Level 6 Hardware Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
Thales · South East · RH10 9HA
About the role
Turn your curiosity into a career! 🚀
Are you passionate about engineering, eager to learn, and looking for a degree apprenticeship that blends academic study with hands-on experience? If so, we want to hear from you! We're searching for an apprentice to join our Hardware Engineering team while you complete an Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. This is your chance to grow and level up your skills! 🛠️
What's in it for you?
- Earn a salary while you study 💰
- Get real-world, hands-on engineering experience 💪
- Receive specialised job training and development 📚
- Earn a recognised engineering qualification 🎓
- Secure a permanent role from day one of your apprenticeship 🤝
- University tuition fees fully paid for! 💯
About the Role:
This exciting Hardware Apprentice role is all about designing and implementing engineering solutions that meet program and product needs. You'll dive into everything from managing requirements to testing and validating complex products and systems throughout the design and development cycle. 💡
Your Mission:
- Design, implement, and test engineering solutions following Thales' procedures. ✅
- Participate in project reviews. 🗣️
- Create functional and physical system architectures. 🏗️
- Prepare engineering specifications, interface control documents, and test documentation. ✍️
- Deliver tasks on time and to the highest quality. ⏰
- Be a team player, asking for guidance when needed. 🧑🤝🧑
- Develop your knowledge and skills in engineering. 🧠
- Effectively communicate engineering challenges related to your work. 📢
- And so much more!
With our degree apprenticeship, you'll make the most of your talents and understand engineering from the ground up, with support from one of the biggest names in the industry. We're looking for motivated, committed individuals who are keen to learn. If you're a self-starter who can manage your time, show initiative, and have a genuine passion for engineering and Thales, we’d love to meet you! You'll need self-discipline and a drive to achieve your degree. 🌟
The Apprenticeship Programme:
Work towards a Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Nottingham, gaining invaluable hands-on experience. This 5.5-year program combines:
- On-campus learning 🏫
- Online study 💻
- Practical, work-based learning 🏢
You'll typically attend university for around four weeks each year, in one-week blocks. Throughout the program, you’ll boost both your technical knowledge and practical engineering skills. Upon successful completion and End Point Assessment, you'll earn:
- A fully funded BEng (Hons) in Electro-Mechanical Engineering. 🎓
- A Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship qualification.
This program is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, setting you up for potential Chartered Engineer status later in your career.
Entry Requirements:
- 3 A Levels (BBB), including Mathematics (Citizenship Skills, General Studies, and Critical Thinking are not accepted). Alternative Level 3 qualifications are considered, subject to passing a Maths assessment. This includes Engineering and Manufacturing T Level (Merit), BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering (MMD), or a preceding engineering apprenticeship.
- 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A-C), including English and Maths.
- Applicants who already hold a relevant degree are not eligible.
Benefits:
- Competitive starting salary of £24,000 per annum. 🤑
- Performance-related pay uplifts. ✨
- 201 hours of holiday entitlement per year, plus a company day and bank holidays. 🌴
- Contributory Company Pension. 📈
- Health Care Cash Plan. ⚕️
- Hybrid/flexible working options. 🏡
- Employee Assistance Programme. 🤗
- Learning and development support. 💡
- Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives. 🎉
- Life Cover. 🛡️
- 80 Hours Volunteering per year (first two years). 🌍
Our Recruitment Process:
1. Apply Online: Register your interest via our website. You can apply for additional roles at the full application stage. 🌐
2. Upload Your CV: Make sure your CV is up-to-date! 📄
3. Check Your Emails: Look out for an invitation to apply from recruiting@jobalerts.thalesgroup.com. 📧
4. Complete Your Application: Follow the link in the email to submit your full application. You can apply for one primary role and up to 3 additional roles. ✍️
5. Online Tests: Complete assessments to evaluate your suitability. 🧠
6. Virtual Assessment Centre: If you progress, you'll attend a virtual assessment centre with group exercises and interviews. 💻
7. Job Offer: Successful candidates will receive a job offer from Thales! 🎉
For more info on our Future Talent recruitment, tips, and to connect with our team, visit Thales Future Talent - Connectr.
Important Dates:
- Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates: February - May 2027.
- Induction week (Graduate & Apprentices): Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2027.
- Applications close: 11:59 pm on Wednesday 17 February 2027. This is the only application window this year. We'll be in touch by the end of February 2027 with next steps.
🚨 Heads up: Roles may close earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high volume of applications. Apply ASAP to avoid missing out!
Security Requirements:
All roles require security clearance. You must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to successfully complete and maintain UK Government security checks (BPSS and SC clearance). To be eligible for SC clearance, you typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years. You'll be asked for evidence of identity, right to work, time spent overseas, and employment/education history. 🇬🇧
About Thales:
Thales is an equal opportunities employer. Diversity and inclusion are key to our success.
How to Apply:
Click the "Apply" button to find out more and submit your application. Remember, applications may close before the deadline, so apply early! 👍
Key responsibilities
- Design, implement and test engineering solutions in accordance with Thales procedures
- Attendance at project reviews
- Creation of functional and physical system architectures
- Preparation of engineering specifications, interface control documents & test documentation
- Deliver tasks on time and to the required quality