Programme Title: Higher Level Quality Assurance Apprenticeship
Level: 4
Salary:
Year 1: £21,
Year 2: £27, (subject to successful completion of performance requirements)
Location: Devonport, Plymouth
Application closing date: 12th March
Programme start date: September
Role ID:
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.
Over the course of the 2 years, you will work in multiple placements, including:
1. Audit
2. Supplier Quality
3. Operational Quality in production facilities
4. On board naval warships or nuclear submarines
5. Facilities (Nuclear and Non-Nuclear)
6. Major Infrastructure Projects
7. Business Management Systems
8. Welding/Non-Destructive Testing
9. Laboratory Services
10. 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:
11. Supporting senior quality practitioners to formulate Quality Strategy
12. Inspecting and testing parts and products
13. Planning and conducting audits
14. Developing Quality Control Plans
15. Managing supplier relationships
16. Analysing data to identify improvements
17. Guiding and supporting others to improve quality competency and performance
18. 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,.
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
19. A minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade 4/C or above, including maths and English and 3 A-Levels grades A-C.
20. Due to ID requirements 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 ID, we strongly recommend applying in advance to ensure smooth access on your first day.
21. 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 – GOV.UK (
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:
22. Fully funded qualification
23. Personal development training and opportunities
24. Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
25. Competitive pension scheme
26. Employee share scheme
27. Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities, which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.