Non-Destructive Testing Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

Babcock International

Plymouth (PL1 4SG)

Closes on Thursday 12 March 2026

Posted on 2 December 2025

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Summary

Do you want to turn your passion for engineering and science into a rewarding career? Our 3.5 year apprenticeship gives you practical experience in inspecting materials, welds, components and plant to ensure the Royal Navy’s fleet is ready for any mission.

• Wage:

  £16,513 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Year 1: £16,513 Year 2: £21,124 Year 3: £27,400 Year 4: £32,458

• Training course: Non-destructive technologies technician (level 3)
• Hours: Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm.

  35 hours a week

• Start date:

  Tuesday 1 September 2026

• Duration:

  3 years 6 months

• Positions available:

  3

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 is no ordinary apprenticeship. As a Non-Destructive Testing Engineering Technician, you’ll use various methods, such as ultrasonics, radiography and infrared thermography, to detect cracks and other imperfections in manufactured components, including those that have been in service for a period of time. 

It’s an exciting role where you'll be at the heart of crucial decisions. Whether to operate, repair, or replace a component will hinge on your precise findings. 

You'll gain a broad range of skills including:

• Three Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods, including a complex method, such as ultrasonics, eddy current, radiography or infrared thermography.
• The ability to apply multiple scientific principles to identify flaws obscured by structural or volumetric features that are not necessarily visible on the surface.
• Formula-based engineering and the scientific principles underpinning relevant current technologies.
• How to use materials, equipment, tools, processes and products relating to NDT.
• Preparation of NDT procedures, technique sheets and work instructions for use by NDT operators.
• How to use and apply information from technical literature, codes of practice and industry standards.
• The limitations of standard tests and measurements relevant to their field of activity. 

You'll also enjoy spending time with our friendly NDT team and interacting with different parts of our business to expand your skills and knowledge.  

Where you'll work

Devonport Royal Dockyard
Devonport
Plymouth
PL1 4SG

Training

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

Training provider

LAVENDER INTERNATIONAL NDT CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED

Training course

Non-destructive technologies technician (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Identify, organise, and use resources to complete inspections, tests or monitoring on materials, products plant or machinery for the non-destructive technology.
• Plan, prepare for, and apply inspections, tests, or monitoring on materials, product plants or machinery using non-destructive technology.
• Use project management techniques throughout project phases. For example, project justification, planning, analysis, execution, and conclusions.
• Implement quality control procedures.
• Comply with health and safety regulations and procedures. Apply safe systems of work.
• Identify and document risks and hazards in the workplace. Advise on and apply control measures.
• Comply with environmental and sustainability regulations and procedures. Segregate resources for re-use, recycling, and disposal of waste. Use resources efficiently. Apply sustainability principles.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings. For example, weld or component configuration.
• Identify and report on progress of work, and issues or concerns of the non-destructive technology method.
• Apply maintenance practices and techniques for tools, materials, and equipment. For example, clean, lubricate, replace parts.
• Select, configure, use, and operate tools and equipment.
• Apply and review inspection and monitoring procedures.
• Perform non-destructive technology methods in line with national and international standards applicable to the test or monitoring method. For example, ISO 17359, EN 4179 and ISO BS EN: 16810 Standards.
• Apply non-destructive technology methods and techniques. For example, vibration analysis, ultrasonics, radiography, thermography, eddy current.
• Identify problems and apply analytical tools to identify causes and solutions. For example, root cause analysis. Review the effectiveness of methods deployed, actions and results.
• Collect and interpret technical or analytical information or datasets from performed non-destructive technology tests.
• Apply team working principles including provide information, guidance, or training to colleagues or stakeholders.
• Apply, equity, diversity, and inclusion procedures.
• Write technical reports.
• Communicate verbally with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Use information technology. For example, for document creation, communication, and information management. Comply with GDPR and cyber security.
• Carry out and record learning and development activities.
• Identify, organise, and use resources to complete inspections, tests or monitoring on materials, products plant or machinery for the non-destructive technology.
• Plan, prepare for, and apply inspections, tests, or monitoring on materials, product plants or machinery using non-destructive technology.
• Use project management techniques throughout project phases. For example, project justification, planning, analysis, execution, and conclusions.
• Implement quality control procedures.
• Comply with health and safety regulations and procedures. Apply safe systems of work.
• Identify and document risks and hazards in the workplace. Advise on and apply control measures.
• Comply with environmental and sustainability regulations and procedures. Segregate resources for re-use, recycling, and disposal of waste. Use resources efficiently. Apply sustainability principles.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings. For example, weld or component configuration.
• Identify and report on progress of work, and issues or concerns of the non-destructive technology method.
• Apply maintenance practices and techniques for tools, materials, and equipment. For example, clean, lubricate, replace parts.
• Select, configure, use, and operate tools and equipment.
• Apply and review inspection and monitoring procedures.
• Perform non-destructive technology methods in line with national and international standards applicable to the test or monitoring method. For example, ISO 17359, EN 4179 and ISO BS EN: 16810 Standards.
• Apply non-destructive technology methods and techniques. For example, vibration analysis, ultrasonics, radiography, thermography, eddy current.
• Identify problems and apply analytical tools to identify causes and solutions. For example, root cause analysis. Review the effectiveness of methods deployed, actions and results.
• Collect and interpret technical or analytical information or datasets from performed non-destructive technology tests.
• Apply team working principles including provide information, guidance, or training to colleagues or stakeholders.
• Apply, equity, diversity, and inclusion procedures.
• Write technical reports.
• Communicate verbally with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Use information technology. For example, for document creation, communication, and information management. Comply with GDPR and cyber security.
• Carry out and record learning and development activities.

Training schedule

You’ll work towards the Level 3 Non-Destructive Technologies Technician Apprenticeship standard. 

The programme includes on-the-job training at Devonport Royal Dockyard and qualifications in NDT methods, such as ultrasonic, radiographic, and thermographic testing.  

As part of your End Point Assessment (EPA), you’ll complete a portfolio of evidence showcasing your work and skills. Successful completion of the apprenticeship leads to professional recognition by the British Institute for Non-Destructive Testing and eligibility for Engineering Technician (EngTech) registration with the Engineering Council.  

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• Any subject (grade Grade C or above)
• Any subject (grade Grade C or above)
• English (grade Grade C or above)
• Maths (grade Grade C or above)
• Science or Technology (grade Grade C or above)

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 a 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

On finishing your apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to start an exciting career as a Non-Destructive Testing Engineering Technician, helping to support the Royal Navy’s fleet.

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. 

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

LAVENDER INTERNATIONAL NDT CONSULTANCY SERVICES LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000001819.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 12 March 2026

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