As an apprentice, you'll be part of Babcock's Skynet Service Delivery Wrap (SDW) program, which plays a crucial role in providing essential communication capabilities to the UK and NATO armed forces. The Skynet system ensures that service personnel can stay connected anytime, anywhere, in any environment on Earth. By joining this program, you won’t just acquire specialised network engineering skills - you’ll also contribute to projects that are critical to the security of the UK.
You will work our Bordon location, where our teams help to maintain and modernise the UK’s sovereign space communications. Throughout your apprenticeship, you will have the chance to rotate through different Skynet SDW Infrastructure teams, gaining valuable insights into their operations and taking on increasingly complex tasks as your experience and skills grow.
Typical tasks include:
Troubleshooting and resolving network issues
Providing technical support to customers and key stakeholders, addressing queries and delivering effective solutions
Interpreting technical information and aligning it with organisational requirements and expectations
Learning and applying safe working practices in diverse environments, including working at height and in confined spaces
Training:During your apprenticeship, you will study and learn in the role of a Network Engineer. The course includes a wide range of specialist modules designed to provide you with a strong theoretical foundation for your future career. You will also develop practical skills, including:
Installing, configuring, and testing network components or devices (both physical and virtual)
Collecting and analysing data to monitor network performance.
Improving and maintaining network systems or services to meet set standards
Identifying and fixing network issues to restore operations, escalating issues if needed
Upgrading physical and virtual network systems
Interpreting written requirements and technical documents to deliver network systems and services effectively
Keeping accurate records in line with organisational policies
Your apprenticeship will culminate in an End Point Assessment (EPA), where an independent assessor will evaluate your performance against the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) defined in the occupational standard. This final assessment allows you to demonstrate the expertise you have gained during the programme.Training Outcome:
The space industry is on a remarkable growth trajectory, with its global value projected to triple by 2035
As part of this booming sector, the skills and experience you’ll develop in network cabling will remain in high demand for years to come
Completing the apprenticeship programme is just the start of an exciting career journey with us. We are dedicated to your continued professional growth, offering ongoing development opportunities at our Bordon site
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 5pmSkills: Communication skills,Attention to detail,Team working....Read more...
Each day a vast number of large and heavy engineering components, equipment and vehicles need to be safely lifted and transported around HM Naval Base Devonport.
As a Slinger Apprentice, you’ll learn how to support these operations and develop the fundamental knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a core member of the lifting team.
You’ll work onsite as a Rigger, lifting, moving, and positioning loads during construction projects. You'll be responsible for planning and coordinating all the elements needed to execute these operations safely and successfully. Day to day, you’ll work with a wide range of equipment, from skids and rollers to various types of winches, hoists, and cranes.
During this comprehensive 3-year apprenticeship, you'll acquire a wide range of skills:
The art of carrying out various lifting operations.
Working with diverse equipment, including cranes, portable tools, and rigging/fleeting equipment.
Staying up to date with all current legislation and changes relevant to the field.
Ensuring that safety and compliance are top priorities.
You'll be working in environments that can be challenging, like working at heights, over water, or in confined spaces. We'll support you all the way - you'll be equipped with the skills to work independently and as part of a team, always prioritising health, safety, and the environment.
If you're excited about working in a role where precision, teamwork, and safety are paramount, then this is the perfect opportunity for you. Training:During your apprenticeship, you will have the opportunity to spend approximately 3 to 4 weeks away at our training provider's sites in Liverpool (carried out one week at a time), which will equip you with invaluable experience. Accommodation and travel will be provided.
Your apprenticeship will primarily take place on-site. You’ll be immersed in real-world scenarios and gain hands-on learning experience that is both practical and effective.
You will spend time with the Lifting Services Training team and through rotations across projects, you'll grow your expertise in lifting and gain a broad insight into our operations.Training Outcome: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. 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, 9.00am to 5.00pm.Skills: Communication skills,Logical,Team working....Read more...
This Level 2 Engineering Operative apprenticeship will build your engineering skills in one of three trade routes: Electrical, Mechanical, or Fabrication. Supporting our Engineering Fitters, we’ll train you in core engineering skills like hand fitting, health and safety and general maintenance.
