Details
Reference number
384411
Salary
£22,960 A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Job grade
Other Apprentice
Contract type
Fixed term
Apprenticeship
Length of employment
3 Years
Business area
MOD - Submarine Delivery Agency
Type of role
Engineering
Working pattern
Flexible working, Full-time
Number of jobs available
25
Contents
Location
About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
Apply and further information
Location
MOD Abbey Wood, Filton, Bristol, Avon BS34 8JH
About the job
Job summary
The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) is a part of the Ministry of Defence responsible for the procurement, in-service support, and disposal of the UK’s nuclear submarines. Our work is of unparalleled strategic importance nationally and internationally, ensuring the security of the UK’s continuous at-sea nuclear deterrent (CASD), and delivering some of the most technically complex programmes in defence. At least one of four nuclear-armed submarines, supported by smaller attack submarines, is on patrol at all times: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
At the SDA, we strive to Support, Deliver and Aspire and put out values at the heart of our recruitment process. We believe that everyone should feel comfortable to be themselves and be supported to do their best work. As part of a diverse and inclusive workforce, our team will find a community to belong to. We believe that, by celebrating different backgrounds and different perspectives, together we’ll achieve the extraordinary.
Job description
Successful candidates will undertake a comprehensive program of study associated with the Engineering & Manufacturing Support Technician Standard ST1395. This is a three-year Advanced Engineering Apprenticeship starting September 2025.
During the three-year scheme, your Permanent Duty Station will be MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol, however, year one of the Scheme will be full time in college.
During Year One, you will be required to achieve the following qualification:
Level 3 Diploma in Engineering and Manufacturing Support Technologies
Following a successful Gateway Interview, at the end of Year One, you will proceed to the next phase of your apprenticeship.
During Years Two and Three, you will have the opportunity to carry out four six-month technical-focused project team placements in our waterfront locations: Barrow-in-Furness, Bristol, Helensburgh, Plymouth, Rosyth.
During Year Three, there is a potential opportunity to begin to complete a HNC qualification.
On successful completion of the scheme and End Point Assessment at the end of Year Three, you may be appointed to a permanent role within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, and there may be opportunity to permanently relocate to one of our waterfront locations listed above. The scheme is open to anyone over the age of 16 years at the start of the apprenticeship.
Due to the secure nature of these positions, posts will be reserved for UK Nationals only and may require you to obtain Developed Vetting clearance once in post. You must have the right of abode in the UK and have been ordinarily a resident in the EEA (including other countries determined within the EEA or those with bilateral agreements), for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning. Further information on Nationality Requirements is available.
Your Responsibilities:
Providing support to engineering staff across the business assisting with technical activities, while continually developing yourself. You'll be involved in delivering engineering products/services against agreed objectives to develop knowledge and experience across a multidisciplined organisation.
Throughout your scheme, you will be supported by your Apprentice Manager, as well as a Placement Supervisor. You will participate in various professional and personal development opportunities and workshops as well as a peer mentoring scheme, with plenty of opportunities to reach your full potential and become a real asset to the SDA Engineering Function and beyond.
You will be assessed against the following
Candidates must have, or be studying to attain, a minimum of four full GCSEs A-C or grades 4-9 (or equivalent) including English Language, Maths and a Science or Engineering related subject and one additional subject.
Candidates are asked to distinguish between an English Language or English Literature qualification awarded.
Applicants with predicted grades should check that when asked if they have the mandatory grades they tick YES, otherwise their application will automatically be rejected. Grades must be achieved by August 2025.
Please see the guide for acceptable equivalents – What qualification levels mean: England, Wales and Northern Ireland - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-level) and (https://scqf.org.uk/media/e5pjypw4/qccb-web-oct-2019.pdf) for Scotland.
Evidence of the above qualifications will be required as part of your pre-employment checks before a formal offer can be made.
It is also beneficial to your application if you can demonstrate the following desirable criteria:
Relevant work experience, demonstrating engineering project skills, including through internships, work experience or practical assignments/activities.
Please note this is a development scheme and candidates with higher level qualifications in Engineering may not be eligible. All vocational and academic qualifications held or in progress must be declared.
Candidate Research:
In preparation for your interview, we strongly suggest that you undertake research on the SDA and the Apprenticeship Scheme, so that you understand the role you have applied for.
