Chemical and Process Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

As a Chemical and Process Engineering Apprentice, you’ll be part of a collaborative and welcoming team that’s solving complex challenges in nuclear power generation and decommissioning. From your first day, you’ll begin learning how to apply core chemical engineering principles to real-world projects that support everything from low-carbon energy to defence and environmental clean-up.

You’ll be based in one of our main hubs – Dalton Avenue in Warrington, the Babcock Technology Centre in Bristol, or Humberside – and work on a diverse portfolio of projects. These might include adapting reactor technologies for UK deployment, supporting the UK’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet, or helping to decommission legacy nuclear sites safely and sustainably.

Your tasks could include defining process requirements, specifying and testing equipment, or assessing how our systems perform under different conditions. As your skills grow, so will your responsibilities. You’ll develop problem-solving techniques, communication skills and an understanding of the tools and software used across the sector.

Training:

You’ll study remotely with Teesside University, following the Science Industry Process and Plant Engineer Degree Apprenticeship standard.

This well-established chemical engineering programme is delivered through a flexible, blended learning model designed to fit around your work commitments. You’ll engage in online learning supported by weekly live seminars, giving you access to expert teaching while applying your knowledge directly in the workplace.

On successful completion, you’ll be awarded a BEng in Professional Engineering (Science Industry Process/Plant Engineer), along with an apprenticeship certificate graded at pass, merit, or distinction, recognising your achievement and readiness to progress in your engineering career.

Training Outcome:

Upon successful completion of your degree and apprenticeship end-point assessment, you will transition into a Junior Engineering role at Cavendish Nuclear, contributing to projects across both the civil and defence nuclear sectors. You’ll earn a competitive starting salary of over £30,000, with opportunities for further development and progression.

We are committed to supporting your continued professional development as you work towards becoming a fully qualified Process Engineer and achieving Chartered Engineer status with IChemE. As part of this journey, you’ll join our IChemE Accredited Company Training Scheme (ACTS), benefiting from structured placements, formal training, and ongoing mentoring and coaching.

This comprehensive support framework is designed to help you build the technical expertise, leadership skills, and industry experience needed for a successful engineering career.

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