About the role:
The Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Apprenticeship (ST0289) is a four-year program starting in September 2025, based at MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol. Year One involves full-time college study in the South-West area. After a successful Gateway Interview, you will progress to work-based technical placements and defence-specific nuclear training in locations such as Barrow-in-Furness, Bristol, Helensburgh, Plymouth, and Rosyth in Years Two to Four.
During the apprenticeship, you will pursue a foundation degree with block release college attendance. Upon completing Year Three and passing another Gateway Interview, you will receive a permanent contract and continue to complete your full degree while engaging in placements.
After Year Four and the successful End Point Assessment, you'll be offered a role within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, with potential relocation to waterfront locations.
In Year One, you'll attend full-time college and participate in activities at company establishments during holidays. In subsequent years, hybrid and flexible working arrangements may be available, but regular workplace attendance is required.
These positions are open to UK Nationals only and may require Developed Vetting clearance. You must have the right to reside in the UK and have been a resident in the EEA (or countries with bilateral agreements) for at least three years prior to starting.
Responsibilities:
* Participate in professional and personal development opportunities, workshops, and a peer mentoring scheme.
* Engage in structured training and gain experience through work-based placements, applying nuclear engineering/scientific concepts in a defence environment.
* Year One: Full-time college attendance, with activities at MOD establishments during some holidays.
* Attend the workplace regularly due to security and operational needs.
* Fixed holiday time during Year One: Two weeks at Christmas and one week at Easter.
You will be supported by your Apprentice Manager and Placement Supervisor throughout your scheme to help you reach your full potential and become a valuable asset to the SDA Engineering Function.
In subsequent years, hybrid and flexible working options may be discussed with your trainee scheme manager.
Requirements
Security
Due to the classification of much of the role, all posts are open to UK Nationals only.
Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory pre-employment and security checks, including an Occupational Health Assessment and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). You will need to confirm your identity, employment/education history, nationality, and any criminal record (unspent convictions only). The required security clearance level is Security Check (SC), and you should usually have been resident in the UK for 5 years immediately prior to clearance. Extensive travel or residence overseas may affect the clearance process and employment offer. Complete all information requests fully and promptly to avoid delays. Employment offers are also contingent upon achieving predicted acceptable grades.
You must demonstrate the following essential criteria:
1. 5 GCSEs at grade C to A* (or Grades 4-9), including English Language, Mathematics, and a Science/Engineering subject, plus two additional subjects.
2. Predicted grades or existing qualifications in one of the following:
* 3 A Levels including Mathematics, Science, and one other subject, grades C-A* (or 4-9).
* A National Diploma in engineering with at least 96 UCAS Points.
* Equivalent STEM qualifications such as a BTEC Level 3 diploma, HNC, or HND in STEM subjects.
Higher qualifications like a Foundation Degree or Degree in STEM subjects are considered as alternatives to the above criteria.
Candidates should specify whether their English qualification is in Language or Literature.
Benefits
* Salary of £25,970 plus a company contribution of £7,523 to a Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
* Tailored learning and development opportunities.
* Market-leading pension contributions (~21% of salary, excluding personal contributions).
* 25 days holiday plus 1 additional day per year of service, up to 30 days.
* Flexible working options after 6 months, subject to academic requirements.
* Discount schemes, health and wellbeing support, family-friendly initiatives, and more.
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