About Us
We are the independent expert in assurance and risk management. Driven by our purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, we empower our customers and their stakeholders with facts and reliable insights so that critical decisions can be made with confidence.
As a trusted voice for many of the world's most successful organizations, we use our knowledge to advance safety and performance, set industry benchmarks, and inspire and invent solutions to tackle global transformations.
About Energy Systems
We help customers navigate the complex transition to a decarbonized and more sustainable energy future. We do this by assuring that energy systems work safely and effectively, using solutions that are increasingly digital. We also help industries and governments to navigate the many complex, interrelated transitions taking place globally and regionally, in the energy industry.
About The Role
Start your career with impact — join our specialist team at Spadeadam through our Engineering Apprenticeship Programme and help drive the Energy Transition
Here at DNV, what we do matters. Whether it's helping the Energy Industry transition to a more decarbonised and sustainable future or helping safeguard life, property and the environment, every day, what you do will make a difference. This is our shared purpose and one our people are proud to be part of.
OurSpadeadam Research and Testing site is one of the UK's most unique and exciting places to start a career in safety, engineering, and future energy. For nearly 50 years, our site has been home to large scale research into fires, explosions, and new low carbon technologies like hydrogen. With an 80 hectare site near Brampton, Cumbria, set inside a protected MOD area, Spadeadam gives our apprentices the rare chance to contribute to real experiments, real engineering, and real safety challenges up close — the kind of work most people only ever see on TV.
Our Opportunities
As an apprentice, you'll learn alongside more than 100 specialists who work on everything from gas explosions and fire testing to hydrogen powered homes and next generation energy systems. Our site includes full scale test houses, hydrogen pipelines, specialist fire facilities, and the Lord Cullen Training Centre, where people from around the world come to learn about major hazards. This means you won't just be developing practical skills — you'll be supporting real tests, hands on demonstrations, and the science behind keeping people and industries safe.
You'll join us on a permanent contract during August, with your apprenticeship formally commencing in September and lasting approximately 48 months. Throughout your programme, you'll spend 80% of your time gaining extensive practical experience, working on real projects alongside specialist colleagues here at Spadeadam. The remaining 20% is spent with our chosen Training Provider in Carlisle, supporting the development of your practical skills and technical knowledge, helping set you on course to becoming an expert in your field.
We are delighted to offer the following exciting apprenticeship opportunities for you to choose from:
Electrical Installation and Maintenance Technician (Level 3)
As an Electrical Apprentice, you'll gain hands on experience supporting electrical and instrumentation work across a variety of client projects here at Spadeadam. You will be involved with:
Help install wiring systems such as conduit, trunking, and cable trays and supporting the assembly of control panels/distribution boards
Assist with setting up and testing sensors, transmitters, and control valves
Carry out routine checks to keep systems running safely and reliably, finding and fixing electrical/instrument faults using testing tools
Learn to read electrical drawings, P&IDs, and site plans
Build understanding of key electrical and safety regulations like BS 7671, COSHH, and RAMS
Record test results and calibration data accurately
You will also have four or five study blocks each year, where you will spend 2 weeks with our specialist Training Provider in Carlisle
Upon successful completion you will be awarded the Level 3 Installation and Maintenance Electrician standard in addition to a Level 3 Electrotechnical Apprenticeship Qualification
Mechanical Engineering Maintenance Technician (Level 3)
As a Mechanical Apprentice, you'll learn hands on engineering skills while working alongside experienced technicians, engineers, and scientists.
In this role, you'll help install and maintain industrial pipework and equipment of all sizes, ensure systems are safe through pressure and leak testing, and learn how to work with a variety of gases and fuels.
You'll gain experience operating and maintaining specialist equipment — including cryogenic systems — and play an active part in real project testing. You'll also learn how to read and work from engineering diagrams and develop a strong understanding of workplace safety, following industry standards and procedures every day
You will spend up to two days each week in Carlisle with our specialist Training Provider building both your technical knowledge and practical skills
Upon successful completion you will be awarded the Level 3 Engineering Maintenance Technician standard along with an EAL Advanced Manufacturing Engineering Level 3 Technical Certificate
Regardless of which pathway you choose, the first year of your apprenticeship will help you learn and develop critical foundation skills and knowledge around our industry, engineering activities, and ensuring that you always work safely. The next 36 months of your programme will help you build the specialist knowledge and experience required to set you on course to becoming an expert.
Throughout your apprenticeship, your Training Provider will equip you with additional knowledge, skills and behaviours required for your ongoing development, ensuring you have access to lots of online support materials, combined with 1-2-1 sessions with your tutor to help reinforce your learning and foster growth.
