Civil and Structural Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Civil and Structural Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Join our Cavendish Nuclear business and build a future that matters. Over this 5-year programme, you’ll study for a degree in Civil Engineering while supporting innovative nuclear projects that help safeguard people, protect the environment and support the UK's clean energy future.

About the programme

As a Civil and Structural Engineering Apprentice at Cavendish Nuclear, you’ll join a business that delivers vital engineering solutions across the nuclear sector. You’ll work on a variety of live projects, gaining exposure to everything from concept design through to construction and decommissioning. Whether you're helping to develop new build facilities or enhance existing infrastructure, your work will directly support national energy and security goals.

Your day-to-day will vary depending on your placement. You could be based on-site at nuclear facilities or working from one of Cavendish Nuclear’s offices, each providing unique insights into how engineering solutions are delivered.

Typical responsibilities include collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, performing technical assessments and safety evaluations, attending stakeholder meetings, and continuously learning through on-the-job experience and formal training.

Depending on the project, tasks might involve 3D modelling, structural and civil design, seismic analysis, and structural inspections – all contributing to the safe and effective delivery of complex engineering solutions. No two days are the same, and every challenge helps you build the skills needed for a rewarding engineering career.

Throughout the programme, you’ll be supported by experienced engineers and mentors who will guide your development and help you grow in confidence.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you will study for a BEng in Civil Engineering at the University of Exeter. The apprenticeship combines practical and theoretical training, along with company-specific workplace learning. You will participate in four, two-week teaching blocks each year. In the first three years, you will build a strong foundation in engineering science and a focus on applying mathematics to engineering challenges. You will also develop essential skills in project management, health and safety, and understanding socio-environmental impacts.

The final two years will focus on applying your knowledge to real-world engineering problems, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

By the end of the programme, you’ll have achieved the Skills England Level 6 Civil Engineer apprenticeship standard and earnt a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering degree.

Future prospects

At the end of the programme, you will have acquired the skills and experience to move into a Civil and/or Structural Engineering role within Cavendish Nuclear.

You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.

As a global organisation, Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth, we’ve introduced the Babcock Role Framework, which outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks, you’ll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

What you'll need

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including Maths, English and Science.
• 2 A Levels including Maths at grade B and another Science subject at grade B.
• IB, BTEC, T-level and other equivalent qualifications also considered.
• Many of our graduate programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance.

What you’ll get

• 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
• You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities, which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.

Your career development

It’s hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and business experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will really help you navigate where you want to take your career.

Plus, when you join us, you’ll be automatically enrolled onto our Apprentice Development Programme. Through a series of digital and face to face sessions, presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partners, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.

Application process and closing dates

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

How to apply

To apply for this role and to find out more, please click on the apply button. Please note that applications may close before the application deadline, so apply early to avoid disappointment.