V05057 - Advanced Apprentice Radiography (Quality)

Furness College; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent defense and aerospace company is seeking an Advanced Apprentice in Radiography. This role combines practical experience with theoretical knowledge through hands-on training in Non-Destructive Testing. Successful candidates will enjoy competitive compensation and benefits, a structured training program, and the potential for long-term career opportunities within the company. Location: Barrow-in-Furness.

Benefits

Free higher education

Access to company pension

Employee share plans

Flexible health and lifestyle benefits

Qualifications

• GCSEs in relevant subjects are mandatory.
• Share relevant qualifications and industry experience.
• Sufficient practical ability for Non-Destructive Testing.

Responsibilities

• Join a highly experienced Radiography team in various settings.
• Learn Radiography testing methods and gain personal certification.
• Prepare areas for testing and perform inspections on site.

Skills

Health & safety competencies

Hand/eye coordination

Time management

Education

5 GCSE Inc Maths, English & Science (grade A*-C or 9-4 or equivalent)

Job description

V05057 - Advanced Apprentice Radiography (Quality)

Radiography is a vital part of Quality Control in BAE Systems Submarines, it allows inspectors to identify hidden defects that could be detrimental to the safety of the Royal Navy if left undetected. Make the invisible, visible!

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

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

• As a Radiography apprentice, you will join a highly experienced team working across several manufacturing facilities.
• Learn about Radiography testing methods both on the job and through gaining personal certification in Non-Destructive testing methods.
• This role is approximately 80% practical and 20% desk based.
• Involved in preparing work areas for Radiography testing and carrying out Radiography in custom built enclosures on board submarines in build, as well as analysing and interpreting results.
• Gain qualifications in additional Non-Destructive Examination technical skills such as, Dye Penetrant inspection. This method is used to detect surface breaking defects in steel and supplements Radiography inspection.

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)

• 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

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

GCSE in:

5 GCSE Inc Maths, English & Science or Technical (grade A*-C or 9-4 or equivalent)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

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.

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.

The contact for this apprenticeship is: FURNESS COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000350620.

Apply now

Closes on Saturday 28 February 2026

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