Mechanical Engineering Apprentice – Accelerated Apprenticeship
Location: Warrington
Sector/Business unit: Nuclear
My apprenticeship, why I chose it, and why I chose Babcock:
I am a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice on the Accelerated Apprenticeship programme, currently working on a nuclear fuels project within Cavendish Nuclear. The work I support directly contributes to the UK’s energy security by supporting the fuel lifecycle and helping to provide fuel for the nation’s future reactors.
I chose this placement because of the nature of the work and the stage of the design lifecycle it is currently in, as it provides excellent opportunities for professional development. So far, the experience has been extremely rewarding and is progressing well.
The company has astrong reputation and a wide variety of projects available to work on. The opportunity to gain hands-on experience while earning my degree was particularly appealing. Since joining, I have contributed to exciting projects, met great colleagues, and gained valuable industry experience.
My favourite part of the programme:
I enjoy the focus on STEM outreach. Being able to encourage the next generation to get involved in engineering is not only great fun but also really fulfilling. Seeing pupils get excited about all things engineering makes it especially rewarding.
Babcock not only encourages involvement but also gives individuals the time away from work to make the outreach happen.
My most rewarding project/experience:
I’ve built strong relationships with local schools through STEM outreach. I have returned to the same school multiple times and have built a long-standing connection that the STEM team can continue to utilise in the future.
My work-life balance:
We have the benefit of an agile working programme. This allows me to work from home a couple of days a week, as well as work my hours flexibly where appropriate. This gives me the ability to start earlier and finish earlier, allowing me to make the most of my evenings.
My development:
There is a wide range of CPD sessions, ‘Lunch and Learns’, and extensive training opportunities. Since joining the company, I have taken part in a variety of training sessions, strengthening my knowledge of the industry and the standards relevant to our work.
This gives me the knowledge and skills I need to apply in my role every day and continue developing as an engineer.
