Academy Engineer - Mechatronic Engineering Higher Apprenticeship

About the role

Turn your curiosity into a career with our Mechatronics Apprenticeship! 🚀 If you're stoked about engineering, eager to dive into learning, and looking for an apprenticeship that blends epic on-the-job experience with serious academic study, we want to hear from you! This program lets you explore all sorts of engineering cool stuff before you lock in your specialized path. 💡

Perks of the program:

💰 Earn while you learn – get paid to study!

🛠️ Get hands-on experience in a real engineering world.

📈 Receive specialized training and development for your career.

🎓 Earn a recognized engineering qualification.

📚 Tuition fees covered by us for approved training providers.

🤝 Secure a permanent role from day one!

About the Gig:

As an Engineering Apprentice, you'll be building legit mechatronic engineering skills, growing into a confident, positive, and flexible engineer. You'll develop a solid technical foundation and tackle challenging engineering problems with an awesome team. 🤖 Mechatronics is where mechanical engineering, electronics, and software collide – you'll learn how to design, create solutions, and make tech work automatically. You'll help deliver solutions that hit deadlines, quality expectations, and budgets, learning how good engineering decisions are made by balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability while collaborating across the business.

How this helps you level up:

💪 Build practical, transferable engineering skills – learn how designs become reality.

🧠 Become a problem-solving pro – work with guidance and learn to break down challenges.

🔬 Understand engineering decision-making – see how cost, quality, and performance trade-offs work.

🤝 Learn through teamwork – collaborate with diverse teams and build professional communication skills.

What you'll be learning:

🌐 How our business operates, especially in Engineering (software, hardware, systems).

🔗 How engineering and the wider business connect – get exposure to different functions.

🧠 Learn from the best – work with key stakeholders and experienced experts.

⭐ Build your network – join a community of future talent (apprentices, grads, interns).

🔄 Grow through rotations – develop through a pathway with internal programs for the right experience.

Apprenticeship Program Deets:

You'll be studying for a Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship, Foundation Engineering Degree (FdEng) in Mechatronics with our partners at the South Eastern Regional College in Bangor. Over 3 years, you'll rotate through different areas before specializing. 📚 One day a week is for college, the other four are spent working in engineering departments, putting your learning into action. 🚀 Upon successful completion, you can potentially progress to a BEng in Mechatronic Engineering at Ulster University.

Entry Requirements:

✅ 56 UCAS tariff points, including A Levels (CC) in subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Design & Technology, Engineering, Electronics, or Double Award Science/Applied Science.

✅ OR BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering (MPP) or Diploma in Engineering (MM).

✅ 5 GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A-C) including English and Maths.

We're looking for motivated, committed individuals who are keen learners and self-starters. You'll need good time management skills, initiative, and a genuine interest in Engineering and Thales. Show us your self-discipline and ambition to earn a degree! ✨

Important Notes:

• Due to funding rules, those with an existing relevant degree are not eligible. 🙅‍♀️
• This opportunity is in Belfast and is open to all Northern Ireland residents. 🇮🇪

Benefits Breakdown:

💸 Competitive salary: £24,000 per year.

📈 Performance-related pay uplifts.

🏖️ Holiday entitlement: 201 hours per year (plus company day and bank holidays).

📈 Contributory Company Pension.

🏥 Health Care Cash Plan.

🏠 Hybrid/flexible working options.

🤝 Employee assistance program.

🚀 Learning and development support.

🛍️ Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives.

🛡️ Life Cover.

🎁 80 Hours Volunteering per year (first two years).

About Thales:

Thales is an equal opportunities employer. Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. 🌍

Ready to Apply?

1. Apply Online: Register your interest! You only need to sign up for one role initially. ✍️

2. Upload Your CV.

3. Check Your Emails: Look for an invite from recruiting@jobalerts.thalesgroup.com. 📧

4. Complete Your Application: Follow the link to apply for your primary role and up to 3 additional ones.

5. Online Tests: Ace the assessments! 💯

6. Virtual Assessment Centre: Group exercises and competency-based interviews.

7. Job Offer: Successful candidates get an offer from Thales! 🎉

For more info on our Future Talent process, visit Thales Future Talent - Connectr.

Assessment centres: February - May 2027. Induction week: September 2027.

Applications close: 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 17 February 2027. *Apply ASAP as roles may close early!* ⏳

Due to the nature of our work, all roles require security clearance (BPSS and SC). You'll typically need to have lived in the UK for the last five years. More details on eligibility and the vetting process will be provided.

To apply and learn more, click the apply button. Don't delay – apply early! 🚀

Key responsibilities

• Learning and building real mechatronic engineering skills
• Helping the team deliver solutions to meet deadlines, quality expectations, and budget
• Working on challenging engineering problems as part of a supportive team
• Attending college lessons, lectures, and tutorials one day per week
• Working in engineering departments to embed college learning in a real-life environment

Skills