Chemical and Process Engineer Degree Apprenticeship

Summary

Join our Cavendish Nuclear business and help deliver safe, secure, and sustainable nuclear solutions that protect people and the planet. Through this 4-year programme, you’ll work towards a BEng degree, contributing to engineering projects that support the UK’s energy security, clean energy goals, and strengthen national defence.

Wage

£23,598 a year

Training course

Science industry process and plant engineer (degree) (level 6)

Hours

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

25 hours a week

Start date

Wednesday 1 September 2027

Duration

4 years

Positions available

2

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

• As a Chemical and Process Engineering Apprentice, you’ll be part of a collaborative and welcoming team that’s solving complex challenges in nuclear power generation and decommissioning. From your first day, you’ll begin learning how to apply core chemical engineering principles to real-world projects that support everything from low-carbon energy to defence and environmental clean-up.
• You’ll be based in one of our main hubs – Dalton Avenue in Warrington, the Babcock Technology Centre in Bristol, or Humberside – and work on a diverse portfolio of projects. These might include adapting reactor technologies for UK deployment, supporting the UK’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet, or helping to decommission legacy nuclear sites safely and sustainably.
• Your tasks could include defining process requirements, specifying and testing equipment, or assessing how our systems perform under different conditions. As your skills grow, so will your responsibilities. You’ll develop problem-solving techniques, communication skills and an understanding of the tools and software used across the sector.

Where you'll work

Warrington
WA3 6YF

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

TEESSIDE UNIVERSITY

Training course

Science industry process and plant engineer (degree) (level 6)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Ensure the control, within own area of responsibility, of major accident hazards, health & safety, to statutory, mandatory and environmental standards.
• Ensure that targets are met and maintained, within own area of responsibility, whilst complying with defined company procedures and legislative requirements
• Prepare for and perform process/plant engineering tasks using the appropriate techniques, procedures and methods
• Support the evaluation, submission, planning, installation and commissioning of capital, maintenance and revenue projects to improve process performance
• Work autonomously to analyse, interpret and evaluate engineering data, presenting the results and problem solving approach clearly and concisely in written and oral form, using technology where appropriate to assist with and evaluate activies
• Apply continuous improvement techniques and support existing manufacturing principles to drive effectiveness and efficiency.
• Manage and/or support the introduction of new technologies and practices
• Use creative thinking and problem solving to challenge assumptions, innovate, make new proposals and build on existing ideas.
• Plan and prioritise process/plant tasks using project planning tools, review and evaluate progress against objectives and investigate alternative scenarios

Training schedule

• You’ll study remotely with Teesside University, following the Science Industry Process and Plant Engineer Degree Apprenticeship standard.
• This well-established chemical engineering programme is delivered through a flexible, blended learning model designed to fit around your work commitments. You’ll engage in online learning supported by weekly live seminars, giving you access to expert teaching while applying your knowledge directly in the workplace.
• On successful completion, you’ll be awarded a BEng in Professional Engineering (Science Industry Process/Plant Engineer), along with an apprenticeship certificate graded at pass, merit, or distinction – recognising your achievement and readiness to progress in your engineering career.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• Any Subject (grade C)
• Chemistry (grade C)
• English (grade C)
• Maths (grade C)
• Science (grade C)

A Level in:

• Chemistry (grade A/B)
• Maths (grade A/B)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working

Other requirements

Many of our 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 and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.