Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing Degree Apprentice Review

Item: Mechanical Engineering with Manufacturing Degree Apprentice at Babcock International Group
Rating: 3
Author: Anonymous

at Babcock International Group

Degree Apprenticeship

Mechanical Engineering

Bristol

Review Submitted: April 2025

Overall Rating

3 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

2.5/5 - Overview of Role

3/5 - Skills Development

2.6/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

2/5

Daily tasks vary depending on what placement I am in. However the goal of each placement is to learn about what happens and what the responsibilities are in that area, and then gain the knowledge and skills to assist the teams in their daily tasks.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

3/5

I do enjoy the apprenticeship at times, the area I work in is very interesting and the opportunities the programme provides are great. However at times, there can be a lack to work to go around or areas don't fully involve apprentices, which will lead to some days where I am not doing much at all.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

3/5

Babcock offer an Apprentice Development Program that focus on apprentice skills and behaviours like teamworking, communication and confidence. This was something I really enjoyed and definitely benefited from.
The first year of the apprenticeship is based in a workshop where we learn about and develop manufacturing skills on mills and lathes. Having never worked on machines before, these were new skills to be learnt.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

2/5

So far there has not been as much structure as I had hoped. There have been a lot of changes to the structure of the programme, which has caused lots of confusion surrounding who we go to for support. After the second year, there is almost no set structure to the programme, we are told to find our own placements with no easy way of knowing what areas have places available.

How much support do you receive from your employer?

3/5

We get monthly catch up sessions with our scheme sponsor where we can get updates on the programme and voice our concerns. We have also recently gained a dedicated early careers team that can help with the university side of the programme and other worries we may have.

How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

3/5

We have a dedicated university coordinator that can help us with everything related to the uni. We have meetings every few months to discuss the learning we do at uni and at work, and also to raise any issues we have with the course. They have direct communication with the lectures and help sort any issues we may have.

How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

2/5

As of yet, I have not used much of my qualification in my job role. However in the later stages of the apprenticeship, where we may be doing design and analysis, it may become more relevant. but there are still some transferable skills through the group projects we complete, which can be useful in the role.

Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

3/5

Yes, there are teams channels dedicated to employee networks and activities.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Babcock International Group to a friend?

Why?

There has been a lot of changes and not much is set in stone, but the programme is improving. So until there is more structure and stability to the programme, I wouldn't recommend it.

What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Babcock International Group?

The grades needed aren't everything you need to get in. Babcock is looking for people who show enthusiasm and a great interest in engineering. Showing this through projects and work experience will make you stand out more than the grades you get.

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