V05056 - Advanced Apprentice Non-Destructive Examination - NDE; Quality

V05056 - Advanced Apprentice Non-Destructive Examination - NDE (Quality)

Join the NDE team and become part of a legacy that’s critical to engineering excellence and safety. You'll play a key role in identifying flaws and ensuring that every submarine we produce is ready for its mission. 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:

Shifts to be confirmed – 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.

• You will join a team of skilled professionals who work across every stage of a submarine's build. Getting hands‑on with key structural activities, whilst mastering cutting‑edge inspection methods that keep these vessels safe and ready for the Royal Navy.
• Learning directly from some of the best in the business, providing on‑the‑job training. Gain world‑class qualifications in Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) at PCN Level 2. You'll be trained in essential methods like Magnetic Testing through a mix of hands‑on experience and specialist training at external facilities.
• Approximately 60% of your time will be spent on practical inspections and 40% on desk‑based tasks like data management.
• There is even the opportunity to pursue further education, such as an NDT Foundation Degree.

BAE Systems
1st Floor, Main Shipyard Offices
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, revealing defects present on the external surface of the test item / component using minimum levels of interpretation, usually by visual assessment only.
• Refer inspection results to more skilled or qualified personnel to continue with the inspection process, assessment and interpretation.
• 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.
• Perform NDT inspections in accordance with written NDT Work Instructions.
• Escalate concerns over frequency of type defects to supervisor, confirming results and accurately recording findings.
• Clearly mark defective areas for 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: 5 GCSE Inc Maths, English & 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…