Programme title: Engineering Trades Apprenticeship – CNC Machinists, Electrical Fitters and Mechanical Fitters
Level: SCQF Level 7
Salary:
Year 1: £14,791
Year 2: £21,415
Year 3: £23,822
Year 4: £27,106
Location: Rosyth, Scotland
Application closing date: March 2025
Programme start date: August 2025
Role ID: 60374
Ready to learn a skilled trade? On this 4-year Engineering Trades Apprenticeship, you’ll develop specialist trade skills and gain hands-on experience maintaining the Royal Navy's fleet.
About the programme
This is no ordinary engineering apprenticeship. Our engineers are at the forefront of building and maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet.2
As part of our busy team, you'll contribute to the build, maintenance, and refit of UK Royal Navy and international naval vessels, including the Type 31 Frigate Programme and UK Submarine Dismantling Programme.
You will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects such as new builds and upgrades to existing vessels, along with other commercial engineering projects.
This varied and exciting programme covers trades including CNC Machining, Mechanical Fitting and Electrical Fitting. You’ll be assigned one of these trade routes to specialise in.
Find out more about each of the trades below. You’ll be asked to indicate your preferences during the recruitment process.
CNC Machinist
As a CNC Machinist Apprentice, you’ll step into the world of precision manufacturing, mastering the essential processes for producing high-quality parts. You’ll learn to efficiently organise machining tasks, select the right tools for each operation, and set precise cutting speeds and tolerances.
Throughout your training, you'll gain hands-on experience operating CNC machines and a variety of tools, including handheld cutters, hammers, press brakes, and welding equipment. You’ll also be trained in vital fastening techniques such as riveting, adhesive bonding, and seam bending, along with other critical fabrication methods.
Mechanical Fitter
As a Mechanical Fitter Apprentice, you’ll be trained to use a variety of hand and machine tools whilst learning how to identify faults and return equipment to working condition.
You’ll be involved in the installation, commissioning, maintenance and repair of a wide range of equipment including engines, pumps, valves, gearboxes, shafts, steering gear, stabilisers, system pipework and air condition plants.
Electrical Fitter
As an Electrical Fitter Apprentice, you’ll learn how to interpret electrical engineering drawings and specifications to install, maintain, repair, replace and test electrical circuits, equipment and appliances.
You’ll gain knowledge and understanding of the practical skills you’ll need to install, connect and assist in the commission of complex electrical circuits on ships and nuclear submarines. You will also support the daily running of the site by helping maintain a vast network of high and low voltage equipment, advanced robotic panel lines, and CNC machinery. You will have support from experienced trade professionals onsite who will help you develop your electrical skillset.
Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll gain knowledge and skills in:
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
Your education/training
Through a combination of classroom learning and onsite training, you’ll develop well-rounded engineering skills and behaviours, preparing you for a successful career in the industry.
In your first year, from August until the end of June, you will be fully dedicated to studying at Fife College. This foundational year will equip you with the essential knowledge and technical skills needed to succeed in the workplace.
From your second year onwards, you will transition to full-time training at Rosyth Dockyard. This phase is designed to help you apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting, providing valuable real-world experience. For those pursuing an HNC qualification, your third year will include one day per week of continued study at college.
Future prospects
After successfully completing the programme, you will qualify as an Engineering Technician, specialising in your chosen field (CNC machining, mechanical fitting or electrical fitting).
You can expect to earn a competitive salary of over £36,231 upon completing the programme. Additionally, there may be opportunities to pursue higher-level qualifications, enabling you to advance your career within Babcock across a variety of roles and functions.
What you’ll need
A minimum of 4 National 5s, including Maths, English, and a Science or Technical subject at grade B or above (or equivalent). Those applying to become an Electrical Fitter Apprentice will also need a National 5 in Physics at grade C or above (or equivalent). A genuine interest in your chosen trade, along with a willingness to learn, ask questions, and collaborate. The ability to follow instructions and plan work with safety as a top priority. A team player who demonstrates respect and professionalism toward colleagues, customers, and supervisors. Many of our early careers roles 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 roles you are eligible for. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). For our early careers roles, you must be able to achieve BPSS and many of them require you to be eligible for Security Clearance.
What you’ll get
We will provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.
In addition, you’ll benefit from:
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.
Closing dates
Please be aware that if there is a high level of interest in this programme, applications may close earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered for a place on this programme, please submit your application as early as possible.