Project Planning Graduate Programme
Programme title: Project Planning Graduate Programme
Salary: Minimum £35,. Salary is dependent on location, role and qualifications.
Location: HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland
Application closing date: 16 October
Programme start date: September
Role ID:
What will you do on the programme?
As a Project Planning Graduate at Babcock, you’ll be part of a team that ensures large-scale engineering work is carefully planned, closely monitored and delivered safely and successfully. It’s a role where structure and precision really matter, and your contribution will help keep some of the UK’s most important defence projects running smoothly.
Working within the context of Technical Compliance, your focus will be on making sure that project plans align with all relevant technical requirements and standards. You’ll review and apply technical documentation, assess potential hazards and support safety regulation compliance throughout the entire project lifecycle.
You’ll collaborate with engineering teams and other key stakeholders to help deliver projects on time, within budget and to the expected quality levels. This includes developing and maintaining detailed schedules and resource allocations, ensuring everything is aligned with technical timelines and requirements.
There will also be opportunities to contribute to cost management, supporting the development of budgets that deliver value for money. At the same time, you’ll help create and maintain high-quality documentation, such as Project Management Plans, technical reports and progress updates, making sure they meet both internal and regulatory expectations.
This is a chance to work on meaningful projects in a unique environment, learning how planning supports delivery from concept through to completion.
How is the programme structured?
This is a two-year programme designed to help you build a strong foundation in project planning while developing the specialist skills needed in a regulated, safety-critical environment.
Throughout the programme, you’ll gain exposure to a range of planning activities that support the safe and efficient delivery of complex engineering work. You’ll spend time working with experienced planners and project professionals, learning how project controls are applied at every stage of the delivery lifecycle.
How do we develop and support you?
From day one, you’ll receive structured support, personalised training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.
You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.
To support your technical development, you’ll also take part in structured training that focuses on planning in safety-critical environments. This includes learning how to identify and manage hazards, assess risk and ensure compliance with technical and regulatory standards.
As part of your professional development, you’ll work towards formal qualifications through the Association for Project Management (APM) framework.
To support your journey toward Chartered status, we offer guidance and cover all associated fees.
What rewards and benefits will you get?
We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.
In addition to a minimum starting salary of £35,, you’ll benefit from:
1. A minimum of 25 days of holiday plus bank holidays, with agile working options subject to discussion with your manager
2. Generous pension and employee share schemes
3. Flexible benefits, including cycle to work scheme, discounts
4. Wellbeing support, covering mental, physical, financial, and social wellbeing, with services like our Employee Assistance Programme, digital GP service, and health checks.
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities.
What do you need to apply?
5. You’ll need a degree in a STEM subject or in Project Management
6. Many of our graduate 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
Where will you be based?
Places on our Project Planning programme for Autumn are available at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland. We ask our graduates to be flexible as there is the potential to undertake placements in other locations during their programme.
Babcock’s HM Naval Base Clyde operation provides highly specialist engineering support services, including the management of critical infrastructure and nuclear facilities. We also deliver operational maintenance, upgrades and repairs to support Royal Navy vessels, including the Vanguard and Astute-Class nuclear submarines based in Scotland.
As part of the planning team here, you’ll be helping to coordinate complex engineering work that underpins national defence. Whether you're supporting routine maintenance, modernisation or large-scale upgrade programmes, you’ll play a key role in ensuring every project is delivered safely, efficiently and to the highest technical standards.
Ready to apply?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.