Engineering Operative Apprenticeship

Babcock International

Devonport Royal Dockyard, Plymouth (PL1 4SG)

Closes on Thursday 12 March 2026

Posted on 2 December 2025

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Summary

Are you fascinated by how things work? Our 15-18 month Engineering Operative Apprenticeship will give you practical engineering experience maintaining the Royal Navy's fleet of ships and submarines. You’ll develop vital skills in electrical, mechanical, or fabrication disciplines while contributing to projects that help keep the UK safe.

• Wage:

  £15,500 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• Training course: Engineering operative (level 2)
• Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

  35 hours a week

• Start date:

  Tuesday 1 September 2026

• Duration:

  1 year 6 months

• Positions available:

  15

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

• 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. 

Where you'll work

Devonport Royal Dockyard, Plymouth
PL1 4SG

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH

Training course

Engineering operative (level 2)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

Training schedule

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. 

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade D/3)
• Maths (grade D/3)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Team working

Other requirements

Many of our apprenticeship programmes 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 programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels

About this employer

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.

https://earlycareers.babcockinternational.com/apprenticeships/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

• Fully funded qualification • Personal development training and opportunities • Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays • Competitive pension scheme • Employee share scheme • Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

 
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. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000001640.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 12 March 2026

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