Engineering Technician Apprenticeship

Babcock International

Bristol, GB (BS3 2HQ)

Closes on Thursday 12 March 2026

Posted on 2 December 2025

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Summary

Our Engineering Technician Apprenticeship is a brilliant opportunity to start your career in advanced engineering. Based at Ashton House in Bristol, you’ll develop the technical skills, problem-solving ability and confidence to play your part in delivering high-precision equipment that supports the Royal Navy and international defence partners.

Wage

£16,191 a year

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£16,191, rising annually to c.£35,000 post-apprenticeship

Training course
Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)
Hours
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

35 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

4 years

Positions available

7

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

Find out more about our Machinist, Fitter and Inspector apprentice positions below. You’ll be asked to indicate your preferences during the recruitment process. 
 
CNC Machinist Apprentice 
Your day kicks off with a quick team meeting to go over the jobs lined up and any safety reminders. Then it’s off to your machine station, where you’ll set up tools and materials ready for the day’s tasks. 
 
You’ll spend most of your time using either traditional or CNC (computer-controlled) machines to shape metal parts. You’ll follow detailed drawings to make sure everything is accurate, checking your work as you go. If something’s not quite right, you’ll learn how to adjust the machine or tools to fix it. 
 
Throughout the day, you’ll work closely with experienced machinists and quality inspectors, picking up tips and learning how to spot and solve problems. By the end of your shift, you’ll clean down your area and record what you’ve completed. 
 
Fitter Apprentice 
You’ll start your day by reviewing the engineering drawings for the job you’re working on. These show you exactly how the parts should fit together. After gathering your tools and materials, you’ll begin assembling mechanical components—this could be anything from pumps to pipework. 
 
You might be building new equipment, helping install it onto a submarine module, or even diagnosing and fixing a fault. You’ll use a mix of hand tools and power tools, and you’ll always be thinking about safety and precision. 
 
You’ll work alongside skilled fitters and engineers, learning how to follow procedures and solve real-world problems. At the end of the day, you’ll update your progress and prepare for tomorrow’s tasks. 
 
Inspector Apprentice 
Your day begins with checking which parts or assemblies need inspecting. You’ll use measuring tools like micrometres and gauges as well as 3D scanning and laser tracking equipment to check that everything meets the required standards. 
 
You’ll inspect parts at different stages—sometimes right after machining, other times after assembly. If something doesn’t meet the spec, you’ll work with the machinists or fitters to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it. 
 
You’ll learn how to read technical drawings, follow inspection procedures, and keep accurate records. It’s a role that requires attention to detail and a strong focus on quality and safety. 

Where you'll work

Bristol, GB
BS3 2HQ

Training

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

Training provider

WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Training course

Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents
  • Read and extract relevant engineering and manufacturing related data and information (such as workplans or project plans, schedules,  drawings, specifications, production data, quality reports, costing data, statistical information) drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions.
  • Use project management tools, such as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT), stakeholder matrices, risk mapping, radar chart and summary risk profiles.
  • Use problem solving tools such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Fishbone, Practical Problem Solving (PPS) and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
  • Analyse and interpret data and information in order to generate manufacturing engineering documentation such as Parts Per Million (PPM) quality adherence, cost analysis and test data.
  • Communicate using the appropriate method for the audience such as, formal and informal presentations, written reports, verbal, electronic, social media and incorporating relevant and appropriate data or metrics.
  • Use the approved process and quality compliance procedure to create or amend engineering or manufacturing documentation.
  • Use lean tools and techniques, such as Six Sigma, 8 Wastes, Workplace organisation such as 5S's (sort, set in order, shine, standardise and sustain), Kaizen and Poka-Yoke (Error proofing).
  • Apply documentation control processes and procedures such as format, location, access, authorisation.
  • Use financial planning, recording and review processes and documentation such as departmental budgets, estimating, cost control, cost forecasting, and investment appraisal.
  • Use computer based software systems or packages such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Data Analytics and Databases.
  • Read and extract relevant engineering and manufacturing related data and information (such as workplans or project plans, schedules,  drawings, specifications, production data, quality reports, costing data, statistical information) drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions.
  • Use project management tools, such as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT), stakeholder matrices, risk mapping, radar chart and summary risk profiles.
  • Use problem solving tools such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Fishbone, Practical Problem Solving (PPS) and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
  • Analyse and interpret data and information in order to generate manufacturing engineering documentation such as Parts Per Million (PPM) quality adherence, cost analysis and test data.
  • Communicate using the appropriate method for the audience such as, formal and informal presentations, written reports, verbal, electronic, social media and incorporating relevant and appropriate data or metrics.
  • Use the approved process and quality compliance procedure to create or amend engineering or manufacturing documentation.
  • Use lean tools and techniques, such as Six Sigma, 8 Wastes, Workplace organisation such as 5S's (sort, set in order, shine, standardise and sustain), Kaizen and Poka-Yoke (Error proofing).
  • Apply documentation control processes and procedures such as format, location, access, authorisation.
  • Use financial planning, recording and review processes and documentation such as departmental budgets, estimating, cost control, cost forecasting, and investment appraisal.
  • Use computer based software systems or packages such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Data Analytics and Databases.

Training schedule

As part of your apprenticeship, you’ll study at Weston College, gaining a nationally recognised qualification at Level 3. 
 
Your programme will combine academic study with practical training in our facilities at Ashton House. You’ll complete one of the following apprenticeship standards, depending on your chosen pathway: 
 

  • Machining Technician (ST1305)
  • Engineering Fitter (ST0432)
  • Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technician (ST1395) 

You’ll learn the theory behind mechanical and electrical systems, materials and processes, alongside developing core skills in problem-solving, communication and safety awareness. The programme concludes with an End Point Assessment, confirming your readiness to progress as a qualified engineering professional. 

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English language (grade 4/C or above)
  • Maths (grade 4/C or above)
  • Science (grade 4/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 cycle to work scheme

Disability Confident

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

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be well-prepared to take on a skilled role as a machinist, fitter, or inspector at Babcock, earning a competitive salary in excess of £35,000.  
 
You may also have the opportunity to pursue further qualifications and progress into advanced roles across a wide range of functions within the business, supporting your continued professional development and long-term career growth. 
 
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:

WESTON COLLEGE OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000002469.

Apply now

Closes on Thursday 12 March 2026

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