Non-Destructive Testing Apprenticeship

Location:Faslane, Helensburgh, GB, G84 8HL

Onsite or Hybrid: On Site

Programme title: Non-Destructive Testing Apprenticeship
Level: SCQF Level 6
Salary: £16,000 rising annually to c.£38,461 post apprenticeship
Location: HM Naval Base Clyde, Scotland
Application closing date: March 2025
Programme start date: August 2025
Role ID: 60437

Ready to start a skilled technical career? Our 4-year Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Apprenticeship provides a fantastic opportunity to work on submarines while earning qualifications in welding, fabrication, and testing.

About the programme

As an NDT Apprentice based at HM Naval Base Clyde, you'll play a valued role in our Fleet Time Support programme. Learning from experienced colleagues, you will gain the skills to conduct surveys that ensure work has been completed to the correct standards before submarine deployments. Your contribution will be helping to ensure the Royal Navy’s Vanguard and Astute-Class nuclear submarines are ready for their important missions.

Given the nature of our work, your day-to-day experience will be far from ordinary. You can expect tasks such as:

• Carrying out detailed surveys and upholding rigorous standards
• Collating and analysing survey reports
• Working with key stakeholders to assure compliance with specific regulations and codes
• Producing crucial technical reports
• Assisting with work package sequencing
• Supporting the management team to maintain and improve safety.

You’ll also be a key member of the Radiography Team at HMNB Clyde, working as a trainee radiographer and developing your skills in this specialist field.

Your education/training

As part of your apprenticeship, you will receive training at West College Scotland. During your apprenticeship, you will study towards:

• SVQ 2 Performing Engineering Operations at SCQF Level 5
• NC in Welding & Fabrication at SCQF Level 6
• SVQ 3 Technical Services Non-Destructive Testing at SCQF Level 6
• HNC in Welding & Fabrication at SCQF Level 7

Additional training includes PCN Level 2 NDT Visual Inspection and Liquid Dye Penetrant by Lavender Training.

Future prospects

Through a combination of classroom learning and onsite training you’ll develop well-rounded engineering competencies and behaviours, preparing you for life in industry. At the end of your programme, you'll be a well-rounded professional ready to take on the role of Nuclear Procedures and Standards Inspector Trainee.

What you’ll need

• Maths at National 5 or above or equivalent.
• English at National 5 or above or equivalent.
• Science or Technical subject at National 5 or above or equivalent.
• Two other subjects at National 4 or National 5 or above
• Many of our early careers roles 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 roles you are eligible for. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). For our early careers roles, you must be able to achieve BPSS and many of them require you to be eligible for Security Clearance.

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.


Closing dates


Please be aware that if there is a high level of interest in this programme, applications may close earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered for a place on this programme, please submit your application as early as possible.