Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

Programme title: Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

Level: 3

Salary: £16,191, rising annually to c.£35,000 post-apprenticeship

Location: Ashton House, Bristol

Final date to receive applications: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Our 4-year Engineering Technician Apprenticeship is a brilliant opportunity to start your career in advanced engineering. Based at Ashton House in Bristol, you’ll develop the technical skills, problem‑solving ability and confidence to play your part in delivering high‑precision equipment that supports the Royal Navy and international defence partners.

Find out more about our Machinist, Fitter and Inspector apprentice positions below. You’ll be asked to indicate your preferences during the recruitment process.

Your day kicks off with a quick team meeting to go over the jobs lined up and any safety reminders. Then it’s off to your machine station, where you’ll set up tools and materials ready for the day’s tasks.

You’ll spend most of your time using either traditional or CNC (computer‑controlled) machines to shape metal parts. You’ll follow detailed drawings to make sure everything is accurate, checking your work as you go. If something’s not quite right, you’ll learn how to adjust the machine or tools to fix it.

Throughout the day, you’ll work closely with experienced machinists and quality inspectors, picking up tips and learning how to spot and solve problems. By the end of your shift, you’ll clean down your area and record what you’ve completed.

You’ll start your day by reviewing the engineering drawings for the job you’re working on. These show you exactly how the parts should fit together. After gathering your tools and materials, you’ll begin assembling mechanical components—this could be anything pumps to pipework.

You might be building new equipment, helping install it onto a submarine module, or even diagnosing and fixing a fault. You’ll use a mix of hand tools and power tools, and you’ll always be thinking about safety and precision.

You’ll work alongside skilled fitters and engineers, learning how to follow procedures and solve real‑world problems. At the end of the day, you’ll update your progress and prepare for tomorrow’s tasks.

Your day begins with checking which parts or assemblies need inspecting. You’ll use measuring tools like micrometres and gauges as well as 3D scanning and laser tracking equipment to check that everything meets the required standards.

You’ll inspect parts at different stages—sometimes right after machining, other times after assembly. If something doesn’t meet the spec, you’ll work with the machinists or fitters to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it.

You’ll learn how to read technical drawings, follow inspection procedures, and keep accurate records. It’s a role that requires attention to detail and a strong focus on quality and safety.

As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll study at Weston College, gaining a nationally recognised qualification at Level 3.

Your programme will combine academic study with practical training in our facilities at Ashton House. You’ll complete one of the following apprenticeship standards, depending on your chosen pathway:

• Machining Technician (ST1305)
• Engineering Fitter (ST0432)
• Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician (ST1395)

You’ll learn the theory behind mechanical and electrical systems, materials and processes, alongside developing core skills in problem‑solving, communication and safety awareness. The programme concludes with an End Point Assessment, confirming your readiness to progress as a qualified engineering professional.

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be well‑prepared to take on a skilled role as a machinist, fitter, or inspector at Babcock, earning a competitive salary in excess of £35,000. You may also have the opportunity to pursue further qualifications and progress into advanced roles across a wide range of functions within the business, supporting your continued professional…