SDA Technical Nuclear Degree Apprentice Scheme
Ministry of Defence
Bristol (BS34 8JH)
Closes in 8 days (Thursday 18 December 2025)
Posted on 5 December 2025
Contents
Summary
Join an integral part of the UK's defence and discover a rewarding professional career as part of the organisation responsible for the design, build, in-service support and disposal of the UK’s Nuclear Submarines.
- Wage
-
£27,090 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Alongside your salary of £27,090, Ministry of Defence contributes £7,847 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
- Training course
- Nuclear scientist and nuclear engineer (integrated degree) (level 6)
- Hours
-
Flexible working, Full-time, Homeworking
37 hours a week
- Start date
-
Monday 7 December 2026
- Duration
-
4 years
- Positions available
-
10
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
Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent, and delivering some of the most technically complex programmes in defence.
Our Technical Nuclear Degree Apprentices are at the heart of our delivery. To build your Apprenticeship portfolio and apply your learning in engineering/scientific concepts, you will have opportunities in some of the following areas according to the business need:
- Concept: Conducting feasibility studies and defining user needs
- Assessment: Conducting risk assessments, cost-benefit analyses and technology readiness assessments
- Demonstration: Development of prototypes or conducting trials to validate technical capabilities and operational effectiveness
- Manufacturing: Production of the required equipment, systems or platforms
- In-service: Conducting maintenance and monitoring performance
- Disposal: End-of-life management of the equipment
Where you'll work
Abbey Wood
Bristol
BS34 8JH
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
UNIVERSITY CENTRE SOMERSET COLLEGE GROUP
Training course
Nuclear scientist and nuclear engineer (integrated degree) (level 6)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Work competently in a technical nuclear environment, understand and promote personal responsibility for Health, Safety, Radiation Protection, Environmental Protection, Quality, Security, Safeguards and principles of Risk Management.
- Apply their science or engineering discipline knowledge to the development, operation, maintenance and progression of technologies used for Decommissioning (e.g. remote handling and robotics), Waste Management, Reprocessing, and Nuclear Power Generation.
- Accurately observe, record and draw conclusions from data and experimental evidence, recognising inherent uncertainties and limitations.
- Apply design processes including materials selection that meet nuclear industry standards.
- Apply the standards for nuclear professional practice as required by the industry and professional body institutions.
Training schedule
Your Permanent Duty Station will be MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol.
Year One of the scheme will be in fulltime college National College for Nuclear at Cannington, Somerset. Further block release attendance at college is required throughout the scheme.
There may be some overseas travel depending on your placement and a requirement to attend other locations for official business. We cover the costs of accommodation, travel and subsistence for detached duty away from your permanent duty station. With the exception of the first year at Cannington, the post does not offer relocation expenses.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- Any subject (grade A* to C / 9 - 4)
- Any subject (grade A* to C / 9 - 4)
- English (grade A* to C / 9 - 4)
- Maths (grade A* to C / 9 - 4)
- Science/Engineering (grade A* to C / 9 - 4)
A Level in:
- Any subject (grade A* to C)
- Maths (grade A* to C)
- Science (grade A* to C)
Other 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
- Analytical skills
- Team working
- Technical decision making
- Leadership skills
Other requirements
Because of the classification of much of the role, all posts will be open to UK Nationals only.
You must demonstrate the following essential criteria: Qualifications listed below including GCSEs and either A Levels, Diploma or equivalent experience.
1) 5 GCSEs at grade A* to C or Grades 4 – 9 including English Language, Mathematics, and a Science / Engineering subject plus two additional subjects.
2) 3 A Levels which must include Mathematics, Science and one other subject. Grades expected are A* to C.
Or
3) A National Diploma in engineering with a minimum value of 96 UCAS Points
Or
4) Equivalent in a STEM based subjects could be considered as meeting the mandated application criteria, including a BTEC L3 advanced diploma, HNC,HND in STEM based subjects.
Non-Requirement but can be accepted instead of 2, 3 or 4.
5) Higher qualifications such as Foundation Degree or Degree (in a STEM based subjects)
About this employer
In partnership with the Royal Navy, the Defence Nuclear Organisation, and industry, the SDA: Procure submarines, manage the support that keeps them at sea will safely dispose of them when they’ve served their purpose. Delivering some of the world’s most advanced and technically complex equipment, this work is vital to providing the ultimate guarantee of our national security – with submarines on patrol every minute of every day. The SDA’s vision is to lead a high-performing industrial enterprise to deliver submarine capability safely, securely, and more effectively and cost efficiently each year.
https://des.mod.uk/careers/submarine-delivery-agency/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD. https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/
After this apprenticeship
This is a four year scheme on a Fixed Term Appointment (FTA)
and upon successful completion of staged Progression Interviews and an End Point Assessment in your fourth year, we will look to appoint you a role within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise on a permanent contract.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
UNIVERSITY CENTRE SOMERSET COLLEGE GROUP
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000004110.
Apply now
Closes in 8 days (Thursday 18 December 2025)
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