Programme title: Mechanical Engineering Accelerated Degree Apprenticeship 
Level: 6
Salary: £38,378, rising annually to c.£41,837 post-apprenticeship
Location: Warrington 
Application closing date: March 2025
Programme start date: September 2025 

Job Ref: 62549

Fast-track your mechanical engineering career with our 2-year Accelerated Degree Apprenticeship. Designed for individuals with relevant prior learning, this programme enables you to complete your apprenticeship in a shorter timeframe than the standard programme. This unique opportunity blends structured academic study with hands-on industry experience, leading to a full BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering and a rewarding career in the nuclear industry.

 

About the programme 

Our Cavendish Nuclear business plays a pivotal role in cleaning up the nuclear legacy and creating a world where nuclear plays a key contribution to protecting our nation, ensuring energy security and meeting net zero commitments. Through our Nuclear Services, we provide essential support to both operational power plants and those entering defuelling and decommissioning, offering spares, upgrades, and technical expertise across all areas of the nuclear industry. 

As an Accelerated Mechanical Engineering Apprentice, you’ll be an integral part of our Engineering team, gaining practical experience in delivering projects for customers and directly applying your academic learning to real-world challenges.

 

You’ll contribute to projects at every stage, from concept development to manufacturing readiness. With guidance from experienced colleagues, you’ll rotate through different engineering departments and play an active role in key projects, continuously developing your skills and expertise.

As part of this fast-tracked programme, you will be involved in:
•    Developing CAD models and detailed engineering and manufacturing drawings using tools like Autodesk Inventor.
•    Performing scoping calculations and solving technical and engineering problems.
•    Ensuring compliance with customer, national, and international standards and regulations.
•    Creating technical and design documentation to support the delivery of engineering solutions.
•    Supporting assembly, manufacturing testing, and operational teams with technical guidance.
•    Developing technical solutions across the design lifecycle (from concept design to detailed design and design for manufacture).
•    Assessing designs for risk and hazards, focusing on nuclear and radiological safety.
•    Receiving specialised nuclear industry training through NSAN (National Skills Academy Nuclear).
•    Expanding your engineering skills with additional training in areas such as Machinery Directives, UKCA/CE marking, and Risk and Safety Management.

This programme is ideal for individuals eager to combine academic study with work-based learning, all within a supportive team environment dedicated to excellence.

 

Your education/training 

You’ll study to obtain the Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer (integrated degree) apprenticeship standard. On completion of the apprenticeship, you will hold a BEng (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering, accredited by the Engineering Council. You will also be eligible to apply for Incorporated Engineer (IEng) registration with the IMechE and Engineering Council.

 

Future prospects  

At the end of the programme, you will have acquired the skills and experience to move into an Engineering role, with a competitive annual salary of c.£41,837. We’ll also support you in achieving professional registration through the Institution of Mechanical Engineering (IMechE).

 

The skills you develop in this programme provide an excellent foundation for a successful future in engineering, which could see you progress into roles like Senior Engineer and Principal Engineer, and beyond. Other potential career routes include Subject Matter Expert, Project Management and Safety Specialist roles.

 

What you’ll need  
To be eligible for this accelerated apprenticeship, you must meet the following qualification requirements.

 

One of the following:
•    Level 5 Diploma in Mechanical Engineering or 
•    Level 5 Nuclear Technician Apprenticeship 

 

Additionally, you must have: 
•    At least 2 A-Levels (A-C) in STEM-related subjects, or
•    An Engineering T-Level (with Engineering in the title) at Merit or above, or
•    An Extended Diploma in Engineering (BTEC) at Merit or above. (If you already meet the A-Level requirement, a standard BTEC is acceptable.)
•    A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 or higher (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics at B/6 or higher.
Beyond qualifications, we are looking for individuals with strong mathematical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, as well as a genuine passion for mechanical engineering. 

 

You should have previous experience in a design or design engineering role, with hands-on experience throughout the design lifecycle. This includes producing drawings, calculations, and supporting the development of technical solutions.

 

We also seek experience in delivering design documentation, such as concept designs, detailed or manufacturing drawings, risk assessments, and bills of materials. Additionally, proficiency in producing 3D models and drawings using CAD software, such as Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD, is highly desirable.

 

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 or have held may impact which roles you are eligible for. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). For our early careers roles, you must be able to achieve BPSS and many of them require you to be eligible for Security Clearance.

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.

Closing dates   
Please be aware that if there is a high level of interest in this programme, applications may close earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered for a place on this programme, please submit your application as early as possible.