Engineering Design and Manufacture Graduate Apprenticeship â Quality Assurance and Control\nLevel: SCQF Level 10\n\nSalary:\nYear 1: £18,819\nYear 2: £22,857\nYear 3: £26,884\nYear 4: £32,261\n\nAre you driven by precision and passionate about problem-solving? Our 4-year Engineering (Design and Manufacture) Graduate Apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to contribute to some of the UKâs most important defence programmes, all while working towards a BEng (Hons) degree and building a rewarding career in quality assurance and control.\n\nThis is a fantastic opportunity to join a skilled team working on real-world projects, including the Royal Navyâs Type 31 frigates and the maintenance of Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. As a Graduate Apprentice, youâll specialise in Quality Assurance and Control, gaining valuable experience across both Central Quality and project-based functions.\n\nThe programme is designed to give you broad exposure to the full spectrum of quality activities. Your time will be structured around key business priorities and risk areas, with planned rotations between Central Quality and live projects to maximise your learning and development. Throughout, youâll build core skills in stakeholder management, data analysis and reporting, internal auditing, quality planning, and continuous improvement.\n\nYouâll receive regular coaching and support to ensure your learning objectives are met and your development stays on track. Typical tasks may include supporting inspection and testing processes to ensure products meet rigorous standards, helping to develop and maintain quality documentation and procedures, working with production teams to resolve quality issues, contributing to root cause analysis, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations, customer requirements, and internal standards. As part of your apprenticeship, youâll study for a BEng (Hons) in Engineering (Design and Manufacture) through Glasgow Caledonian University. Delivered through a blended learning model, the programme typically involves one to two days of study per week during term time. Co-designed with industry and accredited by the IET, IMechE, and InstMC, the degree provides a strong academic foundation and supports your journey toward professional recognition.\n\nIn addition to your degree, youâll receive structured training through Babcock to develop your understanding of quality systems and processes. As part of this, youâll be encouraged to complete Internal Auditor training, enabling you to support the Central Quality team in delivering its Internal Audit Programme.\n\nBy the end of your apprenticeship, youâll have developed a broad understanding of quality requirements â both those defined by international standards and those shaped by industry best practice. Youâll have contributed to process development and continuous improvement initiatives, supported by experienced professionals in a collaborative, safety-first environment. This foundation will prepare you for a rewarding career in quality management and process improvement. UCAS Tariff: 96 points.\nScottish Highers: BBCC or equivalent, including Maths and a science or technology subject.\nWe also accept:\nRelevant Foundation Apprenticeships (counting as one Higher at grade B), in combination with SQA Highers.\nModern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 in a related subject (equivalent to two Highers at B), in combination with SQA Highers.\nHNC in Electrical, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.\nYouâll bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, a detail-focused and proactive approach to preventing defects, excellent communication and teamwork abilities, and a genuine eagerness to learn and grow in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.\n\nMany 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 â GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).