Science Apprenticeship

Summary

This is a great opportunity to launch a career in nuclear science. As part of our expert team, you’ll immerse yourself in a dynamic radio-analytical laboratory, developing technical skills while working towards a nationally recognised qualification. You'll collaborate with industry professionals and play a vital role in advancing nuclear science.

Wage

£20,468 a year

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Training course

Nuclear technician (level 5)

Hours

Monday to Friday, hours to be confirmed

35 hours a week

Start date

Monday 1 September 2025

Duration

3 years

Positions available

2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you’ll do at work

As a Science Apprentice, you'll be at the forefront of innovative scientific work at our Greeson Court facility in Cumbria. From day one, you'll gain practical experience working in a specialist radio-analytical laboratory, developing an in-depth understanding of the scientific processes and laboratory techniques that are essential to the nuclear industry
Each day will bring something new, from conducting vital scientific and technical activities to supporting research, analysis, and testing on real-world projects. You'll be trained to use advanced laboratory equipment, analyse data, and apply radio-analytical techniques that help drive critical developments in the field. Working alongside experienced scientists and technicians, you’ll collaborate on high-impact projects that make a difference in the sector
This apprenticeship is an opportunity to learn a diverse range of scientific methodologies, helping you gain valuable hands-on experience while working as part of a supportive and dynamic team

Where you’ll work

Greeson Court
Westlakes Science and Technology Park
Cumbria
CA24 3JZ

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

LAKES COLLEGE WEST CUMBRIA

Your training course

Nuclear technician (level 5)

Equal to higher national diploma (HND)

Course contents

Work competently and safely in a technical nuclear environment, understand and promote personal responsibility for Health, Safety, Radiation Protection, Environmental Protection, Quality, Security, Safeguards and principles of Risk Management.
Utilise mathematical, engineering and scientific tools to provide suitable solutions to nuclear applications.
Accurately observe, record and draw conclusions from data and experimental evidence and presentation of findings under supervision.
Develop and write technical reports that meet business requirements including the optimisation and continuous improvement of processes and services.
Utilise Information Technology (IT) for performing and supporting the business processes including, communications, work co-ordination, task analysis and problem solving.
Promote and actively support the application of quality standards relevant to the workplace and organisation.
Demonstrate decision making ability commensurate with agreed levels of responsibility.

Your training plan

As a Science Apprentice, you’ll work towards achieving the Level 5 Nuclear Technician Apprenticeship standard. Your training, delivered by Lakes College, will combine classroom learning, blended instruction, and hands-on experience in a real work environment. This ensures you develop both the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for success in the nuclear industry.

Modules include:

Inorganic and organic chemistry
Physical chemistry
Analysis of scientific data
Laboratory techniques
Further inorganic and organic chemistry

More training information

You’ll also develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, literacy, numeracy, and IT. Alongside your technical expertise, you'll have the chance to build valuable leadership, problem-solving, and organisational skills that will support your career development.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Any subject (grade 4(C) and above)
Any subject (grade 4(C) and above)
Core Science (ideally Chemistry) (grade 4(C) and above)
English Language (grade 4(C) and above)
Maths (grade 4(C) and above)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
IT skills
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Number skills
Team working

Other requirements

Many of our early careers roles are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold may impact which roles you are eligible for. You must be able to achieve BPSS (Baseline security) and many of them require you to be eligible for Security Clearance.

About this company

Babcock is an international defence, aerospace and security company operating in our focus countries of the UK, Australasia, Canada, France and South Africa, with exports to additional markets with potential to become focus countries. We meet our customers’ key requirements of affordability, availability, and capability by delivering engineering, support and critical systems to defence and civil markets.

https://earlycareers.babcockinternational.com/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

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.

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

By the end of the programme, you’ll have developed the expertise and confidence to progress within the industry, setting you on the path toward a rewarding career in nuclear science.

Ask a question

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