Overview
Join to apply for the Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship role at Cavendish Nuclear. Programme title: Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. Level: 6. Salary ranges shown below. Location: Bristol. Application closing date: 18 December 2025. Programme start date: September 2026.
Programme details
Programme title: Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
Level: 6
- Year 1 salary: £22,800
- Year 2 salary: £25,993
- Year 3 salary: £29,186
- Year 4 salary: £32,380
- Post-apprenticeship salary: £43,343
- Location: Bristol
Programme start date: September 2026
What you’ll do
- Study towards a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing (University of the West of England, UWE), accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMeChE).
- Gain hands-on experience on initiatives that support the safe delivery of nuclear new build and decommissioning projects.
- Work across the engineering lifecycle: design, modelling, calculations, documentation to national/international standards; support operations and resolve technical issues.
- Define design requirements, develop 3D CAD models, produce detailed drawings, prepare equipment specifications and technical reports; manage obsolescence and safety of systems.
- Support assembly, testing, and operational teams; gain exposure to advanced tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
- Be based at a Bristol site, with opportunities to support major projects at locations such as Sellafield.
- Shadow experienced engineers and grow through the full design lifecycle with mentoring and a network of apprentices.
Your education and training
As part of the Level 6 Manufacturing Engineer (Degree) Apprenticeship, you’ll work towards a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing from the University of the West of England (UWE), accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. In year 1 you’ll attend Weston College; from year 2 onwards you’ll study at UWE’s Frenchay Campus. The course develops creative problem solving, manufacturing management, CAD, modelling and simulation, teamwork and innovation.
Future prospects
By the end of the programme, you’ll be ready to take on a role as a Structure and System Integrity Engineer, with a starting salary around £43,000. You’ll also have the opportunity to progress toward Incorporated Engineer registration. The employer outlines clear career pathways and development opportunities.
What you’ll need
- A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Mathematics (or equivalent)
- 112 UCAS points, including one of the following: A Levels, BTEC Diploma, Access to HE Diploma, IB, Irish Highers, or T Levels; note that application is dependent on acceptance by UWE
- Security clearance eligibility: BPSS and Security Check (SC); additional details available from GOV.UK
What you’ll get
- Fully funded qualification
- Personal development training and opportunities
- Minimum 28 days holiday including bank holidays
- Competitive pension scheme
- Employee share scheme
- Flexible benefits including cycle to work and shopping savings portal
Application and next steps
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Submit your application and complete online assessments as soon as possible to maximize your chances.
