Space Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Space Systems Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Level: 6

Salary: £23,776
Location: Hawthorn (Corsham) or Oakhanger (Bordon)

Application closing date: 18th December 2025

Programme start date: September 2026

Role ID: 67842

Your Role

Our 5-year Space Systems Engineering Apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to earn a BEng in Space Systems Engineering from the University of Portsmouth, while helping to protect lives and support critical national infrastructure. With the global space industry expected to triple in value by 2035, this is your chance to gain in-demand skills and play a part in shaping the UK’s future in space.

About the programme

During your apprenticeship, you’ll be embedded in Babcock's Skynet Service Delivery Wrap (SDW) programme. The Skynet system provides secure satellite communications to the UK and NATO armed forces, enabling personnel to stay connected anytime, in any environment, anywhere on Earth.

You’ll work four days a week from one of our key engineering locations – either Hawthorn (Corsham) or Oakhanger (Bordon) – where our teams help to maintain and modernise the UK’s sovereign space communications infrastructure. Accommodation expenses will be covered when travel away from your home base is necessary, including visits to Babcock locations such as Ashton House (Bristol).

As you progress, you’ll rotate through our Skynet SDW engineering teams, gaining insight into how each area supports the wider system. You’ll assist in a variety of technical tasks that grow in complexity as your skills and confidence develop. One day you might be supporting upgrades to communications systems on a Royal Navy warship; the next, testing advanced satellite devices or helping to redesign systems that integrate newly launched spacecraft. You may even help develop subsystem designs that enhance our satellite ground stations.

This is a role with real impact where you won’t just be gaining specialised engineering skills; you’ll be contributing to a mission that helps protect lives and maintain national security.

Your education/training

During your apprenticeship, you will study for a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BEng) in Space Systems Engineering through the University of Portsmouth.

Your academic studies will complement the work you’re doing in the business, with modules covering electronics, mechanical and electrical systems, software engineering and space communications. This blend of theory and practice will help you build a deep and practical understanding of how space systems operate and evolve. You’ll also develop valuable skills in systems engineering, hardware design, and coding.

During term time, you’ll typically spend one day per week at university and four days embedded in Skynet engineering activities. Additional study time will be provided during exam periods and for university project work, ensuring you have the support you need to succeed academically.

Future prospects

On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you will be invited to apply for one of a range of engineering opportunities within Babcock.

You’ll also have the opportunity to build on your progress toward professional registration as an Incorporated or Chartered Engineer, a recognised benchmark of engineering competence, which can support your journey into more advanced roles, such as Senior Engineer.

As a global organisation, Babcock provides countless opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. To support your growth, we’ve introduced the Babcock Role Framework, which outlines roles, career pathways, and development opportunities. With every job mapped to these frameworks, you’ll have a transparent view of the steps needed to reach Senior Engineer and beyond.

What you’ll need

• A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent), including Maths, English and a science subject.
• 3 A Levels, including Maths at grade B or above, one Science, Technology, Engineering or additional Mathematics subject at grade C or above, and a third subject at grade C or above.
• 104 UCAS points from three subjects.
• Many of our apprenticeship 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 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).

What you’ll get

We’ll provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.

In addition, you’ll benefit from:

• Fully funded qualification
• Personal development training and opportunities
• Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Employee share scheme
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal

You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities, which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.

Your career development

It’s hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and business experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will really help you navigate where you want to take your career.

Plus, when you join us, you’ll be automatically enrolled onto our Apprentice Development Programme. Through a series of digital and face to face sessions, presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partners, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.

Application process and closing dates

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. 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.