DNE - Ordnance, Munitions & Explosives (Level 6) Degree Apprenticeship Bristol, England
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Benefits
Things you need to know
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Location
About the job
Job summary
Do you want to be an integral part of maintaining national security now and in the future, whilst developing your skills and career within the Nuclear industry? Then this Ordnance, Munitions & Explosives (Level 6) Degree Apprenticeship programme could be the opportunity you are looking for!
This is a genuinely exciting time to join the Ministry of Defence (MOD) as an apprentice if you want to be at the heart of real Defence issues. You will get to work on a high profile and distinctive portfolio which is rarely out of the news and have a unique insight into the captivating world of nuclear.
You will require an eagerness to learn, an inquisitive mind with a logical approach to problem solving, be self-motivated and have the ability to learn from practical and theoretical studies. The programme requires dedication from you to complete the 5-year apprenticeship scheme and acquire a level 6 degree qualification. If this sounds like you, then we want to hear from you!
Job description
The Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) is made up of several government and industry organisations which forms part of the Ministry of Defence that sustains the UK’s nuclear deterrent. This includes the organisations, programmes, and people within government and industry that help deliver the UK’s nuclear capability. There are OME apprentice opportunities in the following areas:
Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO):
The Defence Nuclear Organisation (DNO) oversees all defence nuclear business, excluding operations. This includes responsibility for all submarines (from procurement to disposal), nuclear warheads, skills, related infrastructure and day-to-day Nuclear policy. DNO consists of the people, equipment and infrastructure required to successfully deter the most extreme threats to our national security and way of life. Within DNO, the Warhead Directorate leads the UK nuclear warhead programme which provides a stockpile of reliable, safe and effective nuclear warheads to support the UK’s strategic nuclear deterrent.
Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA):
The SDA is an executive agency of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) that manages the procurement, in-service support and disposal of UK nuclear submarines, which are some of the most complex equipment in the world. The SDA delivers capabilities to the Royal Navy that are essential to the Continuous at Sea Deterrent (CASD), which is the cornerstone of our national security.
The course
The Ordnance, Munitions and Explosives (OME) Level 6 Professional Degree (BEng) Apprenticeship which focuses on the Safety pathway within the Engineering function. On successful completion of the degree apprenticeship programme, permanent roles will be available across the DNE in a range of locations.
This programme is recognised and accredited by the Institute of Explosives Engineers (IExpE). You will be registered as student members of the IExpE during your apprenticeship and on completion you will gain professional registration with IExpE.
Person specification
As a Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE) apprentice your role will be split between course work in support of your BEng Degree qualification, which is funded by the MOD, and on the job training as part of your professional development. Working with experienced professionals from a high hazard engineering environment will enable you to develop the technical skills and behaviours required for your career. As you develop, we will give you the opportunity to support projects being taken forward by our team of safety professionals, and we will organise several Defence Nuclear work-based job placements while completing your vocational qualifications in preparation for your permanent role within the DNE.
Off the job learning will occur on a block release basis. This means that you’ll spend approximately three and a half months each year at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David in Swansea. Typically, these learning blocks are 5 to 10 workings days and will begin in October 2023.
This programme is recognised and accredited by the Institute of Explosives Engineers (IExpE). At the start of your apprenticeship, you will be registered as student members of the IExpE and on completion you will gain professional registration with IExpE.
On successful completion of the degree apprenticeship programme, permanent roles will be available across the DNE in a range of locations.
Post location
Posts will be available in MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol which will be your permanent duty station during the scheme. There will also be an opportunity for work-based training placements in various MOD, military and industry establishments across the UK that focus on nuclear safety. We cover the costs of accommodation, travel, and subsistence for detached duty away from your permanent duty station. It’s not a problem if you don’t drive as most establishments can access to public transport or a shuttle service. Permanent Nuclear Safety Engineering posts will then be available on completion of the scheme.
Supported learning
You’ll be assigned mentors across the business that will help you to improve your knowledge and understanding of the wider DNE and MOD business. You will also be supported throughout your programme by an Apprentice Liaison Officer, a specialist within the sector, who will visit the workplace regularly, providing the link between the academic studies and workplace learning, and addressing any issues that may arise during the programme.
Travel
Regular travel will be required through the 5-year scheme for completion of academic studies, work placements, familiarisation visits and apprenticeship events with accommodation, travel and subsistence costs being met by the MOD in line with the relevant policy and guidance.
Salary
Current starting salary (apprenticeship rate) is £20,748 at AO level. At the 3-year point (and only on successful completion of the programme requirements), there will be an opportunity to re-grade to a permanent EO grade (current minimum £26,350). On successful completion of the degree apprenticeship qualification, and provided individuals meet the requirements of the grade, there will be an opportunity to regrade to HEO (current minimum £33,000).
Contracted Hours
Your contracted hours will be 37 hours per week, although some additional study will be required in your own time to complete the academic part of the apprenticeship. You will be supported with continuing professional development to maintain your skills and professional accreditations.
You must have the right of abode in the UK and have been ordinarily resident in the EEA (including other countries determined within the EEA or those with bilateral agreements), for at least the previous three years on the first day of learning.
