Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship - Level 6 Digital And Technology Solutions - Crawley
Thales · South East · RH10 9HA
About the role
Turn your curiosity into a career with our Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship! 🚀 Are you passionate about engineering, ready to dive in and learn, and looking for a way to combine academic study with real-world experience? We'd love to hear from you!
What's in it for you? ✨
- Earn while you learn: Get paid a competitive salary of £24,000 per annum while you work towards your degree. 💸
- Real-world experience: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic engineering environment. 🛠️
- Develop your skills: Receive expert job-specific training and development. 📚
- Get qualified: Achieve a recognised Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship with Exeter University. 🎓
- Secure your future: Start in a permanent role from day one of your apprenticeship. 🤝
- University covered: Your tuition fees are fully paid! 💯
- Awesome perks: Enjoy performance-related pay, generous holiday entitlement (201 hours + company day + bank holidays), a contributory pension, health care cash plan, hybrid/flexible working options, employee assistance programmes, learning and development support, employee discounts, wellbeing initiatives, life cover, and 80 hours of volunteering time per year (first two years). 🎉
About the Role 💻
As a Software Engineering Apprentice, you'll build the technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours to become a confident and capable engineer. You'll be part of our Software Engineering team, helping to deliver awesome software solutions and ensuring projects hit their deadlines and budgets. Your responsibilities might include:
- Getting hands-on with programming in industry-standard languages like C++ and Java. ⌨️
- Working in a collaborative, agile environment alongside experienced engineers. 🤝
- Using business management tools for requirements and formal documentation. 📊
- Exploring new tools and infrastructure for the engineering environment. 🚀
- Developing secure, quality software that meets timelines and budgets. ✅
- Applying your domain knowledge and maths skills to create real-world solutions across exciting industries like aerospace, underwater systems, software-defined radio, and electronic countermeasures (depending on your area). 🌌
- Developing creative and bespoke software solutions. 💡
- Sharpening your organisational and communication skills to build strong relationships. 🗣️
- Exploring Digital Technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. 🤖📊
What You Will Learn 🧠
Over the apprenticeship, you'll gain experience and knowledge in:
- Professional engineering behaviours and industry best practices. ✅
- Understanding and working with complex engineering systems. ⚙️
- Different engineering roles and activities on live projects. 🌐
- The Software Lifecycle and key engineering processes. 🔄
- Requirements capture, management, and system design techniques. 📝
- Software Engineering tools and practices. 🛠️
- Testing, integration, and verification activities. 🧪
- Structured and methodical approaches to problem-solving. 🤔
Your Degree Apprenticeship Programme 🎓
You'll be studying towards a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship with Exeter University, focusing on the Software Engineer pathway. This 3.5-year programme kicks off with two years exploring a broad range of digital disciplines – including data, computer security, software development, networks, programming, and AI. Year three dives deep into Software Engineering principles and practices, culminating in a work-based Synoptic Project and your End Point Assessment. On completion, you'll snag a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions AND your Level 6 Apprenticeship qualification. The learning is a cool mix of on-campus teaching (approx. 22 days total), weekly distance learning during term time, online workshops, and guided self-study. It's all about blending university knowledge with practical workplace experience. 🌍📚
Entry Requirements 📝
To apply, you'll need:
- Three A Levels at Grade B or above OR
- BTEC Extended Diploma (DDM) OR
- T Level (Merit) OR
- Level 4 Digital Apprenticeship (as defined by Skills England)
- A minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above, including English Language and Mathematics.
*Please note: If you already hold a relevant degree (like Software Engineering or Computer Science), you won't be eligible for this programme.*
Ready to Apply? 🚀
1. Apply Online: Register your interest at [Link to application] (you only need to register for one role initially!).
2. Upload CV: Don't forget to upload your CV.
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 apply for your primary role and up to 3 additional ones.
5. Online Tests: Complete assessments to show us your skills.
6. Virtual Assessment Centre: If you pass the tests, you'll join a virtual assessment centre with group exercises and interviews.
7. Job Offer: Successful candidates will receive a job offer from Thales!
For more on our Future Talent recruitment process, visit Thales Future Talent - Connectr.
Important Dates:
- Assessment Centres: February - May 2027
- Induction Week: Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2027
- Application Closing Date: 11:59pm on Wednesday 17 February 2027. *Don't wait! Roles can close early if we get lots of applications.* ⏳
Security Requirements: Due to the nature of our work, all roles require you to have the permanent right to work in the UK and successfully complete UK Government security checks (BPSS and SC clearance). This typically means living in the UK for the last five years. More details on vetting will be provided.
About Thales: We're an equal opportunities employer, and diversity and inclusion are core to our success.
How to Apply: Click the "Apply" button to get started! Remember to apply early to avoid disappointment. 🌟
Key responsibilities
- Support the delivery of software solutions, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Develop secure, quality software solutions that adhere to timescale and budget.
- Collaborate within a multi-disciplined agile environment alongside experienced engineers.
- Manage requirements and formal documentation using business management tools.
- Apply domain specific knowledge and mathematics skills to model and develop real-world solutions.