Submarine Solutions

Submarine Solutions is the prime contractor for the Astute Class Submarine fleet, responsible for the design, build and initial in-service support of the five 7,400 tonne vessels, currently under construction at the shipyard. It is a key component of BAE Systems naval activities. It comprises the shipyard at Barrow in Furness, designated as a Submarine Centre of Excellence, teams at Farnborough and Weymouth, and the class integration facilities at Ash Vale.

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Barrow – What can they offer me?

Advanced Apprenticeship Level 3 & Apprenticeship Level 2 in Engineering

Engineering Level 3 & Level 2 apprenticeships offer opportunities in both craft and technical roles. Training usually takes between 24-42 months to complete, and is a combination of on and off the job training.

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Craft

During the first phase of the programme you will undertake the Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) qualification, a level 2 NVQ that will help prepare you for the workplace. This is completed full time in an off the job environment, you will also complete your key skills, Application of number, Communications, Information Technology Improving own Learning and Working with Others.

On entry to the workplace you will begin a planned experience programme to develop further skills and knowledge in your chosen job role, this experience will continue throughout the second phase of the apprenticeship and will be combined with the beginning of a technical certificate which will give you further knowledge and understanding of your job role.

Phase three is predominantly about developing competence against national standards via the achievement of an NVQ. During this period usually lasting up to 18 months you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and be assessed against the occupational standards aligned to your specific role. You will also complete your technical certificate during this period. At this stage you will also be given the opportunity to progress to a higher technical certificate

Craft roles are Electrician, Fitter, Pipe Fabricator, Welder, Steelworker, Sheet Metal Worker and Driller and require 5 GCSE’s A – E in English, Maths, Science and 2 other subjects.

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Technical

During the first phase of the programme you will undertake the Performing Engineering Operations (PEO) qualification, a level 2 NVQ that will help prepare you for the workplace. This is completed full time in an off the job environment, you will also complete your key skills, Application of number, Communications, Information Technology, Improving own Learning and Working with Others. Technical apprentices will also begin their technical certificate at this stage.

On entry to the workplace you will begin a planned experience programme to develop further skills and knowledge in your chosen job role, this experience will continue throughout the second phase of the apprenticeship and will be combined with the completing of your technical certificate which will give you further knowledge and understanding of your job role.

Phase three is predominantly about developing competence against national standards via the achievement of an NVQ 3. During this period usually lasting up to 18 months you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and be assessed against the occupational standards aligned to your specific job role. At this stage you will also be given the opportunity to progress to a higher technical certificate.

Technical roles are Designer, Dimensional Control Technician, and Non-Destructive Examination Technician, and require 5 GCSE’s grades A – C in English, Maths, Science and 2 other subjects.

The apprenticeship programmes are split into 3 phases, each lasting a minimum of 1 year. Progression between the phases is dependant upon successful completion of the targets set at the beginning of each phase.

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