SDA Technical Environmental Degree Apprentice Scheme - ref. z05691103

About the role:

The Environmental Practitioner (Degree) Apprenticeship is a five-year program starting in September 2025, based at Abbey Wood, Bristol, with training at the University of the West of England (UWE).

You’ll complete a series of work-based technical placements at defence locations, including Abbey Wood, HMNB Portsmouth, Barrow-in-Furness, HMNB Devonport, Rosyth, and HMNB Clyde.

After Year One, you will progress to the next phase following a successful Gateway Interview. Upon completing Year Three and another Gateway Interview, you’ll be offered a permanent contract and proceed to complete your degree, continuing placements across defence.

Upon completion and passing the End Point Assessment, you’ll be appointed to an environmental role within the SDA, with potential relocation to waterfront locations.

Responsibilities:

• Complete assigned training to develop environmental skills in a defence context.
• Deliver environmental products/services to meet objectives and contribute to the team and SDA.
• Understand how environmental sections within the Engineering Function operate to support career growth.
• Seek opportunities to gain knowledge and experience for progression as an Environmental Degree Apprentice.
• Support colleagues and actively contribute to team meetings.
• Build and maintain a network of internal contacts for learning and development opportunities.
• Participate in development activities, such as STEM events, to strengthen Engineering Function competencies.

Throughout your scheme you will be supported by your Apprentice Manager and Placement Supervisor to reach your full potential and become a valuable asset to the SDA Engineering Function.

Requirements

Security

Because of the classification of much of the role, all posts will be open to UK Nationals only.

Please note offers of employment are subject to achieving satisfactory pre-employment and security checks. These include an Occupational Health Assessment and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). As part of this you will need to confirm your identity, employment/education history, nationality and any criminal record (unspent convictions only).

The level of security needed is Security Check (SC) and you should usually have been continuously resident in the UK for 5 years immediately before clearance action commences.

Offers of employment are also subject to candidates achieving acceptable grades where predicted.

Desirable:

It is beneficial to your application if you can demonstrate the following desirable criteria:

• Relevant work experience, demonstrating environmental skills, including through internships or placements.
• Formal certificates must be provided within three months of signing the contract. Failure to provide this will result in your contract being withdrawn.

Qualifications:

• 5 GCSEs at grades C to A*/ 4 – 9 including English Language, Mathematics and Science, or equivalent; and 112 tariff points from:
• A minimum of 2 A-levels (no specific subjects required).
• Grades typically expected are BBC; or
• Equivalent level 3 qualifications e.g., BTEC, T Levels, Access.

Benefits

• You will receive learning and development opportunities tailored to your role
• A generous benefits package including market leading employer pension contributions of around 21% of your salary (not including any personal contribution)
• 25 days holiday +1 additional day every year you work up to 30 days.
• SDA benefits also include: flexible working after 6 months in the business, depending on academic requirements
• Discount Schemes
• Health and Wellbeing support
• family friendly initiatives and so much more.