Mechanical Engineering Modern Apprenticeship – SCQF Level 7
Engineering – Asset Lifecycle & Maintenance | 48-Month Programme | Earn While You Learn
Start Your Career in Mechanical Engineering with Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS)
Are you passionate about engineering, problem-solving, and making a real-world impact? Join Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) and become part of the team delivering the safe decommissioning and environmental restoration of nuclear sites across the UK.
We're offering an exciting SCQF Level 7 Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering – Asset Lifecycle & Maintenance (Mechanical Engineering discipline) at our Hunterston A Site in North Ayrshire. This 48-month programme provides valuable qualifications, hands-on experience, and expert support — all while earning a competitive salary.
What Is the Apprenticeship?
This SCQF Level 7 Modern Apprenticeship in Engineering – Asset Lifecycle & Maintenance is designed to develop skilled Mechanical Engineers who play a vital role in maintaining, repairing, and improving essential plant and equipment across our sites.
Programme Structure:
* Year 1: Full-time study at West College Scotland (Clydebank & Greenock Campuses)
* Years 2–4: Primarily site-based, gaining practical, hands-on experience
* Structured workplace training aligned to national engineering standards
* Mentoring from experienced Mechanical Engineers
* Development of technical, safety, and maintenance competencies
* Total Duration: 48 months
Location
NRS Hunterston A
West Kilbride
Ayrshire
KA23 9RA
Working Hours
Monday to Thursday, 07:30 – 17:15 (37 hours/week)
(30-minute unpaid lunch)
Why Choose an Apprenticeship at NRS?
At NRS, you won't just learn engineering — you'll apply it in a safety-critical, highly regulated environment that contributes to one of the UK's most important environmental missions.
What We Offer:
* A structured 48-month Modern Apprenticeship programme
* Industry-recognised SCQF Level 7 qualification
* Hands-on experience maintaining mechanical plant and equipment
* Mentorship from qualified Mechanical Engineers
* Long-term career opportunities within the nuclear sector
Key Responsibilities
As a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice, you will:
* Assist in maintaining, repairing, and installing mechanical systems and equipment
* Support planned preventative maintenance activities
* Learn fault-finding and diagnostic techniques
* Work with engineering drawings and technical documentation
* Follow strict safety and quality procedures
* Contribute to asset lifecycle management activities
* Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams
Entry Requirements & What We're Looking For
We're looking for motivated individuals who are ready to learn and grow in a challenging but rewarding environment.
You must:
* Be 18 or older by 3 August 2026
* 3 National 5 qualifications (grades A-C), including Maths, Engineering Science or Physics and STEM related subject
* OR have completed a Foundation Apprenticeship
You should also have:
* Practical and hands-on aptitude
* Strong problem-solving skills
* A safety-first mindset
* Good communication and teamwork skills
* Motivation and willingness to learn in a technical environment
What You'll Get
Salary: Starting at £19,927 per year — with pay increases as you progress
Learning & Development:
* Comprehensive training and professional support
* Guidance from mentors and early careers advisors
Time Off & Flexibility:
* 25 days annual leave + public holidays
* Option to buy/sell annual leave
Benefits:
* Company pension scheme
* Access to company bonus scheme after year 1
* 24/7 employee wellbeing and mental health services
Impact:
* Be part of the UK's largest environmental mission
* Contribute to a safer world through nuclear site restoration
Applications close on 20th March 2026
Join Us and Make a Difference
At Nuclear Restoration Services, we value diversity, inclusion, and innovation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Let's build a cleaner, safer future — together
Connect with Us
* Instagram: @nuclearrestorationservices
* LinkedIn: Nuclear Restoration Services
Please note that, due to the nature of the working environment, successful applicants may be exposed to bright lighting, loud noises, and other sensory stimuli that could present challenges for individuals with sensory sensitivities. We welcome applications from all individuals and encourage applicants to share any relevant needs or support requirements so that reasonable adjustments can be considered.
Relocation: please note that we do not offer relocation packages for this position. If you are applying from a location that requires a commute exceeding one hour, please indicate your willingness to relocate in the relevant application question provided below.
The Recruitment Stages
* Application: we will review your application/CV to assess entry criteria. Please complete all required questions to ensure your application is submitted successfully.
* Further information: We may contact you for additional information regarding your application should any uncertainties arise. We request that you monitor the email inbox associated with your application, as this will be our primary means of communication with you.
* Online Assessment (Neurosight): you will be sent a link from Neurosight to complete an online assessment to your email inbox that you applied with if you meet entry criteria.
* 1st Stage Interview (Online): you will be invited to attend a 1:1 online interview with an Early Careers member from the Nuclear Restoration Services. You will be required to have access to a microphone and video capabilities.
* 2nd Stage Interview (In-Person): you will be invited to attend an in-person interview with the relevant hiring manager(s) and an HR business partner. The location will be at the relevant site or at a suitable alternative location in close proximity. Your invite will indicate the location and further instructions so ensure you read the invite in full.
* Offer/Onboarding: if successful, you will be offered the position. The Early Careers team from Nuclear Restoration Services will be in contact to start your onboarding process and setting you up on their systems.
*Depending on the specific requirements of the business, you may be requested to bypass the first stage interview and proceed directly to the second stage interview.
Any questions before you apply? Email us at
As proud members of the Disability Confident Scheme, Energus aim to create a fair and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you have a disability or health condition and require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know – we will work with you to ensure your needs are met. We are committed to offering an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. In the event of a high number of eligible applicants, we will prioritise those whose skills and experience most closely match the requirements of the role.
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