Overview
Commissioning Engineering Apprenticeship at Cavendish Nuclear
Level: SCQF Level 7. Salary: £16,000 rising annually to £38,461 post-apprenticeship. Location: HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland. Application closing date: 12 March 2026. Programme start date: August 2026.
About the Programme
This 4-year apprenticeship is designed to launch your career in commissioning engineering. You will earn qualifications while gaining practical experience, setting you on a rewarding future path. You will work on ensuring correct installation, operation and maintenance of equipment and systems that support the Royal Navy vessels, including the Trident and Astute Class submarines.
Practically, you will gain experience in maintaining and testing vital onboard systems, such as hydraulics, high-pressure air systems, motor generators and 24V DC systems. You will test and commission these systems to ensure safety and design conformity.
Your Day-to-day Responsibilities
* Conduct system health checks
* Create and refine test forms to support health checks
* Set up systems for operational use
* Perform installation checks
* Carry out performance testing and trials
* Fault finding and diagnostics
You may have opportunities to participate in projects focused on enhancing testing methods and optimising test equipment. The programme provides insights into engineering standards, advanced techniques, and the role commissioning plays in the operational success of Royal Navy submarines.
Your Education and Qualifications
As part of your apprenticeship, training will be on-site and at West College Scotland, with formal qualifications achieved progressively over the programme.
* Year 1: Full-time at West College Scotland
o SVQ Level 2 (SCQF Level 5) in Performing Engineering Operations
o NC Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering – Year 1
* Year 2: On-site 3 days/week at HMNB Clyde and 1 day/week at West College Scotland
o SVQ Diploma Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
o NC Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering – Year 2
* Years 3–4: On-site 3 days/week at HMNB Clyde (if progressing to HNC) and 1 day/week at West College Scotland
o SVQ Diploma Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
o HNC Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering
Future prospects
Upon successful completion, you’ll be ready to step into the role of Commissioning Engineer, with a starting salary of £38,461. The apprenticeship lays a foundation for progression to Senior Commissioning Engineer.
What you’ll need
* National Level 5 qualifications (or equivalent) in Mathematics, English, and a Science or technical subject, with grades A–C.
* Two additional qualifications at National Level 4 or 5 (or above), with grades A–C.
* Security clearance eligibility: BPSS and Security Check (SC) clearance. Some programmes may have restrictions related to place of birth, nationality, or residency. Details at GOV.UK.
What you’ll get
* 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 scheme and employee shopping portal
You’ll also have the chance to engage in STEM outreach and volunteering activities.
Application process
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. The programme may close early if there is high interest. To maximise your chances, submit your application and complete any required online assessments as soon as possible.
Location: Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
#J-18808-Ljbffr