Civil and Structural Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Review: Civil and Structural Engineering Degree Apprenticeship at Cavendish Nuclear

This 5-year Civil and Structural Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with Cavendish Nuclear presents a compelling opportunity for aspiring engineers looking to launch their careers within a critical and impactful sector. This programme offers a robust blend of academic study and practical, on-the-job experience, setting candidates on a clear path towards professional engineering roles.

Advantages for Potential Candidates:

• Comprehensive Degree Qualification: Participants will earn a BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering degree from the University of Exeter, a highly respected institution. This fully funded qualification, combined with a Level 6 Civil Engineer apprenticeship standard, provides a strong academic foundation.
• Real-World Project Experience: The programme immerses apprentices in diverse projects within the nuclear sector, from concept to decommissioning. This hands-on exposure to vital national infrastructure projects offers invaluable practical learning and a tangible sense of contribution.
• Structured Career Development: Cavendish Nuclear, part of a global organisation, provides a clear framework for career progression. The Babcock Role Framework ensures transparency regarding career pathways, enabling apprentices to see the steps required to advance to roles like Senior Engineer and beyond.
• Mentorship and Support: Apprentices will benefit from the guidance of experienced engineers and dedicated mentors, fostering a supportive learning environment that encourages confidence and skill development.
• Competitive Financial Package: The programme includes a progressive salary structure, starting at £22,800 in Year 1 and increasing annually to £35,773 by Year 5. Crucially, this is followed by a significant post-apprenticeship salary of £43,343, demonstrating the value placed on qualified engineers.
• Valuable Benefits: Beyond the salary, apprentices receive a comprehensive benefits package including personal development training, a generous holiday allowance, a competitive pension scheme, an employee share scheme, and flexible benefits for further savings and wellbeing.
• Contribution to National Goals: The work undertaken directly supports national energy and security objectives, offering a sense of purpose and the chance to be part of projects that safeguard people and protect the environment.
• Location Options: The opportunity is available in either Warrington or Bristol, providing flexibility for candidates.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Commitment to a 5-Year Programme: This is a significant commitment, requiring dedication to both academic study and professional development over a five-year period.
• Academic Requirements: Applicants will need a strong academic background, including a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above (including Maths, English, and Science), and 2 A-Levels with a grade B in Maths and another Science subject. Equivalent qualifications are also considered.
• Security Clearance: A critical requirement for this role is the ability to obtain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Candidates should review the UK government's guidelines on security vetting to understand potential eligibility impacts related to nationality, citizenship, or residency.
• Relocation: While location options are provided, candidates should be prepared to potentially relocate to Warrington or Bristol.
• Application Timing: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is strongly recommended as the programme may close to new applications once a sufficient volume of interest is received. The application closing date is 18th December 2025, with a programme start date of September 2026.

This apprenticeship is an excellent pathway for individuals passionate about civil and structural engineering who are seeking a structured, well-supported, and highly rewarding career in a vital industry. It offers a unique chance to gain a degree, professional experience, and a clear trajectory towards a successful engineering career.