Don't worry about additional travel costs to your Training Provider in Carlisle, as we cover these, but as this off-the-job learning is a critical element of your development, travelling regularly to Carlisle may not be for everyone, so please consider whether you can make this long-term commitment.
It is important to understand that the nature of our work means that you will spend significant time outdoors, in all weather conditions, collaborating with our delivery teams and witnessing our tests and research first hand. The projects you will support, the environment you will work in and the people you will engage with, make this role like no other. It's not for the faint-hearted, but the opportunity to be part of making a real difference to people's lives and the future of our planet is immense.
Our Apprenticeship programme is designed to challenge you while making sure you have strong support every step of the way. So don't worry if some aspects of your role feel complex or unfamiliar at first, you'll have a dedicated manager to provide pastoral care and ensure that your individual needs are recognised and supported to help you thrive. You'll also be surrounded by a large team, committed to helping you learn and develop, providing you with everything you need to succeed, including opportunities to embark on further training and obtain specialist qualifications.
What we offer
We value all our people and the contributions they make to our business, so it's important that our rewards make us all feel valued here. That's why we offer a flexible reward and benefits package, allowing you to choose the things that matter most to you, including;
Starting salary of £20,000 based on a 37.5 hour working week
£2k increment upon successful completion of each year of apprenticeship
Annual performance and pay review
Fully funded Apprenticeship Training programme, resulting in you achieving industry recognised Level 3 Apprenticeship qualifications
Non-contractual Profit Share Scheme
Lifestyle benefits: 26 days annual leave + bank holidays, opportunity for up to 10 days unpaid leave
Wellbeing benefits: (inc Private Medical, Dental Insurance, Health Assessments, Gym allowance). Company contribution towards eye tests and glasses (for computer/laptop users), and Flu Vaccinations. Also, our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provides free and confidential support for issues including work, family, relationships, money and health and we provide free fruit in our offices
Financial Benefits: including a Pension Scheme with employer pension contributions up to 9%, Life Assurance and Income Protection
Travel benefits: Season Ticket Loan, Cycle to Work Scheme, Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme (for personal use)
Re-imbursement of relevant Professional Membership Fees (up to £570)
Access to employee retail discount site for high street and on-line shopping
Next Steps
We appreciate that applying for an Apprenticeship opportunity, for some, can be a new or daunting experience, which is why we try to make our process as simple, transparent, and engaging as possible.
Step 1: Follow the link to apply and answer a few simple questions.
Step 2: Complete a fun, web-based, behavioural assessment.
Step 3: Learn more about the role via an informal online conversation with one of our team.
Step 4: Visit our Spadeadam site where you'll have a tour, meet your future colleagues, have an interview and take part in an interactive team activity.
Step 5: Receive a decision and constructive feedback.
Our process really is as simple as that, so what are you waiting for? Good Luck
For this particular role, the deadline for applications is 29th March 2026 with interviews scheduled to be held week commencing 29th June 2026.
DNV is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age or political opinion. Diversity is fundamental to our culture and we invite you to be part of this diversity.
About You
One of the best things about Apprenticeships, is that you don't need to have previous experience. We do however, want people who share our genuine interest in supporting the Energy Transition and undertaking a career in engineering, demonstrating a desire to learn new skills and develop yourself within this exciting area. Our requirements:
GCSE English and Maths grade 9-5 (A*-C) with additional GCSE(s) in Science subjects would be desirable
Performing Engineering Operations NVQ Level 2 highly desirable
Available to join the programme by end of August 2026
Self-motivated and organised – ability to plan and prioritise work and apprenticeship activities to ensure deadlines are met
Strong safety and environmental awareness, demonstrating a focus on quality, attention to detail and accuracy at all times
Good interpersonal, communication and team working skills, helping to create a positive and supportive work environment
Ability to listen to and action instruction and guidance, demonstrates initiative and problem-solving skills, but not afraid to ask questions or for assistance when required
Ability to travel for study in Carlisle and visit other sites within the UK. Willingness to stay away from home occasionally when required.
You will also ideally possess a full clean UK driving license and your own transport, as this will make getting to our Spadeadam site a little more convenient. If you don't yet have a driving license, we will support you through a high intensity driving course, when eligible, to also enable you to use our vehicles whilst on site.
If you're curious, hands on, and excited about engineering, science, or future energy, Spadeadam is the perfect place to start your journey. You'll gain skills that are in high demand, help solve real world safety challenges, and play a part in major projects shaping the UK's energy future. It's a place where no two days look the same — and where you can make a real impact from day one.