Pipefitting Apprentice

My apprenticeship, why I chose it, and why I chose Babcock:

I chose to become a Pipefitter Apprentice with Babcock because, when I was leaving school, I knew I wanted a career in a trade – I’ve always been a very hands-on person. However, I wasn’t sure which specific path to follow until I attended an Apprenticeship Week event in Dunfermline. There, I had the chance to speak with current Babcock employees and members of the Early Careers team.

Before that event, I didn’t really know what Babcock did. I had no friends or family working there, even though I often saw the Rosyth site while passing by. At the event, I learned about the wide range of roles and career paths available at Babcock, including opportunities to work abroad and to explore different roles with diverse teams. This showed me that Babcock is a place where I could build a secure, lifelong career, which inspired me to apply.

While exploring Babcock’s apprenticeship website, I became particularly interested in pipefitting. The idea of manufacturing and installing critical systems on large-scale projects – used worldwide and delivered by a global company – really appealed to me. Although I had no prior experience and was coming straight from school, and naturally felt nervous about taking such a big step, I haven’t looked back since.

My favourite part of the programme:

One of my favourite parts of the programme is the hands-on practical training in the workshop. Being able to take raw materials and transform them into precise, functional components using different welding techniques is incredibly rewarding. I particularly enjoy tasks that involve reading technical drawings and fabricating parts to exact specifications – it challenges both my practical skills and my attention to detail.

Learning to use various welding processes such as MIG, TIG, and MMA has also been a highlight, as well as techniques like brazing and oxy-acetylene cutting. Each method requires a different level of control and understanding, and mastering them has given me a great sense of achievement.

I’ve also developed a deep appreciation for the safety measures and quality standards that are essential in this field, especially when working on projects that will be used in critical systems or large-scale operations. Collaborating with others in the workshop has helped me improve my teamwork and communication skills. Sharing knowledge and learning from more experienced tradespeople has been invaluable.

Overall, the blend of technical learning, problem-solving, and working with my hands makes this programme both enjoyable and incredibly fulfilling. It has confirmed that this is the right career path for me.

My most rewarding project/experience:

Hitting my goals and achieving success in my college course is rewarding because it shows that my hard work and dedication are paying off. Every milestone I reach – whether it’s mastering a new skill, completing a difficult assignment, or receiving positive feedback – boosts my confidence and motivates me to keep improving.

It’s especially satisfying to see the progress I’ve made, knowing I’ve pushed through challenges and stayed committed to my learning. Achieving my goals also confirms that I’ve chosen the right path and helps me build a strong foundation for my future career with Babcock.

It’s not just about grades – it’s about personal growth, discipline, and proving to myself that I’m capable of reaching the standards I’ve set. That feeling of accomplishment makes all the effort worthwhile.

My development:

My development is supported through a combination of structured training programmes, hands-on experience, and ongoing mentorship. From day one, I’ve had access to comprehensive learning resources and apprenticeship opportunities that help me build the technical skills needed for my role.

The company encourages continuous professional growth by offering regular training sessions, workshops, and opportunities to gain industry-recognised qualifications. Additionally, experienced colleagues and supervisors provide guidance and support, helping me overcome challenges and improve my performance.

Babcock also promotes a culture of feedback and personal development, ensuring I’m set clear goals and given the tools to achieve them. This supportive environment not only enhances my skills but also prepares me for future career advancement within the company.