Naval Architecture Apprentice
Location: Devonport, Plymouth, England
Sector/Business unit: Marine
My apprenticeship, why I chose it, and why I chose Babcock:
I have always been drawn to solving complex, real-world problems. My time studying at WMG Academy, a specialist STEM school and sixth form, was pivotal in fuelling my passion for practical engineering and gave me a strong foundation in technical principles and problem-solving. Choosing naval architecture as a career pathway allowed me to build on my previous studies while pursuing a career with strong long-term opportunities.
When deciding where to further my career, Babcock was my first choice because of its reputation. The scale of the projects, combined with the opportunities to learn, network and progress, perfectly matched my goals. Working on our nation’s fleet means being part of projects that directly support the Royal Navy, which is something you don’t get the chance to do in many engineering careers.
I wanted to choose a career where my learning wasn’t limited to a classroom environment. I wanted to learn first-hand from an experienced team, ask questions and collaborate with others while building a rewarding career. My apprenticeship has allowed me to work in different departments through placements, giving me the opportunity to gain as much knowledge as possible while working on a wide range of projects.
My favourite part of the programme:
My favourite part of working as a Naval Architecture Apprentice at Babcock is being involved in a project from the early stages through to completion. Some of the projects I have worked on involve weeks, sometimes months, of planning, problem-solving and refinement to ensure everything is completed to a high standard. After investing so much time and effort, it’s rewarding to look back at what has been achieved and know you’ve played a part in making it happen.
My most rewarding project/experience:
One of the most rewarding aspects of working at Babcock is the number of opportunities available to develop and challenge yourself.
Since joining Babcock, I have been given a wide range of development opportunities and have been able to learn, try and experience things I never thought I would. Babcock invests heavily in professional development, supporting qualifications while providing valuable work experience. Every opportunity is a chance to learn, build confidence and expand your professional network, helping you develop important connections early in your career.
My work-life balance:
For an apprentice, work-life balance means having enough time to focus on your studies, work and personal life. Babcock supports this well by providing the time and flexibility needed to manage college and university commitments alongside day-to-day work responsibilities.
My managers and mentors are very supportive and regularly check in to make sure I’m managing my workload and getting the support I need. We also have regular reviews to discuss our progress and identify any areas where we may need additional support and ensure we’re happy in our roles.
Working in Devonport also comes with the benefit of half-day Fridays, giving me more time for myself and allowing me to travel home most weekends to spend time with my family.
My development:
On my first day I was paired with an experienced mentor. They act as your go-to person for technical questions, guide you through complex engineering tasks, and check in on your welfare. I have regular reviews where they ask how I’m doing and get to ask any questions about my development and what we will be doing long term.
We have people that come in to tell us how they have developed and progressed their career within Babcock so that we are aware of potential pathways we can take.
As I am still an apprentice, I have different placement to help us decide where we want to go long term and potential development opportunities
