Nuclear Scientist and Engineer Degree Apprentice

Programme title: Nuclear Scientist and Engineer Degree Apprentice

Level: 6

Salary: Starting at £27,381, with annual salary increases throughout the apprenticeship programme

Location:Devonport, Plymouth

Final date to receive applications: 8th December 2026

Programme start date: September 2027

Role : 74965

Join Babcock as a Nuclear Scientist and Engineer Degree Apprentice and, over the course of our four-year programme, you’ll work towards a Bachelors (Honours) degree while contributing to projects that support national security. You'll learn from experienced professionals, gain valuable practical experience and help deliver work that creates a safer, more secure world.

Based at Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe, you'll join a targeted development programme designed to prepare you for a career in nuclear science and engineering.

You'll work alongside an experienced team supporting the safe refit and maintenance of the UK's nuclear submarine fleet. You'll develop an understanding of the nuclear systems and equipment that underpin critical defence operations, helping to ensure they operate safely, efficiently and in compliance with stringent regulations.

You'll contribute to activities such as engineering design, technical analysis, simulation and modelling, engineering calculations, and the production of technical reports and drawings, gaining experience in how engineering and scientific principles are applied in a safety-critical environment.

Through placements across specialist teams, including Design Delivery, Safety Engineering, Operations and Maintenance, Reactor Commissioning, Nuclear Standards, Reactor Product Safety and Assurance, and Radioactive Waste Management, you'll gain broad experience across the nuclear lifecycle while developing an understanding of how complex engineering systems are designed, operated and maintained in a safety-critical environment.

As part of your apprenticeship, you'll study for a Bachelors (Honours) degree qualification, accredited by the constituent bodies of the Engineering or Science Council, and delivered through University Centre Somerset's Cannington Campus.

Delivered through a block-release study model, the degree covers topics including nuclear science and technology, electrical and mechanical engineering, engineering mathematics, fluid systems, control and instrumentation, systems engineering, advanced manufacturing, and engineering leadership.

Alongside your studies, you'll complete placements across specialist teams at Devonport, applying your learning to real projects while benefiting from dedicated technical training, mentoring and support from experienced engineers.

You'll need to be able to work on site at Devonport for a minimum of three days per week and live within a reasonable commuting distance. Throughout the programme, you'll attend University Centre Somerset on a block-release basis.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you'll be equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress into a role at Devonport.

You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.

As a global organisation, Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth, we’ve introduced the Babcock Role Framework, which outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks, you’ll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.