Engineering Trades Apprenticeship – CNC Machinists

Job Overview

Job purpose

Ready to learn a skilled trade and become a specialist in CNC machining? Our 4-year Engineering Trades Apprenticeship is your gateway to mastering this essential craft while gaining hands-on experience maintaining the Royal Navy's fleet.

About The Programme

This is no ordinary apprenticeship. As a CNC Machining Apprentice, you’ll be at the forefront of building and maintaining the Royal Navy’s fleet. As part of our busy team of Engineering Technicians, you'll contribute to the build, maintenance, and refit of UK Royal Navy and international naval vessels, including the Type 31 Frigate Programme and UK Submarine Dismantling Programme. You will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects such as new builds and upgrades to existing vessels, along with other commercial engineering projects.

Throughout the programme, you’ll gain specialist CNC machining skills. You’ll step into the world of precision manufacturing, mastering the essential processes for producing high-quality parts. You’ll learn to efficiently organise machining tasks, select the right tools for each operation, and set precise cutting speeds and tolerances. Throughout your training, you'll gain hands-on experience operating CNC machines and a variety of tools, including handheld cutters, hammers, press brakes, and welding equipment. You’ll also be trained in vital fastening techniques such as riveting, adhesive bonding, and seam bending, along with other critical fabrication methods.

The apprenticeship programme will equip you with valuable knowledge and practical skills in areas such as:

• Health and safety
• Planning and documentation
• Engineering mathematical and scientific principles
• Methods and techniques
• Structure, properties and characteristics of materials.
• Diagnostic methods to overcome problems
• Interpreting engineering drawings and data
• Adhering to and refining processes and procedures

In addition to technical expertise, the programme also focuses on developing key soft skills, including — but not limited to — clear communication, effective teamwork, problem-solving, attention to detail, and a commitment to ongoing personal development and reflective learning.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll benefit from a mix of on-the-job training in the workplace and academic learning at Forth Valley College.

Year-by-Year Breakdown

Year 1 - August to end of June – Forth Valley College full time.

Year 2 - Full-time work, applying and building on the skills learned in Year 1.

Year 3 - Full time work (If you are pursuing an HNC qualification, you will attend college one day per week.).

Year 4 - 100% of your time will be spent in the workplace, with a focus on completing logbooks and fulfilling all qualification requirements.

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will achieve a Modern Apprenticeship Qualification at SCQF Level 7.

Future prospects

After successfully completing the programme, you will qualify as an Engineering Technician, specialising in CNC machining. Qualified technicians perform specialised work across a broad range of processes, procedures, and systems and continuously develop their technical skills and expertise. You can expect to earn a competitive salary of £39,129 upon completing the programme. Additionally, there may be opportunities to pursue higher-level qualifications, enabling you to advance your career within Babcock across a variety of roles and functions.

A minimum of 4 National 5s at grade C or above, including Maths, English, and a Science or Technical subject.

A genuine interest in your chosen trade, along with a willingness to learn, ask questions, and collaborate.

The ability to follow instructions and plan work with safety as a top priority.

A team player who demonstrates respect and professionalism toward colleagues, customers, and supervisors.

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. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting:

Apply for this apprenticeship

Think this is the right apprenticeship for you? Click the "Apply now" button to start your new career with this apprenticeship.

This employer is part of the Disability Confident scheme. This means if you identify yourself as disabled, and meet the minimum criteria for this job, you should be offered an interview.