Overview
Are 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 UK’s most important defence programmes, all while working towards a BEng (Hons) degree and building a rewarding career in quality assurance and control.
About The Programme
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a skilled team working on real-world projects, including the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigates and the maintenance of Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. As a Graduate Apprentice, you’ll specialise in Quality Assurance and Control, gaining valuable experience across both Central Quality and project-based functions.
The 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, you’ll build core skills in stakeholder management, data analysis and reporting, internal auditing, quality planning, and continuous improvement.
You’ll 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.
Your education/training
As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll 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 solid academic foundation and supports your journey toward professional recognition.
In addition to your degree, you’ll receive structured training through Babcock to develop your understanding of quality systems and processes. As part of this, you’ll be encouraged to complete Internal Auditor training, enabling you to support the Central Quality team in delivering its Internal Audit Programme.
By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have developed a broad understanding of quality requirements – both those defined by international standards and those shaped by industry best practice. You’ll 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.
Future prospects
Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to step into a Quality Controller, Advisor, or Engineer role at Babcock, with a competitive starting salary of over £39,000.
You’ll also be supported with professional development opportunities such as Chartered Quality Institute (CQI) membership, Lead Auditor qualifications, and experience across a broad range of Quality functions – including Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), Central (strategic), and Business Improvement.
Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.
What you’ll need
* UCAS Tariff: 96 points.
* Scottish Highers: BBCC or equivalent, including Maths and a science or technology subject.
* We also accept:
* Relevant Foundation Apprenticeships (counting as one Higher at grade B), in combination with SQA Highers.
* Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 in a related subject (equivalent to two Highers at B), in combination with SQA Highers.
* HNC in Electrical, Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.
* You’ll bring high 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 changeable manufacturing environment.
* Many of our apprenticeship programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions.
What you’ll get
We’ll provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.
In Addition, You’ll Benefit From
* Fully funded qualification
* Personal development training and opportunities
* Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
* Competitive pension scheme
* Employee share scheme
* Adaptable benefits including cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities, which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.
Your career development
It’s hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and business experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will really help you navigate where you want to take your career.
Plus, when you join us, you’ll be automatically enrolled onto our Apprentice Development Programme. Through a series of digital and face to face sessions, presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partners, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.
Application process and closing dates
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we highly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.
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