Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme
Location: Devonport, Plymouth
Sector/Business unit: Marine
My graduate programme, why I chose it and why I chose Babcock:
After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I was on the lookout for engineering roles. My dad came across Babcock’s recruitment advertisement online and suggested I apply. I was immediately drawn to Babcock’s Mechanical Engineering graduate programme because it offered a two-year rotation around the business. This structure allowed me to explore different sectors and discover what I enjoyed before committing to a permanent role.
I chose the Devonport location for its sunny weather and beautiful local beaches. Throughout the recruitment process, I spoke with current graduates who shared their positive experiences. They mentioned being part of sports teams, company networks, and getting involved in STEM volunteering activities. This made me think that Babcock had a strong sense of community and there would be numerous opportunities to get involved in activities outside the office too. I also liked that some of the graduates worked from home during their placements, others were out on site, and some even had the opportunity to travel abroad. These exciting opportunities made Babcock’s graduate programme stand out to me.
My favourite part of the programme:
The best part of the programme is meeting staff from diverse backgrounds and expertise. I regularly interact with different types of engineers, project managers, and operators – both within Babcock and from other organisations. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming and supportive of my learning and development. My mentor and managers have arranged site, submarine, and ship tours to help me familiarise myself with the dockyard and the projects here, which has really boosted my confidence as an engineer.
My most rewarding project/experience:
One of the most rewarding experiences has been supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) events at local schools and the University of Plymouth. My favourite event is the building contest, designed to teach children about lean manufacturing through an interactive competition. We split classes into groups, each acting as a production line to create small cranes. The goal was to produce as many cranes as possible, and groups with faulty cranes are penalised. It was great fun and incredibly rewarding to see the children’s excitement, engagement, and teamwork.
My work-life balance:
Babcock supports agile working, allowing me to adjust my hours so long as I meet my weekly targets and attend key meetings. I usually start early in the morning to finish earlier in the afternoon, which is perfect for making after-work plans.
My development:
The programme has been flexible, allowing me to choose various placements to tailor my experience. I decided to explore as much as possible before selecting a permanent role. The Early Careers team tracks my progress through objectives set by my manager and mentor for each placement. These objectives provide project experience and help meet the competencies needed for chartership.
My mentor has been a great source of advice, mainly supporting my chartership application. Thanks to my mentor, I’ve experienced site tours and arranged a placement in Rosyth, which has significantly enriched my development.
Learn more about our Mechanical Engineering Graduate Programme and apply online
