Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Degree Apprenticeship

CAVENDISH NUCLEAR LIMITED

Bristol (BS16 1EJ)

Closes on Monday 7 December 2026

Posted on 13 October 2026

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Summary

As an Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Engineering Apprentice at Cavendish Nuclear, you’ll combine technical learning with real-world engineering as you help design, build and maintain specialist nuclear facilities. Over 4 years, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge and professional experience to kick-start a career.

• Wage:

  £23,598 a year

  Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

• Training course: Electrical and electronic engineer (degree) (level 6)
• Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

  35 hours a week

• Start date:

  Wednesday 1 September 2027

• Duration:

  4 years

• Positions available:

  2

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 your chance to gain real experience across the entire engineering lifecycle. As an Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Engineering Apprentice, you’ll rotate through 6-month placements across different areas of our Cavendish Nuclear business. This structure is designed to help you build a well-rounded skillset and explore what excites you most within engineering.
• You could be designing control systems for nuclear decommissioning, supporting the infrastructure of the UK’s submarine deterrent, or working on the development of cutting-edge facilities for future nuclear fusion reactors. Your week might involve working with PLCs, SCADA systems, reactor protection, or radiological monitoring equipment.
• Throughout, you’ll be supported by experienced engineers and mentors who will help you develop the confidence, communication and technical skills you need to succeed. This programme offers you a chance to contribute to some of the most important and exciting engineering projects in the country.

Where you'll work

Bristol
BS16 1EJ

Training

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

Training provider

UNIVERSITY OF DERBY

Training course

Electrical and electronic engineer (degree) (level 6)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes, operational designs, or specifications for electrical and electronic projects or programmes of work.
• Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve problems and determine solutions or actions.
• Collate, store, use and present data and supporting documentation.
• Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics.
• Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data evidence.
• Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as planning, safety, quality, cost, performance and sustainability.
• Apply processes for project or programme management such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
• Comply with statutory and organisational safety and security standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
• Identify and use processes, resources and technologies to complete electrical and electronic engineering projects or programmes of work.
• Apply quality management and assurance processes to identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the electrical and electronic engineering process.
• Carry out pre operations checks of electrical and electronic engineering systems and equipment before use.
• Manage continuous improvement activities using techniques such as Six Sigma, 5s, Kaizen, Lean, Kanban, Statistical Process Control or Value Stream Mapping.
• Create, maintain and review project documentation. Record and action any non-conformities.
• Communicate with others verbally, for example colleagues and stakeholders.
• Communicate in writing, for example technical reports, documents and presentations.
• Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders. Manage differing and competing interests with stakeholders.
• Identify and complete opportunities for personal and professional development including keeping up to date with current and emerging technology.
• Apply and promote policies and practices to support equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Consider management of change (MOC) requirements when undertaking electrical and electronic projects or programmes of work.
• Comply with environmental and sustainability legislation, regulations and standards associated with the electrical and electronic engineering environment. Uses resources efficiently, for example waste minimisation.
• Ensure equipment is managed and maintained.
• Optimise processes and procedures, such as relating to safety, efficiency, performance, productivity and sustainability.
• Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured, checked and tested for safe operation, efficiency and reliability.
• Translate conceptual ideas or technical requirements into developmental outcomes, operational designs, or specifications for electrical and electronic projects or programmes of work.
• Select, use and apply approved problem-solving methods to solve problems and determine solutions or actions.
• Collate, store, use and present data and supporting documentation.
• Interpret and produce technical documentation such as schematic and circuit diagrams, engineering drawings or 3D CAD models, simulation models, engineering reports, test reports, fault reports or data analytics.
• Observe, record and draw accurate and auditable conclusions from data evidence.
• Manage assigned projects or programmes of work, taking into account factors such as planning, safety, quality, cost, performance and sustainability.
• Apply processes for project or programme management such as escalation, audit or risk management and risk mitigation.
• Comply with statutory and organisational safety and security standards and requirements, supporting safety risk assessments and mitigate any risks identified within the design, manufacture, development or test activity.
• Identify and use processes, resources and technologies to complete electrical and electronic engineering projects or programmes of work.
• Apply quality management and assurance processes to identify and rectify faults, inaccuracies, discrepancies or unexpected results during the electrical and electronic engineering process.
• Carry out pre operations checks of electrical and electronic engineering systems and equipment before use.
• Manage continuous improvement activities using techniques such as Six Sigma, 5s, Kaizen, Lean, Kanban, Statistical Process Control or Value Stream Mapping.
• Create, maintain and review project documentation. Record and action any non-conformities.
• Communicate with others verbally, for example colleagues and stakeholders.
• Communicate in writing, for example technical reports, documents and presentations.
• Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders. Manage differing and competing interests with stakeholders.
• Identify and complete opportunities for personal and professional development including keeping up to date with current and emerging technology.
• Apply and promote policies and practices to support equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Consider management of change (MOC) requirements when undertaking electrical and electronic projects or programmes of work.
• Comply with environmental and sustainability legislation, regulations and standards associated with the electrical and electronic engineering environment. Uses resources efficiently, for example waste minimisation.
• Ensure equipment is managed and maintained.
• Optimise processes and procedures, such as relating to safety, efficiency, performance, productivity and sustainability.
• Ensure that all systems or equipment has been correctly configured, checked and tested for safe operation, efficiency and reliability.

Training schedule

• You will study towards the Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer Degree Apprenticeship standard through the University of Derby.
• Your academic learning will take place at the Nuclear Skills Academy, located in Derby’s newly refurbished iHub building on Infinity Park. This cutting-edge facility serves as the central hub for all apprenticeship programmes and is managed by the University of Derby. The Nuclear Skills Academy is supported by a network of industry and education partners, including the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the National College for Nuclear, and Derby City Council – ensuring your education is grounded in the latest developments and best practices in the field.
• The programme is delivered part-time over four years, with three semesters per year in the first three years and two semesters in the final year. As a work-based learning qualification, your apprenticeship integrates both off-the-job and on-the-job training. This structure allows you to apply your academic knowledge directly to your workplace experiences, helping you develop the skills, behaviours, and understanding required to succeed in the industry.
• In your final year, you’ll complete an integrated End Point Assessment (EPA), designed to evaluate your readiness for professional practice. By the end of the programme, you’ll be equipped with a respected degree and re nuclear engineering experience.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• Any Subject (grade C)
• Any Subject (grade C)
• English (grade C)
• Maths (grade C)
• Science (grade C)

A Level in:

• Maths (grade C)
• Physics (grade C)
• Science (grade C)

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

Skills

• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving skills
• Team working

Other requirements

Many of our 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 and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) security clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.

 

About this employer

Babcock is an international defence, aerospace and security company operating in our focus countries of the UK, Australasia, Canada, France and South Africa, with exports to additional markets with potential to become focus countries. We meet our customers’ key requirements of affordability, availability, and capability by delivering engineering, support and critical systems to defence and civil markets.

Company benefits

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

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

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

By the end of the programme, you will have earned your degree and gained the skills, experience and knowledge to thrive as an Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Engineer at Cavendish Nuclear.

You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.

As a global organisation, Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth, we’ve introduced the Babcock Role Framework, which outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks, you’ll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

UNIVERSITY OF DERBY

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000058699.

Apply now

Closes on Monday 7 December 2026

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.