Quality

1 open programme View all

Salary

£35,000*

*Your starting salary will be at least £35,000, with the final amount based on your role, location, and qualifications.

Location

Devonport, Plymouth

Applications close

Oct 20, 2026

To be sure you don’t miss out, apply early. Applications may close sooner than advertised if interest is high.

Programme starts

Sep 1, 2027

Start dates will be staggered from 1st September 2027. We’ll confirm your exact start date during onboarding.

What will you do on the programme?

On the Quality Graduate Programme, you’ll develop a solid foundation in quality management while gaining experience in project environments from the outset.

You’ll build your understanding of core quality principles, including how standards and specifications ensure consistency, compliance, and high performance. Along the way, you’ll see how quality is applied in practice within construction and develop insight into its close relationship with engineering.

You’ll also explore key areas such as risk management and management systems, while gaining valuable experience in both internal and external auditing. As your knowledge grows, you’ll deepen your understanding of the difference between assurance and control, and discover how data is used to monitor performance and drive continuous improvement.

How is the programme structured?

Our two-year graduate programme is designed to help you develop your skills in a practical, supportive environment. You’ll work closely with experienced Quality Engineers, contributing to real project activities. As your confidence and capability grow, you’ll take on increasing responsibility and begin working more independently.

The role is primarily based at Devonport Royal Dockyard, with opportunities to attend supplier visits, inspections, and project interventions, depending on project requirements.

How do we develop and support you?

From day one, you’ll receive structured support, tailored training, and dedicated mentorship to help you excel throughout your programme and beyond.

You’ll join our Graduate Development Programme, featuring expert-led masterclasses on communication, personal branding, resilience, and wellbeing.

We’ll also support your journey towards professional chartership. Through a comprehensive programme of learning modules, you’ll begin working towards accreditation with the Chartered Quality Institute (CQI). You’ll be enrolled at entry level from the outset, with the opportunity to progress to Practitioner level (PCQI) as your skills, knowledge, and experience grow.

Development and support

What’s waiting for you after the programme?

When you complete the programme, you’ll move into a permanent role within our Quality function, where you can build on what you’ve learned and continue to develop your expertise. You’ll also receive ongoing support to progress towards professional chartership.

​​​From there, your development doesn’t stop. We’ll support you as you grow into more senior roles and take on greater responsibility. Through the Babcock Role Framework, you’ll have a clear view of how your career can progress, with mapped-out pathways, development opportunities and the tools you need to get wherever you want to go.

What rewards and benefits will you get?

We want you to feel supported, valued and excited about what’s ahead. That’s why we offer a comprehensive package designed to support your development, your wellbeing and your life outside of work too.

Rewards and benefits

What do you need to apply?

  • You’ll need to have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a 2:2 or above in any degree.
  • A full UK driving licence is beneficial, as the role involves travel to supplier sites and project locations.
  • Many of our programmes 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 programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
  • Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a sole UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.

 

 

Where will you be based?

Places on our Quality Graduate Programme for September 2027 are available in Devonport, Plymouth.

Working arrangements vary depending on the placement. Some placements offer agile working, but all placements require a regular on-site presence, and you can expect to spend several days each week on-site to support your role and development.

Once you’ve successfully completed the programme, you’ll continue your career in the same location, so it’s worth considering this when applying.

Our business in Plymouth works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Royal Navy at HM Naval Base Devonport. We provide through-life support for submarines, surface ships and associated systems and equipment as part of our continuing commitment to support our nation’s naval capability.

Current openings in
Quality

Application guidance

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.

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