Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Programme title: Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. Level: 6. Location: Bristol. Application closing date: 18th December 2025. Programme start date: September 2026. Role ID: 67222. 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 Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing 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 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 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 Bristol, 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.

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 (IMechE).

In your first year, you’ll attend Weston College for two to two and a half days per week. From your second year onwards, you’ll study at UWE’s Frenchay Campus one day per week. This course is designed to support your academic development while enabling you to apply your learning in a practical, real-world setting. You’ll develop key skills in creative problem solving, manufacturing management, CAD, modelling and simulation, teamwork, and innovation.

By the end of the programme, you’ll be ready to take on a role as a Structural and System Integrity Engineer, with a competitive starting salary of over £43,000. You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer. As a global organisation, Babcock provides opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. The Babcock Role Framework outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities, with paths toward Senior Engineer and beyond.

• A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English and Mathematics (or equivalent, such as Functional Skills Level 2).
• 112 UCAS points, including one of the following:
• A Levels: Grade C in Mathematics and Physics, plus a pass in another STEM subject
• BTEC Diploma in a relevant engineering field, with Merit in specific maths units
• Access to HE Diploma: 30 Level 3 credits at Merit, including 15 in Maths and 15 in another science or tech subject
• International Baccalaureate: Grade 5 in higher level Maths and Physics, plus a pass in another relevant subject
• Irish Highers: H2 in Maths and Physics, plus a pass in another relevant subject
• T Levels: Grade C in A-Level Maths plus your T Level at Merit in an engineering T-Level discipline
• Please note that successful application is dependent on acceptance by UWE.
• Many apprenticeship programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions. You must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Details are available at GOV.UK.

• Fully funded qualification
• Personal development training and opportunities
• Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Employee share scheme
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work and employee shopping savings

It’s hard to beat the variety of opportunities and business experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real-world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will help you navigate where you want to take your career. You’ll be automatically enrolled onto our Apprentice Development Programme with digital and face-to-face sessions to equip you to thrive on your programme and beyond.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. Submit your application and complete any required online assessments as soon as possible.