You’ll also receive specialised training based on the trade route you’re studying. If you’re in Electrical, this could include maintaining electrical equipment and systems, as well as learning to form and assemble electrical cable enclosures and support systems. For Mechanical, you’ll learn how to maintain mechanical devices and equipment, as well as repair mechanical components to bring them back into working condition. If you’re specialising in Fabrication, your training may involve producing sheet metal components and assemblies, or cutting and shaping materials using thermal cutting equipment. No matter which route you take, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet.
As part of the interview, you will be asked to select your first and second preferred trade area (electrical, mechanical or fabrication) and explain your reasons for choosing it. This helps us understand your interests, motivations, and how your strengths align with the role.
Training:You will work towards obtaining the Level 2 Engineering Operative Apprenticeship standard. The first four months of your apprenticeship will take place at City College Plymouth, learning the fundamentals of engineering, such as basic hand skills and the use of hand and bench tools. From then on, you’ll spend one day a week at the college and four days at Devonport Dockyard, applying your skills on the job. Ongoing weekly attendance at college may be required for tutorial sessions or to complete Functional Skills in Maths and English if you do not already hold GCSE qualifications. After your first year, you’ll move to the End Point Assessment (EPA) phase for your final three months. During this time, you’ll complete a portfolio of evidence showcasing your work and skills. Training Outcome: By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll be prepared to step into the role of a Production Support Operative, working alongside mechanical fitters, electrical fitters, or fabricators. In this role, you can expect to earn a competitive salary of over £30,000. For those who demonstrate the necessary skills, behaviours, and motivation to progress, there may be an opportunity to advance to a Level 3 apprenticeship after an 18-month period following the completion of the initial apprenticeship. 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 5pmSkills: Communication skills,Attention to detail,Team working....Read more...
Find out more about our Machinist, Fitter and Inspector apprentice positions below. You’ll be asked to indicate your preferences during the recruitment process. CNC Machinist Apprentice Your day kicks off with a quick team meeting to go over the jobs lined up and any safety reminders. Then it’s off to your machine station, where you’ll set up tools and materials ready for the day’s tasks. You’ll spend most of your time using either traditional or CNC (computer-controlled) machines to shape metal parts. You’ll follow detailed drawings to make sure everything is accurate, checking your work as you go. If something’s not quite right, you’ll learn how to adjust the machine or tools to fix it. Throughout the day, you’ll work closely with experienced machinists and quality inspectors, picking up tips and learning how to spot and solve problems. By the end of your shift, you’ll clean down your area and record what you’ve completed. Fitter Apprentice You’ll start your day by reviewing the engineering drawings for the job you’re working on. These show you exactly how the parts should fit together. After gathering your tools and materials, you’ll begin assembling mechanical components—this could be anything from pumps to pipework. You might be building new equipment, helping install it onto a submarine module, or even diagnosing and fixing a fault. You’ll use a mix of hand tools and power tools, and you’ll always be thinking about safety and precision. You’ll work alongside skilled fitters and engineers, learning how to follow procedures and solve real-world problems. At the end of the day, you’ll update your progress and prepare for tomorrow’s tasks. Inspector Apprentice Your day begins with checking which parts or assemblies need inspecting. You’ll use measuring tools like micrometres and gauges as well as 3D scanning and laser tracking equipment to check that everything meets the required standards. You’ll inspect parts at different stages—sometimes right after machining, other times after assembly. If something doesn’t meet the spec, you’ll work with the machinists or fitters to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it. You’ll learn how to read technical drawings, follow inspection procedures, and keep accurate records. It’s a role that requires attention to detail and a strong focus on quality and safety. Training:As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll study at Weston College, gaining a nationally recognised qualification at Level 3. Your programme will combine academic study with practical training in our facilities at Ashton House. You’ll complete one of the following apprenticeship standards, depending on your chosen pathway:
Machining Technician (ST1305)
Engineering Fitter (ST0432)
Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician (ST1395)
You’ll learn the theory behind mechanical and electrical systems, materials and processes, alongside developing core skills in problem-solving, communication and safety awareness. The programme concludes with an End Point Assessment, confirming your readiness to progress as a qualified engineering professional. Training Outcome:Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be well-prepared to take on a skilled role as a machinist, fitter, or inspector at Babcock, earning a competitive salary in excess of £35,000. You may also have the opportunity to pursue further qualifications and progress into advanced roles across a wide range of functions within the business, supporting your continued professional development and long-term career growth. 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. 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 5pmSkills: Communication skills,Attention to detail,Team working....Read more...
