Programme title: Fire Engineer Apprenticeship
Level: SCQF Level 7
Salary: £16, rising annually to c.£38, post apprenticeship
Location: HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland
Application closing date: 12th March
Programme start date: August
Ready to start a rewarding career in engineering? Our 4-year Fire Engineer Apprenticeship offers the chance to earn while you learn, gain industry-recognised qualifications, and play a vital role in supporting the Royal Navy’s fleet at HM Naval Base Clyde.
About the programme
This is no ordinary engineering apprenticeship. As a Fire Engineer Apprentice at HM Naval Base Clyde, you will play a vital role in shaping and safeguarding critical infrastructure. You’ll contribute to planning and provide expert consultation on construction and refurbishment projects across the site, ensuring fire safety compliance at every stage – design, construction, and post-handover. Your input will have a direct impact on project budgets and timelines, particularly when upgrades or design changes are required to meet fire safety standards.
You’ll be part of a £ million investment programme to modernise Clyde’s infrastructure, preparing it to accommodate the next generation of nuclear submarines and securing its position at the heart of the UK’s defence strategy for decades to come. At Clyde, Babcock plays a central role in supporting the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet and surface vessels, delivering engineering excellence, infrastructure management, and nuclear facility operations. As an apprentice, you’ll gain hands-on experience across these critical areas while developing specialist skills that will set you apart in the industry.
Your education/training
As part of your apprenticeship, you will receive training both on-site and at college. Your formal qualifications will be achieved progressively over the course of the programme, as outlined below:
• Year 1: Full-time at West College Scotland
o SVQ Level 2 (SCQF Level 5) in Performing Engineering Operations
o NC Engineering Systems – Year 1
• Year 2: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde and 1 day per week at West College Scotland
o SVQ Diploma in Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
o NC Engineering Systems – Year 2
• Years 3–4: 3 days per week on site at HMNB Clyde (if progressing to HNC) and 1 day per week at Glasgow Kelvin College
o SVQ Diploma in Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance in Engineering (SCQF Level 7)
o HNC Building Services - Year 1 – in 3rd Year of Apprenticeship and Year 2 – in 4th year of apprenticeship
Future prospects
Through a combination of classroom learning and onsite training you’ll develop well-rounded engineering competencies and behaviours, preparing you for life in industry. At the end of your programme, you'll be a well-rounded professional ready to take on the role of a Fire Engineer at Babcock.
What you’ll need
• National Level 5 qualifications (or equivalent) in Mathematics, English, and a Science or technical subject, with grades A–C.
• Two additional qualifications at National Level 4 or 5 (or above), with grades A–C.
• Many 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 – GOV.UK ().
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
• Flexible 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.