Control Systems Degree Apprenticeship

Programme title: Control Systems Engineer Degree Apprenticeship

Level: 6

Salary: Starting at £27,381, with annual salary increases throughout the apprenticeship programme

Location: Devonport, Plymouth

Application closing date: 8th December 2026

Programme start date: September 2027

Role ID: 74963

Join Babcock as a Control Systems Engineer Degree Apprentice and, over the course of our four-year programme, you’ll work towards a BEng in Applied Professional Engineering while contributing to projects that support national security. You'll learn from experienced professionals, gain valuable practical experience and help deliver work that creates a safer, more secure world.

About the programme

Based at Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe, you'll join a targeted development programme designed to build the knowledge, skills and experience needed for a successful career as a Control and Instrumentation Engineer.

As part of the Facilities Engineering Group, you'll contribute to the maintenance, improvement and optimisation of control systems that monitor and control manufacturing and process operations across Devonport Royal Dockyard.

Throughout the programme, you'll gain experience working with a range of technologies, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), measurement instrumentation control panels, and industrial networks. You'll support activities such as complex fault finding, maintenance, process improvement and problem solving, developing the skills needed to optimise control systems.

As your knowledge grows, you'll become involved in the planning and delivery of projects and other programmes of work. You'll also support the design, installation, testing and commissioning of new or modified control systems, gaining experience across a broad range of engineering activities.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you'll study for a BEng Applied Professional Engineering degree through the University of Warwick.

Delivered through a block-release study model, the degree covers topics including engineering mathematics, applied mechanics, electrical and electronic principles, programming and system modelling, materials and manufacturing processes, instrumentation and control, automation systems, and project management. You'll also complete a work-based project as part of your studies.

Alongside your studies, you'll complete placements across engineering teams at Devonport, applying your learning to real projects and reactive technical support tasks on-site, while benefiting from dedicated technical training, mentoring and support from experienced engineers.

You'll need to be able to work on site at Devonport for a minimum of three days per week and live within a reasonable commuting distance. Throughout the programme, you'll attend the University of Warwick on a block-release basis.

Future prospects 

By the end of your apprenticeship, you'll be equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to progress into aControl and Instrumentation Engineer role at Devonport.

You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration, 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 

• Entry to the programme of study requires a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points. 
• Applicants must hold GCSE grades in Maths, English and an additional STEM subject at grades C (or 4) or above. 
• Disciplines studied post GCSE must include Engineering or relevant STEM subjects (Physics recommended). In addition, applicants must have  achieved an A level in Maths at Grade B.
• Many of our 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 and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Security Check (SC) and Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information (NNPI) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.     
• Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.

What you’ll get

We’ll provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.

In addition, you’ll benefit from:

• 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 important information

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.

Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.

We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.

We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.