As a Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) apprentice your role will be split between course work in support of your BEng Degree qualification, which is funded by the MOD, and on the job training as part of your professional development. Working with experienced professionals from a high hazard engineering environment will enable you to develop the technical skills and behaviours required for your career. As you develop, we will give you the opportunity to support projects being taken forward by our team of safety professionals, and we will organise several Defence Nuclear work-based job placements while completing your vocational qualifications in preparation for your permanent role within the DNE.
Off the job learning will occur on a block release basis. This means that you’ll spend approximately three and a half months each year at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Swansea. Typically, these learning blocks are 5 to 10 workings days and will begin in October 2023.
This programme is recognised and accredited by the Institute of Explosives Engineers (IExpE). At the start of your apprenticeship, you will be registered as student members of the IExpE and on completion you will gain professional registration with IExpE.
On successful completion of the degree apprenticeship programme, permanent roles will be available across the DNE in a range of locations.
Post location
Posts will be available in MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol which will be your permanent duty station during the scheme. There will also be an opportunity for work-based training placements in various MOD, military and industry establishments across the UK that focus on nuclear safety. We cover the costs of accommodation, travel, and subsistence for detached duty away from your permanent duty station. It’s not a problem if you don’t drive as most establishments can access to public transport or a shuttle service. Permanent Nuclear Safety Engineering posts will then be available on completion of the scheme.
Supported learning
You’ll be assigned mentors across the business that will help you to improve your knowledge and understanding of the wider DNE and MOD business. You will also be supported throughout your programme by an Apprentice Liaison Officer, a specialist within the sector, who will visit the workplace regularly, providing the link between the academic studies and workplace learning, and addressing any issues that may arise during the programme.
Travel
Regular travel will be required through the 5-year scheme for completion of academic studies, work placements, familiarisation visits and apprenticeship events with accommodation, travel and subsistence costs being met by the MOD in line with the relevant policy and guidance.
Salary
Current starting salary is £22,220 at AO level. At the 3-year point (and only on successful completion of the programme requirements), there will be an opportunity to re-grade to a permanent EO grade (current minimum £27,080). On successful completion of the degree apprenticeship qualification, and provided individuals meet the requirements of the grade, there will be an opportunity to regrade to HEO (current minimum £34,850).
Contracted Hours
Your contracted hours will be 37 hours per week, although some additional study will be required in your own time to complete the academic part of the apprenticeship. You will be supported with continuing professional development to maintain your skills and professional accreditations.
You must have the right of abode in the UK and have been ordinarily 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.
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