V05056 - Advanced Apprentice Non-Destructive Examination - NDE (Quality)
BAE SYSTEMS PLC
Cumbria (LA14 1AF)
Closes on Saturday 28 February 2026
Posted on 10 November 2025
Contents
Summary
Join the NDE team and become part of a legacy that’s critical to engineering excellence and safety. You'll play a key role in identifying flaws and ensuring that every submarine we produce is ready for its mission. Make the invisible, visible!
- Wage
-
£14,526.20 to £23,492.04, depending on your age
National Minimum Wage
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
We offer a competitive salary with annual increases throughout the apprenticeship and a range of employee benefits including, free higher education as well as access to the Company pension and share saving scheme
- Training course
- Non-destructive testing (NDT) operator (level 2)
- Hours
-
Shifts to be confirmed
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 14 September 2026
- Duration
-
3 years 6 months
- Positions available
-
6
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
- You will join a team of skilled professionals who work across every stage of a submarine's build. Getting hands-on with key structural activities, whilst mastering cutting-edge inspection methods that keep these vessels safe and ready for the Royal Navy
- Learning directly from some of the best in the business, providing on-the-job training. Gain world-class qualifications in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) at PCN Level 2. You'll be trained in essential methods like Magnetic Testing through a mix of hands-on experience and specialist training at external facilities
- Approximately 60% of your time will be spent on practical inspections and 40% on desk-based tasks like data management
- There is even the opportunity to pursue further education, such as an NDT Foundation Degree
Where you'll work
BAE Systems
1st Floor, Main Shipyard Offices
Barrow-in-Furness
Cumbria
LA14 1AF
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
FURNESS COLLEGE
Training course
Non-destructive testing (NDT) operator (level 2)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Demonstrate health & safety competencies pertinent to the relevant NDT method such as working at heights, in confined spaces and in restricted zones
- Carry out inspections using one NDT method, which would include: revealing defects present on the external surface of the test item / component using minimum levels of interpretation, usually by visual assessment only referring the inspection results to more skilled or qualified personnel to continue with the inspection process, assessment and interpretation Safe operation of the equipment within its capabilities and limitations Working effectively within the limitations of standard tests and measurements relevant to their field of activity Performing NDT inspections in accordance with written NDT Work Instructions Escalating concerns over frequency of type defects to his/her supervisor, in addition to confirming results and accurately recording the findings Clearly marking defective areas for other follow-up validation by supervisory staff, such as NDT Engineering Technicians Preparing and submit clear and concise NDT inspection reports detailing the inspection findings Reading technical drawings to assist in the inspection process
- Work under technical supervision and to report regularly on progress
- Ask the supervisor for advice and guidance where appropriate
- Demonstrate a disciplined approach relating to industry standard operations and processes
- Exhibit environmental awareness and undertake safe working practices for self and others
- Have good practical ability, including hand/eye coordination, in order to apply NDT
- Achieve good time management and a disciplined approach
Training schedule
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Operator Level 2.
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Organisation skills
- Team working
About this employer
At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 people in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.
https://careers.baesystems.com/locations/uk/apprentices (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing & lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts.
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
Approximately 95% of apprentices choose to stay on with us. As a global business there are a world of opportunities - whether you decide to stay in the UK, or explore an overseas role.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
BAE SYSTEMS PLC
Early Careers Recruitment Team
GART@baesystems.com
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000350609.
Apply now
Closes on Saturday 28 February 2026
Sign in with your GOV.UK One Login to apply.
After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.