Technical Question Preparation:
In order to assess your understanding around engineering concepts, you will be asked a series of questions based around the CADMID cycle model, specifically relating to submarines. The CADMID cycle model is how the Ministry of Defence manages equipment; It covers ‘Concept, Assessment, Demonstration, Manufacture, In-Service and Disposal of submarines.
Please familiarise yourself with the CADMID cycle by doing your own online research and consider how this applies to submarines.
Using Notes: You may use bullet point notes but make sure that they are short reminders so that you can keep your focus on your interviewers; please do not read from a pre-prepared script.
Hybrid and flexible working can be considered for this post but will need regular workplace attendance due to security constraints. Candidates are encouraged to discuss options with the recruiting line manager before submitting an application.
Person specification
Essential:
Candidates must have, or be studying to attain, a minimum of four full GCSEs A-C or grades 4-9 (or equivalent) including English Language, Maths and a Science or Engineering related subject and one additional subject. Grades must be achieved by August 2025 if applying with predicted grades.
Candidates are asked to distinguish between an English Language or English Literature qualification awarded.
Please see the guide for acceptable equivalents – What qualification levels mean: England, Wales and Northern Ireland - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-level) and (https://scqf.org.uk/media/e5pjypw4/qccb-web-oct-2019.pdf) for Scotland.
Desirable:
Relevant work experience, demonstrating engineering project skills, including through internships, work experience or practical assignments/activities.
Formal certificates must be provided within three months of signing the contract. Failure to provide this will result in your contract being withdrawn.
Qualifications
Candidates must have, or be studying to attain, a minimum of four full GCSEs A-C or grades 4-9 (or equivalent) including English Language, Maths and a Science or Engineering related subject and one additional subject. Grades must be achieved by August 2025.
Candidates are asked to distinguish between an English Language or English Literature qualification awarded.
Please see the guide for acceptable equivalents – What qualification levels mean: England, Wales and Northern Ireland - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-level) and (https://scqf.org.uk/media/e5pjypw4/qccb-web-oct-2019.pdf) for Scotland.
Your CV application must demonstrate the following essential criteria otherwise your application will be rejected.
Evidence of the above qualifications will be required as part of your pre-employment checks before a formal offer can be made.
If successful you will be asked to provide evidence that you meet the stated qualification criteria.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Communicating and Influencing
* Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
* Application of Analytical Techniques (Awareness)
* Technical Decision Making (Awareness)
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £22,960, Ministry of Defence contributes £6,651 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
* You will receive learning and development opportunities tailored to your role
* A generous benefits package including market leading employer pension contributions of around 21% of your salary (not including any personal contribution)
* 25 days holiday +1 additional day every year you work up to 30 days.
* SDA benefits also include: flexible working after 6 months in the business, depending on academic requirements
* MOD Discount Schemes
* Health and Wellbeing support
* family friendly initiatives and so much more.
Take a look at our SDA Benefits Wheel (see below), to find out more about what we have to offer and our SDA Employee Value Proposition for an insight into why the SDA should be your next career choice, click here
Discover My Benefits
Please follow the link to visit the Discover My Benefits site which showcases the benefits and discounts offered when working as a civilian for the MOD.
https://discovermybenefits.mod.gov.uk/civilian/
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments.
Hybrid Working
Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estates capacity. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or carry out detached duty in another MOD workplace, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). DBS cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.
The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. Whilst technology may help to enhance your written submission, presenting the ideas of others or those generated by technology, could result in your application being rejected.
Candidates are asked to provide their CV as part of the application process and will be utilised at sift.
At Sift, you will be assessed on;
Core Behaviours:
* Communicating and Influencing
* Working Together
At Interview, you will be assessed on;
Core Behaviours:
* Communicating and Influencing
* Working Together
Technical Competencies:
* Application of Analytical Techniques (Awareness)
* Technical Decision Making (Awareness)
Please note offers of employment are subject to achieving satisfactory pre-employment and security checks. These include an Occupational Health Assessment and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). As part of this you will need to confirm your identity, employment/education history, nationality and any criminal record (unspent convictions only).
The level of security needed is Security Check (SC) and you should usually have been continuously resident in the UK for 5 years immediately before clearance action commences. If you have lived overseas or travelled extensively during this period, it may affect the length of time to obtain full security clearance and this may affect your offer of employment. It is essential that ALL requests for information are completed fully and timely, as incomplete information may result in significant delays. Offers of employment are also subject to candidates achieving acceptable grades where predicted.
