Project Engineer Graduate Apprentice
Location: Clyde, Scotland
Sector/Business unit : Marine
My apprenticeship, why I chose it and why I chose Babcock:
I left school and went to university, still not 100% on the career path I wanted to take. After two years of studying at university, I decided to leave. I took a year to reflect on exactly what I wanted to do next.
Finding this graduate apprentice role was an absolute dream come true. I loved that I could follow my passion for engineering and get paid. Being able to gain a degree at the end of my studies, as well as gaining work experience was exciting. Plus, this programme offered me the opportunity to work towards chartership status, so it was an easy decision to apply.
Babcock seemed like such an amazing company. The fact I would be working for a company that was at the forefront of the engineering industry inspired me. The variety of the work and the opportunities available to progress in my career sounded endless! It confirmed to me that Babcock was the company I wanted to work at – and I knew working here would set me up for a great career.
My typical day:
No day is the same. The apprenticeship programme gives you the opportunity to work in different departments across the Engineering function, which I love. Getting an overview of all the areas within Engineering at Babcock is really enhancing my knowledge. I’m working collectively with project teams, finding out what happens behind the scenes and solving engineering issues.
One of the most exciting placements involved finding innovative ways to complete engineering tasks on ships whilst they’re in the water. I had the opportunity to view live engineering tasks and liaise on our ongoing projects. During ship trials I helped assess performance and figure out how we can make improvements.
Whatever project I’m working on, my work colleagues are always supportive and actively help me to develop in my role. The early careers managers are also brilliant to talk to and have helped me in achieving work-university-life balance.
My favourite part of the job:
My favourite part of the job is the fact that no day is ever the same. I get to put my problem-solving skills to the test daily. I have been offered many opportunities to train and develop my skills, and I’ve had the opportunity to travel for work.
I’ve also enjoyed being involved in the promotion of Science, Engineering, Technology and Maths (STEM) career opportunities. Going to schools to promote STEM to young people is very rewarding as I get to express my passion for engineering to others.
The most challenging thing I’ve ever done to date:
Leaving university and deciding to undertake this graduate apprenticeship meant changing my career path and starting all over again. This decision was initially scary and tough, but I don’t regret it at all – I’m very happy I made the decision to join Babcock.
