Electrical Fitter Apprentice

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

I’m an Electrical Fitter Apprentice at Babcock, and by the end of my apprenticeship, I’ll have earned a Level 3 qualification in Marine Engineering.

I chose this apprenticeship to push myself outside of my comfort zone and try something completely new. I had always been interested in engineering, I just needed to take the leap. Babcock frequently attended my school’s career fairs, so I became familiar with the company early on. I was drawn to their principles, especially how they support employees, including apprentices. So, when I left school, I knew I wanted to join them.

Babcock’s apprenticeship programme is fantastic – arguably the best on offer in the Southwest. It provides excellent hands-on experience and offers clear pathways for career progression and opportunities to gain additional qualifications along the way.

My favourite part of the programme:

What I enjoy most is meeting new people. In the second year, every four months or so, we rotate through different placements to gain experience across various sections. This not only helps us decide where we’d like to work permanently but also exposes us to a wide range of tasks and teams.

Each move introduces you to a new group of colleagues, and I love working with different personalities – it makes each day interesting. Collaborating with new people helps you grow both personally and professionally, as you’re constantly learning from others and sharing knowledge.

My most rewarding project/experience:

I’ve had several moments during my apprenticeship that have made me feel proud. One standout moment was being nominated and receiving a Highly Commended recognition for the Rising Star Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year at the Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group (PMG) Awards – an exciting and memorable experience.

In terms of work, one of the most rewarding placements I’ve had involved working on cranes. Each day brought new challenges, and I collaborated closely with other apprentices and a fitter. We formed a strong team, and I genuinely enjoyed the work.

I can’t specifically pinpoint one event I felt rewarded by, as it was the whole experience that made it so fulfilling. When I moved on to the next placement, I looked back on all the different jobs I’d done – most of which I’d never tried before – and realised how far I’d come. It massively boosted both my confidence and experience, and for me, that’s the most rewarding feeling you can get.

My work-life balance:

One thing I really appreciate about working as an Electrical Fitter Apprentice at Devonport is the schedule. Finishing earlier in the day means I still have plenty of time in the afternoon, rather than just the evening, to do the things I need or want to do. It makes a big difference to my work-life balance, as it feels like I still have a good portion of the day left once work is done.

We also finish early on Fridays, which makes the weekend feel longer and helps create a better balance between work and personal time. On top of that, Babcock offers the option at the start of the tax year to opt in for additional leave, which is a great way to increase your regular holiday allowance.

My development:

Babcock offers a lot of support for personal and professional development, which I really appreciate. Each section has a front-line manager you can approach with any work-related questions. We also have an Apprentice Development Advisor who provides advice, resources, and support throughout the apprenticeship – they’re there to help however they can.

Our college is closely tied into the apprenticeship, so we can also turn to lecturers for support when needed. Then there’s your assessor, who helps with coursework, tracks your overall progress, and highlights areas for improvement.

There’s always someone to turn to – support is everywhere, and it makes a big difference in your journey as an apprentice.