Because of the classification of much of the role, all posts will be open to UK Nationals only. Further information on Nationality Requirements is attached below.
Nationality Requirements - Further Information for Candidates
1. This post is classed as ‘Reserved’ as per Civil Service Nationality Rules Section 3. In accordance with these rules, ‘only UK nationals may be employed in reserved posts in the Civil Service’1 (Paragraph. 3.1).
UK National Definition
2. The definition of a ‘UK National’ can be found at Paragraphs. 1.4-1.8 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
Dual Nationals
3. As per Paragraph. 1.41 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:
4. ‘Candidates with dual nationality are in principle eligible for employment in the Civil Service provided that they meet the requirements in relation to one of their nationalities [i.e. UK National]. They may not be eligible, however, for employment in certain reserved posts where additional nationality requirements are imposed.’
Additional Restrictions for Reserved Posts
5. As per Paragraphs. 3.10-3.11 of the Civil Service Nationality Rules:
6. ‘…departments and agencies are entitled to impose additional requirements in reserved posts if this is considered necessary. This could include, for example, requirements as to the residency of the applicant or the nationality of one or both parents of the applicant.’
7. If you are a Dual National who possesses UK Nationality and wish to check your eligibility for the post, please contact our recruiting team at the details below. Please be advised that we will not be able to provide a justification for our decision for security reasons.
8. Irish nationals and Commonwealth citizens are also eligible for employment in reserved posts if they were in the Civil Service at 31 May 1996 or before, or were appointed from a recruitment scheme with a closing date for receipt of applications before 1 June 1996. (Paragraph. 3.1)
If you are a permanent MoD civil servant and are found successful for an advertised Fixed-term Appointment (FTA) you should move into the post under a Temporary Transfer for up to a maximum of 23 months. At the end of the posting, you will return to your previous MoD Business area. If this posting is at a higher grade, your promotion will be temporary, and you will return to your substantive grade at the end of the Temporary Transfer. If a Temporary Transfer cannot be agreed between all parties, then a transfer on an FTA contract is possible, read the FTA and Change of Work Location in the UK policy for further information.
If you are transferring to MoD from another government department (OGD) you should join the MoD on an inward loan. At the end of the loan, you will return to your home (OGD) department. If a loan cannot be agreed between all parties, then a transfer on an FTA contract is possible, read the FTA policy for further information.
As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system.
Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn.
No application can be accepted after the closing date.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK nationals only.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Name : SDA Technical Apprentice Management Team Email : SDA-CE-CECT-TECH-Apprentices@mod.gov.uk
Recruitment team
Email : DBSCivPers-AMO@mod.gov.uk
Further information
Applicants should monitor their Civil Service Jobs application centre regularly for updates.
Some of MoD’s Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) changed from 3 February 2014. Those TACOS changes applied to Broader Banded and Skill Zone staff who were new recruits to MoD or who were appointed to a post on substantive promotion, progression or advancement. On the same basis, the TACOS for Departmental Retained Grades changed with effect from 01 September 2014.
All employees joining MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a 6-month probation period (unless otherwise advised) effective from the employment start date.
Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
Complaints
Please be aware that the selection and interviewing of applicants is the responsibility of the Recruiting Line Manager (RLM) and not the Defence Business Services (DBS) Resourcing team. DBS do not play any part in the selection and interview process.
Therefore, if you wish to discuss your feedback, or you are dissatisfied with your markings, you should in the first instance raise this with the Recruiting Line Manager of the vacancy.
If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint. by writing to DBS at the following address:
Complaints Management Team, Defence Business Services, Oak Building Mail Point #6109, MOD Abbey Wood North, Bristol, BS34 8QW
If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address:
Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ
Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk
Cabinet Office Fraud Checks
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant whose details are found to be held on the IFD will be refused employment
Civil Service Recruitment Principles
Please see the link below for the civil service recruitment principles.
https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-principles/
To find out a bit more about what it’s like working for MOD, visit the Civil Service Careers Website
https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/departments/working-for-the-ministry-of-defence/
Please see the MOD Privacy Notice link below which describes how we will use your personal data, explains your rights and gives you information you are entitled to under Data Protection legislation.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-defence-privacy-notice/mod-privacy-notice