Babcock recruits record number of graduates and apprentices

Image courtesy Babcock

As part of its commitment to developing emerging talent, around 1,600 roles have been created across the 2025/26 period with the company ramping up investing in the next generation of talent to support national and international defence.

Seven hundred and fifty emerging talent career roles have been created by Babcock across the UK in 2025, with 850 expected in 2026. The company is investing in the next generation of talent to support national and international defence, engineering excellence, and digital transformation.

The 2025 intake comprised 500 apprenticeships and 250 graduate roles across its major UK sites, spanning traditional trades such as welding, mechanical and electrical fitting, and fabrication, alongside cutting-edge digital disciplines including data analytics and digital manufacturing, with their performance helping to fuel the company’s growth.

David Lockwood, CEO of Babcock said: “Our graduate and apprentice programmes are designed to equip professionals with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Whether it’s building warships, maintaining submarines, or developing secure communications systems, our apprentices and graduates play a vital role in delivering programmes of national importance.”

Opportunities across Babcock’s core sectors
Babcock’s graduate and apprentice roles span its core sectors: Marine, Nuclear, Land and Aviation and within its corporate functions. Apprentices and graduates have the opportunity to contribute to programmes such as the maintenance and upgrade of advanced naval platforms, the support of military vehicle fleets, and the provision of aircraft maintenance and emergency response services. These roles offer hands-on experience with some of the most complex and critical engineering challenges in the UK.

Babcock’s recruitment drive is part of its broader contribution to the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy, which aims to strengthen sovereign capabilities and stimulate economic growth. According to independent research, Babcock contributed £4.3 billion to UK GDP in FY2024 and supports 67,000 jobs nationwide.

The company’s Defence Dividend is being felt across the country, with significant regional recruitment in:

• Scotland – supporting naval and nuclear programmes, with hundreds of new roles across HMNB Clyde, Babcock’s Rosyth facility and other key sites.
• South West England – including major investment in Bristol and Devonport, with expanded opportunities in nuclear, marine and land.

Babcock is also investing in regional regeneration, including relocating over 2,000 staff to Plymouth City Centre as part of its Defence Dividend Blueprint.

From submarines beneath the waves to secure communications in space, Babcock’s approach to recruitment reflects its commitment to diversity, inclusion and innovation. The company has launched pre-apprenticeship schemes, gamified recruitment tools and outreach programmes to widen access and attract talent from underrepresented groups.

Applications for the 2026 apprentice intake that are open can be accessed via the Babcock Early Careers website.