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SDA Level 6 Nuclear Engineering Degree 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, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent. You will be ensuring nuclear systems and equipment operate safely and efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable way.

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

Apply now

Closing date: 19 Mar 2023

Apprenticeship summary

  • Annual wage

    £22,750.00

    Learning and development tailored to role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A 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

    48 Months

  • Possible start date

    01 Sep 2023

  • Date posted

    16 Dec 2022

  • Apprenticeship level

    Degree
    Level 6 (Degree with honours)

  • Reference number

    VAC1000117111

  • Positions

    15 available

What will the apprentice be doing?

You’ll participate in structured training and gather experience and knowledge through several work-based placements to learn and then apply nuclear engineering/scientific concepts and principles in a defence environment.

You’ll be expected to:  

  • Participate fully in assigned educational training to develop your own engineering capabilities in a defence context
  • Deliver Engineering products/services against agreed objectives to develop knowledge and experience and add value to the team and wider business within the SDA
  • Build an awareness and understanding of how the engineering function and wider business operates to assist with own development and career progression
  • Seek opportunities to develop knowledge and experience to progress as an Apprentice to Engineering within the time specified
  • Provide support to colleagues in their specialist area and actively contribute to team meetings to help with the work of the team
  • Build and maintain a network of internal business contacts and peers to gain knowledge and identify opportunities to learn and develop
  • Identify and participate 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 applicants will undertake a comprehensive programme of study associated with the Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer standard ST0289: Nuclear scientist and nuclear engineer (integrated degree) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. This is a 4-year apprenticeship starting in September 2023.  

During the four-year scheme, your permanent duty stations will be MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol, however, year one of the scheme will be full time in college, based in 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 a number of work-based technical placements and defence specific nuclear training at various locations within the UK, including Abbey Wood, Bristol, Barrow-in-Furness, HMNB Devonport, Plymouth as well as Rosyth and HMNB Clyde in Scotland.

Whilst in placements, you will continue with your foundation degree with block release attendance at the National College for Nuclear.

On successful completion of year three and following a further successful Gateway Interview, you will be offered a permanent contract, and will progress onto the final stage of the apprenticeship to complete your full degree, whilst continuing to work on work-based technical placements across defence.

On successful completion of the scheme, and End Point Assessment you will be appointed to an engineering role within the Engineering Function within the SDA, in which you will use your Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours to support and equip the armed forces, specifically within the Submarine Delivery Agency.

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

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, all posts will 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 an engineering role within the Engineering Function within the SDA, in which you will use your Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours to support and equip the armed forces, specifically within the Submarine Delivery Agency.

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 Any subject (Grade 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

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 developed vetting. See our vetting charter. People working with government assets must complete basic personnel security standard checks. Nationality requirements Open to UK nationals only.

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

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Training

Training provider

BRIDGWATER AND TAUNTON COLLEGE

Contact

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

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

Apprenticeship standard

Nuclear scientist and nuclear engineer (integrated degree)

Level 6 (Degree with honours)

Employer's Application Instructions

https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi?jcode=1823376

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

Apply now

Closing date: 19 Mar 2023