Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Location: Warrington

Application closing date: 18th December 2025

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 68129

Join our Cavendish Nuclear business and build a career that truly matters. Over this 4-year programme, you’ll study towards a BEng (Hons) in Professional Engineering (Product Design) 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. You’ll support new build or decommissioning projects within the UK civil nuclear sector, helping to deliver energy resilience, meet net zero commitments, and safely clean up the nuclear legacy.

Your day-to-day activities include hands-on experience with CAD, 3D modelling, mechanical calculations, and producing engineering documentation to national and international standards. You’ll define design requirements, develop 3D CAD models, produce detailed drawings, carry out scoping calculations, and prepare equipment specifications and technical reports. You’ll help manage plant and equipment obsolescence to keep systems safe and reliable, support assembly, testing, and operation teams, resolve technical issues, and manage nonconformance, while gaining exposure to tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA).

Based at one of our key sites in Warrington, you’ll support major projects at locations like Sellafield. You’ll start by shadowing experienced engineers and gradually take on more complex tasks across the full design lifecycle. Every drawing, design, or calculation you contribute will support safety, environmental protection, and national energy security.

Throughout your apprenticeship you’ll be supported by mentors and a community of apprentices. You’ll have ownership of your development and be helped to turn theory into real-world impact.

You will study towards the Product Design and Development Engineer (Degree) Apprenticeship standard through the University of Lancashire. Training combines in-person and online delivery, with each semester starting with a three-day block of face-to-face teaching followed by weekly online sessions. The programme covers materials science, CAD, systems integration, prototyping, and aims to equip you to create fit-for-purpose solutions in regulated environments. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a BEng (Hons) in Professional Engineering (Product Design) and a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship qualification.

By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll be prepared for the role of Mechanical Engineer with a salary exceeding £43,000. There is also potential to progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer. The programme is part of Babcock’s Role Framework, mapping roles, career pathways, and development opportunities to help you reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

• A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including Maths, English and Science, plus one of the following:
• 104 UCAS points from A Levels including Maths and Physics or another STEM subject at grade C
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM in Engineering (must include Maths units)
• Access course: 104 points including 15 Level 3 credits in Maths and Physics or STEM at Merit
• International Baccalaureate: 104 points from Higher Level subjects, including Maths and Physics or STEM at HL6
• T Level: Merit in an engineering T-Level discipline
• IELTS: 6.0 overall with no component lower than 5.5

• Many graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Details at GOV.UK: clearance levels.

We’ll provide 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 including bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Employee share scheme
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work and employee shopping savings portal

You’ll also have the chance to engage in STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.

Expect a variety of opportunities and business experiences with real-world projects. You’ll be enrolled onto the Apprentice Development Programme, with digital and in-person sessions to support wellbeing and performance.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if there is a high volume of interest. Submit your application and complete online assessments soon to be considered.

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