Mechanical Design Apprentice- Cavendish

Cavendish Nuclear Ltd; Leicester; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in Leicester is offering a Mechanical Design Apprenticeship aimed at developing skills through real-world projects. The program includes funded qualifications, mentoring, and career progression to a Mechanical Designer role. Candidates should have the required GCSEs and A Levels, as well as the ability to achieve security clearance. This apprenticeship provides a competitive salary and various benefits, setting a strong foundation for a career in engineering.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Personal development training

28 days holiday allowance

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share scheme

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above, including Maths, English and Science.
• Two A Levels, including Maths and Physics.
• Ability to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.

Responsibilities

• Develop designs, calculations, and technical solutions for engineering projects.
• Create mechanical models and detailed engineering drawings.
• Participate in progress reviews with assessors and mentors.

Skills

GCSEs at Grade 4 or above

A Levels including Maths and Physics

Ability to achieve BPSS and SC clearance

Education

Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship

Job description

Mechanical Design Apprenticeship at Cavendish Nuclear

Your Role

Applies engineering concepts and theories to undertake, with guidance and supervision, the development of designs, calculations and technical solutions for Babcock products and services across the engineering product lifecycle.

Programme Overview

Our 4‑year Mechanical Design Apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to real‑world nuclear engineering projects while developing the knowledge and technical skills to become a confident and capable design professional.

Programme Details

Programme title: Mechanical Design Apprenticeship

Level: 4

Salary:

• Year 1: £21,205
• Year 2: £24,494
• Year 3: £27,782
• Year 4: £31,072
• Post‑apprenticeship: £39,760

Location: Radar Road, Leicester

Application closing date: 12 March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

About The Programme

Join our Mechanical Design team and take an active role in delivering practical engineering solutions across the nuclear industry. Our work supports every stage of a power station’s lifecycle – from routine upgrades to complex decommissioning projects. Throughout the programme you’ll develop your skills in producing mechanical models and detailed engineering drawings, creating Bills of Materials, and applying technical standards that support safe, compliant designs. Opportunities may also arise to support equipment surveys, prototype development, and manufacturing or testing processes. Placements across other business functions broaden your perspective and help you build strong relationships across the organisation.

Your Education / Training

As part of the apprenticeship, you’ll study for the Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Standard through Loughborough College. You’ll attend college one day per week during term time and participate in progress reviews with your college assessor and workplace mentor every 12 weeks.

Future Prospects

Upon completion, you’ll be ready to move into a permanent role as a Mechanical Designer with a competitive salary exceeding £39,000. You’ll also have the opportunity to work toward professional registration guided by a mentor from a UK engineering institution. Career growth through the Babcock Role Framework provides clear pathways, development opportunities, and the tools you need to advance.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above, including Maths, English and Science.
• Two A Levels, including Maths and Physics.
• Security clearance requirements: you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

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 and employee shopping savings portal.

Career Development

With a range of business experiences and real‑world projects, you’ll build confidence and capability while being supported by mentors and line managers who guide your progress. You’ll also be automatically enrolled in our Apprentice Development Programme, featuring digital and face‑to‑face sessions on wellbeing and performance.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To maximise your chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.