Level: 4
Salary:
Year 1: £21,641
Year 2: £27,412
Year 3: £32,263
Year 4: £34,087
Location: Bristol
Application closing date: 12th March 2026
Programme start date: September 2026
Role ID: 67807
Curious about a future in engineering? Our 4-year Level 4 Engineering Technician Apprenticeship could be the perfect launchpad. This exciting programme offers real-world experience, structured learning and the chance to support some of the most complex and important engineering work in the UK.
About The Programme
As part of our 200-strong In-Service Submarine Engineering Team, you’ll be joining a group of dedicated professionals who support both in-service and build-stage submarines. The work is varied and meaningful, ranging from design investigations and feasibility studies to maintaining the technical records and configuration data that keep each vessel safe and operational.
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Working alongside engineers and technical specialists, you’ll contribute to real projects that combine design, assurance and engineering delivery. Your time will be split between producing and reviewing 2D and 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models, carrying out engineering surveys, and supporting data management and documentation. You may also have opportunities to visit submarines at HM Naval Base Clyde in Scotland, gaining valuable insight into how your work supports the fleet.
As your knowledge and confidence grow, you’ll take on more responsibility in areas such as change control, technical reporting and quality assurance. Every experience will help you build strong analytical and problem-solving skills, while developing a practical understanding of how engineering principles are applied to real-world challenges.
Your education/training
As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll study for the Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Standard through Weston College, working towards a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Engineering.
For the first two years, you’ll attend college one day per week, building your academic and technical knowledge while applying what you learn back in the workplace. In your later years, you’ll focus more on live projects, developing practical and professional skills that will prepare you for a career as an engineering professional.
Future prospects
When you complete the programme, you’ll move into a role as a Trainee Engineer or Configuration Technician. You’ll have the technical understanding, professional qualification and practical experience to take on complex engineering work with confidence.
Upon completion, you can expect to earn a competitive salary exceeding £38,000.
From there, your development doesn’t stop. 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
* Five GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above, including Maths, English and a Science, Technology or Engineering subject.
* 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 (www.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.
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 strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.