Please note this is a development scheme and candidates with higher level qualifications in Engineering may not be eligible. All vocational and academic qualifications held or in progress must be declared
Qualifications
Five National 5 qualifications (or GCSE) Grade C or above
Mandatory subjects: Maths, English
Preferred subjects: Any Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) or technology-based subject
Or
HNC in Engineering
Plus have a proven practical engineering background and experience acquired within the last 3 years
Or
Three Highers (or A level) Grade C or above
Preferred subjects: Any STEM or technology-based subject
You will be required to provide evidence of your certificates at onboarding stage.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making Effective Decisions
- Working Together
Benefits
We believe that if we look after our people, they will be passionate about delivering great things for our customers. We enable our people to work at the right place, with the right people, at the right time.
We understand the importance of life outside of work and our industry leading flexible working practices, digital technology and modern workspaces will give you the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work-life balance.
Being part of the Civil Service means you will have access to a range of fantastic benefits including:
- 25 days paid annual leave, rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 years’ service (pro rata)
- In additional to 8 public holidays per year, you will also receive leave for HM The King’s birthday
- NUS discount card for all apprentices
- Alternative working practices such as working from home
- Good travel links with free car parking;
- Facilities such as a Sports & Social Club, on site gym, shops and restaurant
- Employee Assistance Programme to support your wellbeing
- Access to Diversity & Inclusion networks
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- Special Paid Leave for volunteering up to 6 days a year
- Ability to roll over up to 10 days annual leave per year
- Minimum of 15 Days Special Leave in a rolling 12-month period to for volunteer military or emergency service reserve commitments
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role and broader skill development, enabling you to build a long-term career in your chosen field.
- The civil service champions a variety of flexible working options
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Apply using the Civil Service Jobs apply button.
Stage 1: Fill in your first stage short application form where you will be required to fill in details of your eligibility including details of your nationality and contact details.
Stage 2: Complete the full application form which will include:
- Details of any qualifications and expected grades where appropriate,
- A personal statement (up to 1250 words) telling us why this apprenticeship programme is of interest to you, details of any hobbies or external interests which will support your application,
- Your behaviour (competency) statements (up to 250 words each). The STAR (Situation, Task, Action and Result) format is the preferred format
Please allow sufficient time to complete these details before the closing date. Use the Success Profiles link for information on format and style, ensure you provide evidence for each Behaviour requested within the application.
Stage 3: Following submission of your application, you will be invited to undertake an online essential skills test which is provided by our training provider and they will contact you providing the test information required. Your contact details (together with any reasonable adjustment documentation associated with candidates applying via Disability Confident Scheme) will be passed onto the training provider who have strict protocols in place around the handling of data.
Stage 4: Only on completion of stages (1-3) will your application be taken forward to the sifting stage.
Stage 5: Bench marking will take place as part of the sifting stage, with successfully sifted candidates (in merit order) being invited to a virtual interview. Interviews are anticipated to take place in May/June 2023
Please note that not following the appropriate format will mean that you may be unable to reach the required grades for sift and interview*
Successful candidates who are offered a place on the apprenticeship scheme are subject to acquiring satisfactory grades, references, security and health checks.
Please note that due to the sensitivity of the role we can only accept SOLE UK Nationals and you will also be expected to achieve Developed Vetting clearance, above the normal clearance level expected for the MoD. You’ll be required to provide proof of UK nationality as part of the pre-employment checks.
No applications can be accepted after the closing date.
There will be no reimbursement for any travel expenses (where incurred) for the interview.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team :
Further information
Applicants should monitor their Civil Service Jobs application centre regularly for updates.
Some of MoD’s Terms and Conditions of Service (TACOS) changed from 3 February 2014. Those TACOS changes applied to Broader Banded and Skill Zone staff who were new recruits to MoD or who were appointed to a post on substantive promotion, progression or advancement. On the same basis, the TACOS for Departmental Retained Grades changed with effect from 01 September 2014.
All employees joining MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a 6-month probation period (unless otherwise advised) effective from the employment start date.
Following the introduction of the new Government scheme Tax Free Childcare, the Childcare Voucher scheme has now closed to new entrants. Applicants should be aware that any move across the Civil Service on or after 5 October 2018 may have implications on an employee’s ability to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You can find out more about Tax Free Childcare at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Complaints
Please be aware that the selection and interviewing of applicants is the responsibility of the Recruiting Line Manager (RLM) and not the Defence Business Services (DBS) Resourcing team. DBS do not play any part in the selection and interview process.
Therefore if you are dissatisfied in any way with the selection process, you should raise a complaint in accordance with the guidance set out in the further information guidance document attached.
Cabinet Office Fraud Checks
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant whose details are found to be held on the IFD will be refused employment
Civil Service Recruitment Principles
Please see the link below for the civil service recruitment principles.
https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/recruitment/recruitment-principles/
To find out a bit more about what it’s like working for MOD, visit the Civil Service Careers Website
https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/departments/working-for-the-ministry-of-defence/
Please see the MOD Privacy Notice link below which describes how we will use your personal data, explains your rights and gives you information you are entitled to under Data Protection legislation.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ministry-of-defence-privacy-notice/mod-privacy-notice
