V05057 - Advanced Apprentice Radiography; Quality

V05057 - Advanced Apprentice Radiography (Quality)

Radiography is a vital part of Quality Control in BAE Systems Submarines, it allows inspectors to identify hidden defects that could be detrimental to the safety of the Royal Navy if left undetected. Make the invisible, visible!

We offer a competitive salary with annual increases throughout the apprenticeship and a range of employee benefits including free higher education as well as access to the Company pension and share saving scheme.

Training course:
Non‑destructive testing (NDT) operator (level
2).

Hours:

37 hours a week.

Start date:

Monday 14 September 2026.

Duration: 3 years 6 months.

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.

• As a Radiography apprentice, you will join a highly experienced team working across several manufacturing facilities.
• Learn about Radiography testing methods both on the job and through gaining personal certification in Non‑Destructive testing methods.
• This role is approximately 80% practical and 20% desk‑based.
• Involved in preparing work areas for Radiography testing and carrying out Radiography in custom‑built enclosures on board submarines in build, as well as analysing and interpreting results.
• Gain qualifications in additional Non‑Destructive Examination technical skills such as Dye Penetrant inspection, which is used to detect surface breaking defects in steel and supplements Radiography inspection.

BAE Systems
1st Floor, Main Shipyard
Barrow-in-Furness
Cumbria
LA14 1AF

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

FURNESS COLLEGE

Non‑destructive testing (NDT) operator (level
2)

• Demonstrate health & safety competencies pertinent to the relevant NDT method such as working at heights, in confined spaces and in restricted zones.
• Carry out inspections using one NDT method, which would include: revealing defects present on the external surface of the test item / component using minimum levels of interpretation, usually by visual assessment only, referring the inspection results to more skilled or qualified personnel to continue with the inspection process, assessment and interpretation of safe operation of the equipment within its capabilities and limitations.
• Work effectively within the limitations of standard tests and measurements relevant to their field of activity, performing NDT inspections in accordance with written NDT Work Instructions, escalating concerns over frequency of type defects to supervisor, confirming results and accurately recording the findings.
• Clearly mark defective areas for other follow‑up validation by supervisory staff, such as NDT Engineering Technicians.
• Prepare and submit clear and concise NDT inspection reports detailing the inspection findings, read technical drawings to assist in the inspection process.
• Work under technical supervision and report regularly on progress.
• Ask the supervisor for advice and guidance where appropriate.
• Demonstrate a disciplined approach relating to industry standard operations and processes.
• Exhibit environmental awareness and undertake safe working practices for self and others.
• Have good practical ability, including hand/eye coordination, in order to apply NDT.
• Achieve good time management and a disciplined approach.

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

• GCSE in Maths, English and Science or Technical grade A*‑C (or 9‑4) or equivalent.
• Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology‑led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 people in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military…