Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

As a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice at Cavendish Nuclear, you’ll join a collaborative and experienced team working across all phases of the engineering lifecycle. Whether you’re supporting new build or decommissioning projects, you’ll play a vital role in the UK’s civil nuclear sector helping to deliver national energy resilience, meet net zero commitments, and safely clean up the nuclear legacy.

You’ll work on a variety of nuclear projects, from developing new technologies and maintaining essential systems to extending the life of vital infrastructure. Your day-to-day activities will include hands-on experience with Computer Aided Design (CAD), 3D modelling, mechanical calculations, and producing engineering documentation to national and international standards. You’ll support operational teams, resolve technical issues, and inform decisions that impact real-world outcomes.

As part of your role, you’ll define design requirements, develop 3D CAD models, produce detailed engineering drawings, and carry out scoping calculations. You’ll also prepare equipment specifications, technical reports, and help manage plant and equipment obsolescence to ensure systems remain safe and reliable. Supporting assembly, testing, and operational teams, you’ll offer technical guidance, resolve engineering queries, and manage nonconformance issues, while gaining exposure to advanced engineering tools such as Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software.

Based at one of our key sites in Humberside, you’ll support major projects at locations like Sellafield. You’ll begin by shadowing experienced engineers, building a strong foundation in design, modelling, calculations, and documentation. As you develop, you’ll take on more complex tasks and gain valuable experience across the full design lifecycle. Every drawing, design, or calculation you contribute to plays a part in protecting people, the environment, and the nation’s energy future.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll be surrounded by supportive mentors and experienced engineers who are invested in your growth. You’ll be part of a wider emerging talent community, sharing experiences and learning alongside other apprentices across the business. You’ll be trusted to take ownership of your development and supported every step of the way as you turn theory into real-world impact.

Training:

You’ll study with the University of Nottingham through the Electro-mechanical Engineer Degree Apprenticeship – a five-year programme that combines university teaching with practical experience in the workplace. Each year, you’ll attend university for four separate one-week blocks, plus additional time on campus for exams. These sessions are designed to strengthen your technical knowledge and build your engineering skills.

For the rest of the year, you’ll continue learning while working. You’ll watch recorded lectures, complete assignments, and carry out projects that relate directly to your job. This flexible approach means you can study at times that suit your schedule, while applying what you learn in real-world situations.

At the end of the programme, you’ll graduate with a BEng (Hons) in Electro-mechanical Engineering. You’ll then move on to a final review and assessment, completing your apprenticeship and stepping into your career as a qualified electro-mechanical engineer.

Training Outcome:

By the end of the programme, you will have earned your degree and gained the skills, experience and knowledge to thrive as a Mechanical Engineer at Cavendish Nuclear – with a competitive salary above £43,000.

You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence.

As a global organisation, Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth, we’ve introduced the Babcock Role Framework, which outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks, you’ll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

Employer Description:
Babcock is an international defence company providing support and product solutions to enhance our customers’ defence capabilities and critical assets. We provide through-life technical and engineering support for our customers’ assets, delivering improvements in performance, availability and programme cost. Our c27,700 employees deliver these critical services to defence and civil customers, including engineering support to naval, land, air and nuclear operations, frontline support, specialist training and asset management. We also design and manufacture a range of defence and civil specialist equipment, from naval ship and weapons handling systems to liquid gas handling systems. We also provide integrated, technology-enabled solutions to our defence customers in areas such as secure communications, electronic warfare and air defence.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Team working