Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship

Programme title: Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship

Level: 3

Salary: Year 1: £16,513;
Year 2: £21,124;
Year 3: £27,400;
Year 4: £32,458;
Post apprenticeship: c.£35,000

Location: Devonport, Plymouth

Final date to receive applications: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Role : 67801

Ready to learn a skilled trade? On our 3.5‑year Engineering Technician Trades Apprenticeship you’ll develop specialist engineering trade skills and gain hands‑on experience maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet.

This is no ordinary apprenticeship. Our engineering technicians are at the forefront of maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet. As an Engineering Technician, you’ll contribute to the design, manufacture, installation, operation or maintenance of systems on ships, submarines and infrastructure.

This varied and exciting programme covers trades including Mechanical, Electrical, Fabrication, CNC Machining, Pipe fitting and Welding. You’ll be assigned one of these trade routes to specialise in, each explained below. As part of the interview, you will be asked to select your first and second preferred trade choice and explain your reasons for choosing it.

• Mechanical Fitting: You’ll be trained to use hand and machine tools, identify faults, and restore equipment to working condition. You’ll handle engines, pumps, valves and hydraulic equipment, including complex weapon systems and nuclear reactor systems.
• Electrical Fitting: You’ll learn to use electrical engineering drawings and specifications to strip, rebuild, test and maintain a range of electrical equipment and machinery, including warships and nuclear submarines.
• Fabricating: You’ll manufacture components and construct ship structures such as hulls, decks, bulkheads, seats, frames and girders. You’ll also learn welding and use thermal cutting equipment.
• Welding: You’ll be trained in MIG, MMA, TIG, and MAG welding processes, progressing to Class 1 certification for structural components of submarines and warships.
• CNC Machining: You’ll learn precision component manufacturing on CNC Turning and Milling Machines, and use CAD/CAM software and 3D models.
• Pipe fitting: You’ll manufacture and install pipe systems for water, air, hydraulics, steam and fuel, interpreting engineering drawings and fabricating pipes and pipe brazing.

• Health and safety
• Planning and documentation
• Engineering mathematical and scientific principles
• Methods and techniques
• Structure, properties and characteristics of materials
• Diagnostic methods to overcome problems
• Interpreting engineering drawings and data
• Adhering to and refining processes and procedures

This 3.5‑year programme combines classroom learning with hands‑on training. You’ll study core engineering principles while developing specialist skills in one of the following areas: mechanical, electrical, fabrication, CNC machining, welding, or pipe fitting.

First year: full‑time at City College Plymouth. Years 2 and 3: college one day a week, remaining days working in the dockyard at HM Naval Base Devonport. The programme concludes with an End Point Assessment leading to a Level 3 apprenticeship certificate.

Upon completing the programme, you’ll become a qualified Engineering Technician in your chosen trade and be expected to stay within this role for three years before pursuing higher education or other roles. You can expect a competitive salary exceeding £35,000 and clear career pathways through the Babcock Role Framework.

• A minimum of 3 GCSEs (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above, including English, Maths and a Science or Technology based subject.
• Logical thinking and problem‑solving aptitude.
• Responsible approach to safety and quality assurance.
• Valid passport or provisional/full UK driving licence.
• Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.

• 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
• Chance to engage in STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities

You’ll be enrolled in the Apprentice Development Programme, receiving digital and face‑to‑face sessions with wellbeing and performance experts.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. Submit your application and complete any required online assessments as soon as possible.

• Entry level

• Part‑time

• Management and Manufacturing

• Defense and Space Manufacturing