SDA apprenticeships
Updated 2 April 2025
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Level 4 Associate Project Management Apprenticeship
Opens: December/January
Starts: October
Duration: 2 years
Location: Bristol, Barrow-in-Furness, or HMNB Devonport
What you will need
Predicted or achieved five GCSEs at grade C to A* or grades 4 to 9 or equivalents. These must include English language and maths. You’ll also need 48 tariff points from a minimum of 1 A-level (no specific subjects required). Grades typically expected are B, C.
or
Equivalent level 3 qualifications e.g. BTEC, T Levels, Access.
What you will do
The scheme is managed by the SDA and delivered through an external training provider. You will undertake a comprehensive programme of study and work towards the Associate Project Manager Level 4 Standard (ST0310) qualification. You will develop your knowledge of how our projects are delivered, gain an insight into project management, project control tools and techniques including scheduling, risk management and cost analysis.
Your permanent base will be in Bristol, Barrow-in-Furness, or HMNB Devonport.
At the end of the scheme, you will have an end point assessment. After successfully completing the scheme, you may be appointed to a permanent role within the SDA. You may also be able to permanently relocate to one of our waterfront locations listed above.
Due to the secure nature of these positions, posts are reserved for UK nationals only and may require you to obtain Developed Vetting clearance once in post.
Level 3 Waterfront Engineering Advanced Apprenticeship
Opens: January/February
Starts: September
Duration: 3 years
Location: Based in Bristol with work-based technical placements
What you will need
Predicted or achieved five GCSEs at grade C to A* or grades 4 to 9 or equivalents. These must include English language, maths and a science or engineering-related subject.
What you will do
The scheme is open to anyone over the age of 16. It is managed by the SDA and delivered through the National College for Nuclear, Southern Hub in Cannington, Somerset. You will undertake a comprehensive programme of study associated with the Engineering Technician Standard ST0457, pathway 13.
Your permanent base will be in Bristol, and you will do year one full-time at National College for Nuclear. You will then do four six-month, technical-focused project team placements in our waterfront locations: Barrow-in-Furness, HMNB (His Majesty’s Naval Base) Clyde, HMNB Devonport and Rosyth.
During year one, you will be required to achieve the following qualifications:
- Level 2 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Foundation Competence)
- Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering (Development Knowledge)
You will have gateway interviews throughout the scheme to progress to the next phase.
After successfully completing the scheme, you may be appointed to a permanent role within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. You may also be able to permanently relocate to one of our waterfront locations listed above.
Due to the secure nature of these positions, posts are reserved for UK nationals only and may require you to obtain Developed Vetting clearance once in post.
Level 6 Environmental Degree Apprenticeship
Opens: January/February
Starts: September
Duration: 5 years
Location: Based in Bristol with work-based technical placements
What you will need
Predicted or achieved five GCSEs at grade C to A* or grades 4 to 9 or equivalents. These must include English language, maths and a science or engineering-related subject. You’ll also need 104 tariff points from a minimum of 2 A-levels (no specific subjects required). Grades typically expected are BCC.
or
Equivalent level 3 qualifications e.g. BTEC, T Levels, Access.
What you will do
This environment degree apprenticeship supports one of the most complex programmes on the planet.
The scheme is managed by the SDA and delivered through the University of the West of England. You will complete a programme of study associated with the Environmental Practitioner (Degree) Standard ST0778 . Learning will include the end-to-end lifecycle activities associated with nuclear submarines and supporting infrastructure.
Your permanent base will be in Bristol, but you will do work-based technical placements at defence specific locations within the UK. These could include Barrow-in-Furness, HMNB Devonport, HMNB Portsmouth, HMNB Clyde and Rosyth.
Throughout the apprenticeship you will do gateway interviews to progress to the next stage. The final stage will see you complete your full degree, whilst continuing to complete placements.
At the end of the scheme, you will have an end point assessment. If successful you will go into an environmental role within the SDA engineering function. You may have the opportunity to permanently relocate to one of our waterfront locations listed above.
Due to the secure nature of these positions, posts are reserved for UK nationals only and may require you to obtain Developed Vetting clearance once in post.
Level 6 Nuclear Degree Apprenticeship
Opens: January/February
Starts: September
Duration: 4 years
Location: Based in Bristol with work-based technical placements
What you will need
Predicted or achieved five GCSEs at grade C to A* or grades 4 to 9 or equivalents. These must include English language, maths and a science or engineering-related subject.
In addition, candidates must have or will achieve 96 tariff points from 3 A Levels which must include mathematics, science and one other subject. Grades typically expected are CCC or grades 4-9.
or
Candidates must have or will achieve a national diploma in engineering with a minimum value of 96 UCAS points.
What you will do
The scheme is managed by the SDA and delivered through the National College for Nuclear, Southern Hub. You will do a programme of study associated with the Nuclear Scientist and Nuclear Engineer standard ST0289.
Your permanent base will be in Bristol, and you will do year one full-time at the National College for Nuclear. You will also do work-based technical placements at defence-specific locations within the UK. These could include Barrow-in-Furness, HMNB Devonport, HMNB Portsmouth, HMNB Clyde and Rosyth. While on placements, you will continue with your foundation degree with blocks of time at college.
Throughout the apprenticeship you will do gateway interviews to progress to the next stage. The final stage will see you complete your full degree, while continuing to complete placements.
You will have an assessment at the end and, if successful, you will start a job within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. You may have the opportunity to permanently relocate to one of our waterfront locations listed above.
Due to the secure nature of these positions, posts are reserved for UK Nationals only and may require you to obtain Developed Vetting clearance once in post.