the nuclear legacy.

Youll work on a variety of nuclear projects from developing new technologies and maintaining essential systems to extending the life of vital infrastructure. Your day-to-day activities will include hands-on experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD) 3D modelling mechanical calculations and producing engineering documentation to national and international standards. Youll support operational teams resolve technical issues and inform decisions that impact real-world outcomes. As part of your role youll define design requirements develop 3D CAD models produce detailed engineering drawings and carry out scoping calculations. Youll also prepare equipment specifications technical reports and help manage plant and equipment obsolescence to ensure systems remain safe and reliable. Supporting assembly testing and operational teams youll offer technical guidance resolve engineering queries and manage nonconformance issues while gaining exposure to advanced engineering tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.

Based at one of our key sites in Leicester youll support major projects at locations like Sellafield. Youll begin by shadowing experienced engineers building a strong foundation in design modelling calculations and documentation. As you develop youll take on more complex tasks and gain valuable experience across the full design lifecycle. Every drawing design or calculation you contribute to plays a part in protecting people the environment and the nations energy future.

Throughout your apprenticeship youll be surrounded by supportive mentors and experienced engineers who are invested in your growth. Youll be part of a wider emerging talent community sharing experiences and learning alongside other apprentices across the business. Youll be trusted to take ownership of your development and supported every step of the way as you turn theory into real-world impact.

Your education/training

You will study towards the Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Degree Apprenticeship standard through the University of Derby.

Your academic learning will take place at the Nuclear Skills Academy located in Derbys newly refurbished iHub building on Infinity Park. This cutting-edge facility serves as the central hub for all apprenticeship programmes and is managed by the University of Derby. The Nuclear Skills Academy is supported by a network of industry and education partners including the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre the National College for Nuclear and Derby City Council ensuring your education is grounded in the latest developments and best practices in the field.

The programme is delivered part-time over four years with three semesters per year in the first three years and two semesters in the final year. As a work-based learning qualification your apprenticeship integrates both off-the-job and on-the-job training. This structure allows you to apply your academic knowledge directly to your workplace experiences helping you develop the skills behaviours and understanding required to succeed in the industry.

In your final year youll complete an integrated End Point Assessment (EPA) designed to evaluate your readiness for professional practice. By the end of the programme youll be equipped with a respected degree and nuclear engineering experience.

Future prospects

By the end of the programme you will have earned your degree and gained the skills experience and knowledge to thrive as a Mechanical Engineer at Cavendish Nuclear with a competitive salary exceeding 43000.

Youll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer a recognised benchmark of engineering competence.

As a global organisation Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth weve introduced the Babcock Role Framework which outlines roles career pathways and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks youll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

What youll need

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above including Maths English and Science plus one of the following:
  • 104 UCAS points at A Level including Maths and Physics or another STEM subject at grade C
  • BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM in Engineering including Maths units
  • Pass Access Course: 104 points including 15 Level 3 credits in Maths and Physics or STEM at Merit
  • International Baccalaureate: 104 points including Higher Level 6 in Maths and Physics or STEM
  • T Level: Merit in an engineering T-Level discipline
  • IELTS: 6.0 with no component lower than 5.5
• 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. For this programme you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels ().

What youll get

Well provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.

In addition youll 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

Youll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.

Your career development

Its hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and business experiences youll 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 youll 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.

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