Babcock
Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice
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Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship – Software Engineering Pathway
Level: 6
Salary: £23,776
Location: Bristol (Ashton House) and Plymouth
Application closing date: 8th December 2026
Programme start date: September 2027
Our 5-year Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity to kickstart your career in software engineering. You’ll work on real projects while studying for a BSc Honours Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions with the University of Exeter – combining academic learning with industry experience.
About the Programme
From day one, you’ll be part of our Mission Systems business, helping us develop innovative software that supports national security and defence. From cutting-edge development of machine learning models to intelligent sensor technologies able to analyse the electromagnetic environment, our software needs to be proven, reliable, and fully integrated.
You’ll work in design offices, laboratories, and workshops, contributing to live projects in areas such as submarine systems, communications and security, command and control, and electronic warfare. Whether you're helping to build an audio console or supporting software for a world-class ship, you'll be involved in the full development lifecycle – from concept through to testing.
This programme offers the opportunity to develop skills across both traditional and modern software development practices, including Agile ways of working and AI-assisted development techniques used within the defence sector. Working alongside experienced professionals, you'll gain hands-on experience, build your technical expertise, and develop the skills needed to contribute to real-world projects from the start.
These skills will enable you to contribute to the delivery of innovative digital technologies that help keep people, assets, and information safe – supporting our shared purpose of creating a safe and secure world, together.
Your Education/Training
As part of your apprenticeship, you will study for the BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions through the University of Exeter.
You’ll complete your studies part-time over four years while gaining hands-on experience in the workplace. In years 1 and 2, you’ll build a strong foundation in digital technologies. In years 3 and 4, you’ll specialise in Software Engineering. During your final year, you’ll work full-time in placements while completing your End Point Assessment.
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Your technical training will be supplemented with in-house training courses and soft skill training to further develop your personal and team working skills.
Future Prospects
By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have earned a BSc Honours Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions and gained rich work experience in software engineering.
In addition to your technical development, you’ll have built valuable project management skills through activities such as project planning, resourcing, budgeting, document management, and configuration control.
Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to progress into your first substantive role within the business – typically as an Assistant Software Engineer or Software Engineer.
Apprentices who complete the programme can expect a competitive starting salary in software engineering, along with opportunities to pursue professional registration and chartership, supported by experienced mentors and industry professionals.
What You’ll Need
- A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent), plus one of the following:
- A minimum of three A Levels at grade B or above, preferably in related subjects such as Mathematics, Science, or IT.
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at DDM or above
- Successful completion of a Level 4 Digital Apprenticeship
You’ll also need strong IT proficiency, familiarity with software development tools and web technologies (such as HTML), and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
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) security clearance. For further details, visit GOV.UK and search ‘United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels’.
Under applicable national security legislation, this post may only be occupied by a UK national. This legal requirement is independent of our recruitment policies, and all eligible applicants will be assessed fairly and without discrimination.
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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 Important Information
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.
Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.
We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.
We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
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