Mechanical Engineering Accelerated Degree Apprenticeship

Cavendish Nuclear Ltd; Warrington; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading nuclear engineering firm in Warrington is offering a Mechanical Engineering Accelerated Degree Apprenticeship. This unique 2-year program combines academic study with hands-on experience, leading to a full BEng (Hons) degree. Apprentices will work on various projects, develop technical skills, and evaluate safety risks. Ideal candidates should have a Level 5 HND or equivalent and relevant prior experience. Benefits include a fully funded qualification, personal development training, and competitive holiday allowance.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Minimum 28 days holiday

Competitive pension scheme

Employee share scheme

Flexible benefits

Qualifications

• Eligibility requires Level 5 HND or Nuclear Technician Apprenticeship.
• Previous experience in engineering or nuclear industry is preferable.
• Security clearance is required.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to mechanical engineering projects from concept to manufacturing.
• Develop expertise in creating drawings, calculations, and reports.
• Evaluate designs for nuclear safety risks.
• Support manufacture and installation of engineering equipment.

Skills

Technical knowledge in mechanical engineering

Ability to produce technical documentation

Experience with CAD and prototyping

Risk evaluation for safety

Education

Level 5 HND in Engineering

Level 5 Nuclear Technician Apprenticeship

Job description

Overview

Mechanical Engineering Accelerated Degree Apprenticeship. Fast-track your mechanical engineering career with our 2-year Accelerated Degree Apprenticeship. Designed for individuals with relevant prior learning, this programme enables you to complete your degree apprenticeship in a shorter timeframe than the standard programme. This unique opportunity blends structured academic study with hands-on experience, leading to a full BEng (Hons) degree and a rewarding career in the nuclear industry.

Location: Warrington. Salary: £40,454. Programme start date: September 2026. Application closing date: 18th December 2025. Programme title: Mechanical Engineering Accelerated Degree Apprenticeship. Level: 6. Role ID: 67229.

Our Cavendish Nuclear business supports customers to deliver a future where nuclear is a key part of the energy solution. By joining our Mechanical Engineering Accelerated Degree Apprenticeship, you’ll be part of a team at the forefront of developing advanced technologies that make the world safer and more secure.

Responsibilities

• As an Apprentice, contribute to a variety of projects in mechanical engineering from conceptual stages to manufacturing readiness.
• Rotate through departments to learn from experienced colleagues and contribute to important projects.
• Develop expertise in mechanical engineering, including the creation of drawings, calculations, specifications, schedules, and technical reports.
• Complete calculations, including scoping calculations and Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
• Produce technical documentation to support the design and development of nuclear engineering solutions.
• Evaluate designs for potential risks and hazards, focusing on nuclear and radiological safety.
• Contribute to projects across the design and engineering lifecycle from concept to manufacturing preparation.
• Produce operations and maintenance manuals.
• Develop and outline installation sequences and process flow diagrams.
• Support the manufacture and installation of engineering equipment.

Education and Training

You will undertake the Product Design and Development Engineer (Degree) Apprenticeship, delivered through a blended learning model that combines in-person and online teaching. Semesters begin with a three-day block of face-to-face delivery, followed by weekly online sessions. This structure supports both academic learning and practical application.

The programme focuses on product development, integrating materials science, CAD, systems integration, and prototyping. It aims to equip learners to create fit-for-purpose solutions in regulated environments. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded a BEng (Hons) degree accredited by an Engineering Council licensed Professional Engineering Institution, alongside a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship qualification.

Future prospects

At the end of the programme, you will be prepared for a Mechanical Engineering role within Cavendish Nuclear. You may pursue professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer to support progression to more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.

As a global organisation, Babcock provides opportunities to enhance skills and advance careers. The Babcock Role Framework outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities, giving a transparent view of steps to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

Requirements

What you’ll need

• To be eligible for this accelerated apprenticeship, you must hold one of the following: Level 5 HND in Engineering with Merit; Level 5 Nuclear Technician Apprenticeship in Engineering with Merit.
• Previous experience in a technical or engineering role within the engineering or nuclear industry.
• Security clearance: BPSS and SC clearance are required for this programme. Some programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions; see GOV.UK for details.

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

Application process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if there is a high volume of interest. Submit your application and complete any required online assessments as soon as possible to be considered.

Note: This description retains the programme details and purpose without adding non-essential content.