Engineering Design and Draughtsperson Apprenticeship

Programme title: Engineering Design and Draughtsperson Apprenticeship

Level: 3

Salary:

Year 1: £16,513

Year 2: £21,124

Year 3: £27,400

Year 4: £32,458

Location: Devonport, Plymouth

Application closing date: 12th March 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 67799

Do you want to turn your passion for engineering design into a rewarding career? Our 4-year apprenticeship gives you hands-on CAD experience creating advanced designs for the Royal Navy fleet.

About the programme

This is no ordinary engineering apprenticeship. As a design and draughtsperson, you'll produce detailed drawings, models and specs to guide the manufacture and maintenance of state-of-the-art maritime vessels and infrastructure.

Focusing on electrical, mechanical or structural design, you'll work on varied projects including submarine and warship refits. Using the latest CAD software and following codes and standards, you'll help to solve real-world engineering challenges.

You'll gain a broad range of skills including:

Interpreting technical specifications.

Assessing design factors and constraints.

Creating CAD models and drawings.

Evaluating and refining designs.

Communicating options to stakeholders.

You’ll also have the opportunity to embark on work placements across the site, gaining valuable insights into various operations from a design perspective.

This will prepare you to join a specialised team of designers who work on a diverse range of projects, including design packages to support submarines and surface vessels.

Your education/training

You’ll spend an initial period of time at City College, Plymouth, learning the basics. Then you'll put theory into practice as you alternate college and onsite work in the remainder of year 1 and years 2 and 3. In year 4, you'll be fully immersed, solving challenges alongside experienced designers.

Along the way, you’ll study towards a Level 3 BTEC Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering to complement your on-the-job training.

Future prospects

On finishing your apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to start an exciting career as an Engineering Design and Draughtsperson, supporting the Royal Navy’s fleet.

From there, your development doesn’t stop. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

What you’ll need

At least 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 including English, Maths and Science/Technology.

Due to ID requirements for entry to the Devonport Dockyard, you will need to provide either a valid passport or a provisional/full UK driving licence. If you do not currently hold one of these forms of ID, we strongly recommend applying in advance to ensure smooth access on your first day.

Many of our apprenticeship 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. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK

What you’ll get

We will 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 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.