Level Quality Assurance Apprenticeship

Position: Higher Level Quality Assurance Apprenticeship

Programme Title

Higher Level Quality Assurance Apprenticeship

Level

4

Salary

• Year 1: £21,641
• Year 2: £27,413 (subject to successful completion of performance requirements)

Location

Devonport, Plymouth

Final date to receive applications

12th March 2026

Programme start date

September 2026

Role

67810

Looking to gain experience in quality assurance across a diverse range of naval defence projects? If so, our 2‑year Higher Level Apprenticeship in Quality Assurance could be the perfect fit for you.

About the Programme

Our Quality Assurance apprentices play a vital role in ensuring that our organisation operates at its best by acting as the 'voice of the customer'. They help maintain the highest standards, identify problems, and recommend improvements to ensure our policies, processes, and products are of the highest standards.

As a Quality Assurance apprentice, you will be an integral member of our Quality Management function. You’ll be based at HM Naval Base Devonport in Plymouth, with potential opportunities to travel across the UK.

Placements

• Audit
• Supplier Quality
• Operational Quality in production facilities
• On board naval warships or nuclear submarines
• Facilities (Nuclear and Non‑Nuclear)
• Major Infrastructure Projects
• Business Management Systems
• Welding/Non‑Destructive Testing
• Laboratory Services
• Nuclear Facilities Operational Maintenance

Depending on your placement, your typical day could include carrying out external supplier inspections, looking for efficiencies or problem‑solving on our production shop floor, or the administration of internal and external audits.

Your tasks could include:

• Supporting senior quality practitioners to formulate Quality Strategy
• Inspecting and testing parts and products
• Planning and conducting audits
• Developing Quality Control Plans
• Managing supplier relationships
• Analysing data to identify improvements
• Guiding and supporting others to improve quality competency and performance
• Developing documents to support new projects.

It’s an exciting opportunity where your contributions as a Quality Technician will directly impact the quality and safety of our products, processes, and policies, helping us to continuously improve and keep our operations safe.

Your education/training

You’ll study to become a Level 4 Quality Practitioner which aligns with Chartered Quality Institute Practitioner (PCQI) professional recognition.

Your course is designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to excel in the field of quality assurance. Through a mix of theoretical learning and hands‑on application, you’ll gain the tools you need to thrive.

Future prospects

Upon programme completion, you’ll be ready to step into a Quality Technician or Engineer role with a competitive salary starting from £32,000.

From there, your development doesn’t stop. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped‑out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

What you’ll need

• A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4/C or above, including maths and English and 3 A‑Levels grades A‑C.
• Due to  for entry to the Devonport Dockyard, you will need to provide either a valid passport or a provisional/full UK driving licence. If you do not currently hold one of these forms of , we strongly recommend applying in advance to ensure smooth access on your first day.
• Many of our apprenticeship programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels –  ().

What

you’ll get

We will provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.

In addition, you’ll benefit from:

• Fully funded qualification
• Personal development training and opportunities
• Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Employee share scheme
• Flex…