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: 10th April 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.
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.
* 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.
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.
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 ( 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
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.
Closing dates
Please be aware that if there is a high level of interest in this programme, applications may close earlier than advertised.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .