Waterfront Apprentice Review

Item: Waterfront Apprentice at Ministry of Defence - Submarine Delivery Agency
Rating: 3.8
Author: Anonymous

at Ministry of Defence - Submarine Delivery Agency

Level 3 Apprenticeship

Engineering

Bristol

Review Submitted: May 2026

Overall Rating

3.8 /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!

4/5 - Overview of Role

5/5 - Skills Development

3.4/5 - Structure and Support

Overview of Role

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

4/5

After completing a year at college you begin to do placements. I am a year 2 apprentice who has just started my second placement. I do a lot of work surrounding design authorities for the SDA (submarine Delivery Agency). The SDA delivers the naval capability to the Royal navy. I work with systems that are on board submarines right now, and then present fixes to the people that managed the systems and ensure that they work for when the Royal Navy requires it.

To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

4/5

The first year at college was great, getting paid to go to college full time and living away from home.
The second year, when you start to get more corporate is where you learn the business and what you could be doing in the defence environment. It is as fun as you make it to be.

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

5/5

It is an amazing apprenticeship to get you a nice Level 3 qualification. You are ahead of the game in the corporate setting as you complete office work at a young age and get the required experience. You also have the opportunities to go on board submarines every day if you choose to do a placement down in Plymouth or up in Scotland.

Structure and Support

How well organised/structured is your programme?

4/5

How much support do you receive from your employer?

5/5

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

3/5

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

1/5

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

4/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Ministry of Defence - Submarine Delivery Agency to a friend?

Yes

Why?

It is a great environment as a young person to work in. Guarantees continuous professional development (training, courses, qualifications) throughout your whole time in the company as the MOD values people working to improve themselves and their skillsets.