Engineering Trades Apprenticeship

Programme title: Engineering Trades Apprenticeship

Level: SCQF Level 7

Salary: £16,000, rising annually to £38,461 post‑apprenticeship

Location: HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland

Final date to receive applications: 12th March 2026

Programme start date
:
August 2026

Ready to learn a skilled trade? On our 4-year Engineering Trades Apprenticeship, you’ll develop specialist engineering trade skills and gain hands‑on experience maintaining the Royal Navy's fleet.

This is no ordinary engineering apprenticeship. Our engineering technicians are at the forefront of maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet.

As an Engineering Technician Apprentice, you'll contribute to the maintenance, upgrades and repairs of ships, submarines and infrastructure at HM Naval Base Clyde.

You’ll work on a variety of projects including the Vanguard and Astute‑Class nuclear submarines. You’ll also provide support to facilities management, helping keep the naval base running safely and efficiently.

This varied and exciting programme covers Mechanical, Electrical and Fabrication trades. You'll be assigned one of these trade routes to specialise in.

Find out more about each of the trades below. You’ll be asked to indicate your preferences during the recruitment process.

You’ll be trained to use a variety of hand and machine tools whilst learning how to identify faults and return equipment to working condition. You’ll be involved in the installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair of a wide range of equipment including engines, pumps, valves and hydraulic equipment. You could even work on complex weapon systems and nuclear reactor systems.

You’ll learn how to use electrical engineering drawings and specifications to strip, rebuild, test and maintain a wide range of electrical equipment and machinery. You’ll gain knowledge and practical skills that will enable you to install, connect and assist in the commission of complex electrical circuits which could see you work on projects such as warships and nuclear submarines. You will also help to maintain the vast network of cables and machinery that is essential to the daily running of the site.

You will manufacture a wide range of components and construct minor and major ship structures such as the hull, shell, deck, bulkheads, seats, frames and girders using a range of metals. You’ll be trained in outfitting steelwork components, including the installation of doors, auxiliary seating, ladders, hatches and platforms. You will also learn to tack weld using different welding processes and will be trained to use thermal cutting equipment, power tools and metalworking machinery.

Wherever you find yourself, you'll gain knowledge and skills in:

• Health and safety
• Planning and documentation
• Engineering mathematical and scientific principles
• Methods and techniques
• Structure, properties and characteristics of materials
• Diagnostic methods to overcome problems
• Interpreting engineering drawings and data
• Adhering to and refining processes and procedures

As part of your apprenticeship, you will receive training both on‑site and at West College Scotland. You'll study core engineering principles plus develop specialist skills in mechanical, electrical or fabrication.

Your formal qualifications will be achieved progressively over the course of the programme, as outlined below:

• Year 1:
  Full‑time at West College Scotland
  • SVQ Level 2 in Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF Level 5
  • National Certificate in your chosen discipline/trade route – Year 1
• Year 2: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde and 1 day per week at West College Scotland
  • SVQ Diploma in your assigned engineering discipline/trade route at SCQF Level 7
  • National Certificate in your chosen discipline/trade route – Year 2
• Years 3–4: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde (if progressing to HNC) and 1 day per week at West College Scotland
  • SVQ Diploma in your assigned engineering discipline/trade route at SCQF Level 7
  • HNC in your chosen discipline/trade route at SCQF Level 7

Upon successfully completing the programme, you’ll become a qualified Engineering Technician,…