Coronavirus (COVID-19): to find out how we can support you with your apprenticeship including if you have been affected by redundancy, read our updated information.

SDA Level 3 Waterfront Engineering Advanced Apprenticeship Scheme MOD - Submarine Delivery Agency

Join an integral part of the UK's defence and discover a rewarding professional career as part of the organisation responsible for the design, build, in-service support and disposal of the UK’s Nuclear Submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring security of the continuous at-sea deterrent. Provide technical support and expertise for all areas of the Engineering and Manufacturing function including communications software, test, analysis tools, measurement, off line programming, process control, performance and continuous improvement solutions.

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 19 Mar 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £20,800.00

    Learning and development tailored to role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution 27% SDA Benefits Wheel (publishing.service.gov.uk)

  • Working week

    Monday - Friday, times to be confirmed.

    Total hours per week: 37

  • Expected duration

    36 Months

  • Possible start date

    01 Sep 2023

  • Date posted

    16 Dec 2022

  • Apprenticeship level

    Advanced
    Level 3 (A level)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000117002

  • Positions

    15 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

Providing support to engineering staff across the business assisting with technical activities, while continually developing yourself. You'll be involved in the following activities: 

  • Participating in assigned educational training to develop own capabilities in a defence context
  • Delivering engineering products/services against agreed objectives to develop knowledge and experience and add value to the team and wider business within the SDA
  • Building awareness and understanding of how the engineering function and wider business operates to assist in own development and career progression
  • Seeking opportunities to develop knowledge and experience to progress as an Apprentice to Engineering Technician in the time specified
  • Providing support to colleagues in their specialist area and actively contribute to team meetings to help with the work of the team
  • Building and maintaining a network of internal business contacts and peers to gain knowledge and identify opportunities to learn and develop
  • Identifying and participating in wider development opportunities to build on Engineering Function Success Profile Competencies and Behaviours, such as STEM events

Throughout your scheme, you will be supported by your Apprentice Manager, as well as a Placement Supervisor. You will participate in various professional and personal development opportunities, such as outward bound activities, various developmental workshops and a peer mentoring scheme, with plenty of opportunities to reach your full potential and become a real asset to the SDA Engineering Function and beyond.

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

Successful candidates will undertake a comprehensive programme of study associated with the Engineering Technician Standard ST0457, pathway 13. This is a three-year Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship starting September 2023.

During the three-year scheme, your Permanent Duty Station will be MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol, however, year one of the Scheme will be full time in college, based at the National College for Nuclear, Cannington, Bridgwater. Somerset. 

Following a successful Gateway Interview, at the end of Phase/Year one, you will proceed to the next phase of your apprenticeship.

During years two and three, you will have the opportunity to carry out four six-month technical-focused project team placements in our waterfront locations around the UK, including: Abbey Wood, Bristol; Barrow-in-Furness; HMNB Devonport, Plymouth as well as Rosyth and HMNB Clyde in Scotland.  

On successful completion of your scheme, you may be given the opportunity to permanently relocate to one of our waterfront locations listed above.

During year one, and after a period of foundation skills and technical knowledge development, you will be required to achieve the following qualifications: 

  • Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Foundation Competence)
  • Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge)

During years two and three, you will be required to achieve the following qualifications: 

  • Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Competence) – Technical Support

On successful completion of the scheme and End Point Assessment, you will be appointed to a permanent role within the Engineering Function within the SDA, in which you will use your knowledge and experience to support and equip the armed forces, specifically within the Submarine Delivery Agency across our Waterfront Locations. 

Your personal and professional development doesn't stop there however, as the SDA are committed to Social Mobility and opportunities to continue to develop both academically and professionally are encouraged and supported for those with the right behaviours and potential.

We are currently recruiting up to 15 positions and the scheme is open to anyone over the age of 16 years at the start of the Apprenticeship.  

You must have the right of abode in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the EEA (including other countries determined within the EEA or those with bilateral agreements), for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning.

Because of the classification of much of the work in the SDA, some posts may be open to Sole UK Nationals only 

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

On successful completion of the scheme and End Point Assessment, you will be appointed to a permanent role within the Engineering Function within the SDA, in which you will use your knowledge and experience to support and equip the armed forces, specifically within the Submarine Delivery Agency across our Waterfront Locations. 

Your personal and professional development doesn't stop there however, as the SDA are committed to Social Mobility and opportunities to continue to develop both academically and professionally are encouraged and supported for those with the right behaviours and potential.

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills and personal qualities

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Presentation skills, Administrative skills, Number skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Creative, Initiative, Non judgemental, Patience, Influencing skills

Qualifications

GCSE or equivalent Any subject (Grade GCSEs A*- C or grades 4-9) Essential
GCSE or equivalent English Language (Grade GCSEs A*- C or grades 4-9) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade GCSEs A*- C or grades 4-9) Essential
GCSE or equivalent Science or Engineering (Grade GCSEs A*- C or grades 4-9) Essential

Things to consider

You will be assessed against the following Your CV must demonstrate the following essential criteria: Candidates must have, or be studying to attain, a minimum of four full GCSEs A*-C or grades 4-9 (or equivalent) including English Language, Maths and a Science or Engineering related subject and one additional subject. Candidates are asked to distinguish between an English Language or English Literature qualification awarded. Applicants with predicted grades should check that when asked if they have the mandatory grades they tick YES, otherwise their application will automatically be rejected. It is also beneficial to your application if you can demonstrate the following desirable criteria: Relevant work experience, demonstrating engineering project skills, including through internships, work experience or practical assignments/activities. Please note this is a development scheme and candidates with higher level qualifications in Engineering may not be eligible. All vocational and academic qualifications held or in progress must be declared. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Communicating and Influencing Delivering at Pace Working Together Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Application of analytical techniques Technical Decision Making Things you need to know Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Ability and Technical skills. Stage 1: Initial application Complete a full application and upload your CV, which clearly demonstrates the following areas (which you will be assessed against in a CV sift): • Key Achievements. • Relevant Experience. • Applied Knowledge and Skills. For additional guidance on writing a CV for SDA please click here Stage 2: The top scoring candidates will be invited to a formal interview to discuss your Key Achievements, Relevant Experience and Applied knowledge & Skills. In addition to the above, you'll also be assessed against a technical skills and competence and the listed behaviours, aligned to the role. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check. See our vetting charter.

About the employer

In partnership with the Royal Navy, the Defence Nuclear Organisation, and industry, the SDA: procure submarines manage the support that keeps them at sea will safely dispose of them when they’ve served their purpose Delivering some of the world’s most advanced and technically complex equipment, this work is vital to providing the ultimate guarantee of our national security – with submarines on patrol every minute of every day. The SDA’s vision is to lead a high-performing industrial enterprise to deliver submarine capability safely, securely, and more effectively and cost efficiently each year.

Employer

MOD - Submarine Delivery Agency

Address

Barrow-in-Furness, Bristol, Helensburgh, Plymouth, Rosyth

Patchway

Bristol

BS34 5SB

You must have JavaScript enabled to view a map of the location

Training

Training provider

BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE

Contact

SDA-CE-CECT-TECH-Apprentices (MULTIUSER)

SDA-CE-CECT-TECH-Apprentices@mod.uk

Apprenticeship standard

Engineering technician

Level 3 (A level)

Employer's Application Instructions

https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi?jcode=1823374

This apprenticeship requires you to apply through the employer's website.

Apply now

Closing date: 19 Mar 2023