Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Programme title: Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Level: 6

Salary:

Year 1: £23,598

Year 2: £26,903

Year 3: £30,208

Year 4: £33,513

Location: Leicester

Final date to receive applications: 8th December 2026

Programme start date: September 2027

Role : 74993

Join our Cavendish Nuclear business and build a career that truly matters. Over this4-year programme, you'll study towards a BEng (Hons) in Nuclear Engineering while 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.

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

You'll 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. You'll support operational teams, resolve technical issues, and inform decisions that impact real‑world outcomes.

As part of your role, you'll define design requirements, develop 3D CAD models, produce detailed engineering drawings, and carry out scoping calculations. You'll 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, you'll 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, you'll support major projects at locations like Sellafield. You'll begin by shadowing experienced engineers, building a strong foundation in design, modelling, calculations, and documentation. As you develop, you'll 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 nation's energy future.

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

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 Derby's 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…