Armed Forces commitment
At Babcock, we stand side by side with the armed forces. From nuclear submarines beneath the waves, to the latest land vehicle technology, to secure communications in space; we enable them to fulfil their duty – making their mission, our mission.
We signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2013 and are committed to the Total Support Force concept, helping our armed forces to deliver flexible solutions around the world.
That’s why we’re a major employer of service leavers and reservists through our active recruitment approach, and why we were awarded a Gold Award in the Ministry of Defence’s Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme 2015.
Babcock and recruitment
Our career opportunities are open to all members of the armed forces community, and we take huge pride in that in the UK alone over a 1,000 people from this group have started a new career with us since 2023 . We estimate that 16% of our total workforce of c.26,000 have some connection to the armed forces, whether as a service leaver, veteran, reservist, or as a member of a force’s family.
In 2024 we were the winners of the ‘Best Employer’ award at the British Ex Forces in Business Awards and were ranked third in the Top 50 of Great British Employers of Veterans.
If you are a service leaver then we guarantee you an interview, as long as you meet the minimum requirements for the role. The other things that set us apart are:
Your mission is our mission:
Around 74% of our work is directed towards supporting the operational and military environment of the UK’s armed forces and its allies. We know that you understand our customers because you are our customers. If you’re looking to move away from defence then we also do important engineering and support work in civil markets too.
We are where you are:
As a critical partner to the armed forces, we’re often found at the naval, army and RAF bases you are (or were) located at. We also have offices, facilities, and client sites across the UK and beyond.
Cultural fit:
With up to 16% of our workforce being ex-military or having a military connection, you’ll never be far from people who have shared similar experiences. Many of our service leavers who have joined us remark that the cultural change in joining Babcock is not a steep one.
“There are a lot of former Royal Navy personnel working in Devonport, and with a submarine/warship background that would be expected. But there are also quite a few former members of the Army too, and it’s good to be working around other former service personnel – the work ethic is similar, and the sense of humour certainly is too!”
Brandon – Former Major, Royal Artillery
“I had been interviewed by other companies during my resettlement period but I joined Babcock as it simply had a better ‘feel’. I’ve had no regrets so far, working in the Corporate Services team means I can apply my previous experience to help benefit our employees. I’ve enjoyed the work and the community within Babcock is supportive and open to new initiatives, which is hugely important to me.”
Georgina – Former Flight Sergeant, Royal Air Force
“I’m working as a Technical Trainer and as part of my job within the Royal Marines I had used some of the equipment in ‘the field’ so I could relate to real situations. Students feel reassured knowing you have used kit yourself in austere environments and not just in the classroom. My experience has also helped me to understand the customer’s needs when teaching and delivering courses.”
Steve – Former Sgt, Royal Marines
What you could be doing
We hire thousands of people every year. Below is a list of some of our most commonly recruited roles and disciplines across the business. This is not an exhaustive list – you can see all currently available roles in our job search.
Job searchEngineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Asset Management
- Chemical and Process Engineering
- Civil and Structural Engineering and Architecture
- Commissioning
- Configuration Management
- Digital Engineering
- Electrical, Control and Instrumentation Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Engineering Executive Leadership
- Engineering Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Naval Architecture
- Safety Engineering
- Software Engineering
- Supportability Engineering
- Systems Engineering
Skilled Trades
- Driving
- Electrical Fitter
- Electrician
- Fabricator
- Mechanical Fitter
- Pipe Fitter
- Plater
- Rigger
- Slinger / Crane Operator / Crane Supervisor / Appointed Person
- Trades Supervisor
- Vehicle Mechanic
- Welder
Corporate Functions & Support
- Finance
- HR
- Facilities Management & Maintenance
- IT
- Supply Chain & Logistics
- Administration
- Health, Safety & Environmental
- Buying & Procurement
Project Management
- Assistant Project Manager
- Project Manager
- Project Planner
- Project Engineer
- Commercial Manager
- Programme Manager
Training & Education
- Trainer
- Functional Skills Trainer
- Assessor
Reservists
We celebrate reservists and the incredible work they do protecting our national security and in creating a safe and secure world.
Many of our employees play an important role as reservists and dedicate their time to providing the armed forces with essential support wherever and whenever it’s needed.
Due to our longstanding relationship with the armed forces, we not only understand how important it is that we support and enable our employees in their roles as reservists, but also the value of the skills and experience our reservist employees bring to their roles at Babcock.
That’s why we support reservists with up to 10 days special paid leave to cover Reserve duties so our employees don’t have to use their annual leave each year. We’ll also work with you to ensure you can actively fulfil your role as a reservist.
“We are a major employer of reservists. We see it not as a burden, but as a fantastic way of both supporting the armed forces and a way of getting insights into what the people we ultimately support, think and feel and experience. So it’s a great two way opportunity, and something we’re really proud to do.”
David Lockwood, CEO
“Babcock helps me in my reservist role not just through extra leave for my annual training requirements but also when I need to mobilise. This year I was mobilised to NATO operations on quite short notice but the business was very supportive of this.”
Phil – Project Quality Technician at Babcock and Sub Lieutenant Amphibious Warfare Officer in the Royal Navy Reserves
“Although I’m still very early in my reservist career, I can recognise the skills that I am going to gain through training as an officer. I get the best of both worlds and maintain a work life balance between my career in Babcock and fulfilling my role as a reservist.”
Emily – Mechanical Engineering Apprentice in Babcock and Officer Cadet in the Royal Naval Reserves
Babcock’s Forces Community Network
Babcock’s Forces Community Network (BFCN) is for all those who have served in any capacity (past or present), their families and dependants.
The BFCN plays an important role in helping our people know they are not alone, and supporting them so they feel part of the Babcock family – providing advice, support and sharing about their experiences in an understanding environment.
- Identify topics for events and activities of interest or benefit to network members
- Raise awareness of the challenges faced by BFCN members and Babcock policies that support them
- Contribute and consult on matters that may affect BFCN members in Babcock
- Work with Babcock to ensure we maintain our commitments under the Armed Forces Covenant
- Signpost to internal and external sources of support
Our Global Chair, Glenn says:
“Having left the British Army 16 years ago, I know that adjusting to civilian life can be difficult especially when embarking on a new career. With our work so intrinsically linked with militaries across the world it is vital we support those who have served, still serve and their families so they feel part of the Babcock family.
“We are proud to be actively supporting service leavers joining Babcock at various stages of resettlement, which currently includes everyone from Junior Naval Ratings on medical discharge to Senior Army Officers finishing distinguished careers – and sharing information to members on topics ranging from local hobbies and pastimes, to supporting parents with concerns over their child’s first deployment.”
The network is free and can be joined as soon as you start with Babcock.
