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- Tasks: Join us as an Apprentice Engineer and dive into mechatronic engineering, blending mechanics, electronics, and software.
- Company: Thales UK delivers cutting-edge technology and services that enhance safety and improve lives globally.
- Benefits: Enjoy 201 hours of annual leave, a company pension, health care cash plan, and performance-related pay.
- Why this job: This apprenticeship offers hands-on experience, recognized qualifications, and a pathway to a degree in engineering.
- Qualifications: You need 64 UCAS points, including a STEM subject, and GCSEs in Maths and English at grade C or above.
- Other info: Applications close on February 16, 2025; assessment centers will be held from February to May 2025.
2025 Academy Engineer Apprentice – Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship – Mechatronic Engineering
Quintec. Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Location: Belfast, United Kingdom
Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air.
Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer.
2025 Academy Engineer Apprentice – Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship – Mechatronic Engineering
Start Date: 01 September 2025
Salary: £22,500 per annum
Employee type: Permanent
Location: Belfast
Working Schedule: Monday – Thursday 0800-1645, Friday 0800-1200 (flexible working available).
Are you passionate about engineering? Do you have an inquisitive mind? Do you want to be part of an Apprentice Programme that will develop and challenge you?
What The Role Has To Offer
- Earn while you learn
- Job specific training experience
- Recognised qualifications
- Permanent role from day one
Responsibilities
Mechatronic Engineering unites the principles of mechanics, electronics and software. It combines mechanical engineering, problem solving and design skills with expertise in digital electronics and computing systems to produce advanced products and systems through automation and the use of robotics.
Skills
Our exciting Apprentice Engineer roles will develop your mechatronic engineering skills to become a confident, positive and flexible engineer with well-honed technical knowledge. You will support the team to deliver solutions to deadline and budget. Example activities include:
- Creation of innovative design concepts for missile sub-systems and vehicle integration solutions using CREO
- Generation of detailed drawings for the manufacture of high precision-machined components
- Generation of assembly drawings of electro/optical/mechanical systems and sub-systems
- Interaction with stress, aerodynamics, manufacturing, procurement and supply base to ensure optimised, robust, cost effective designs
- Participate in and contribute to company continuous improvement projects
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplined agile environment
- Organisational skills with well-rounded communication and relationship building abilities
Apprentice Programme
You will be studying towards a Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship, Foundation Engineering Degree (FdEng) in Mechatronics with our partners at the South Eastern Regional College in Bangor. During the 3 year programme you will follow an initial rotation plan and then specialise in a particular engineering function.
You will be given 1 day per week to attend college lessons, lectures and tutorials. For the other 4 days you will be working in engineering departments, embedding your college learning in a real-life engineering environment.
On successful completion of the Higher Level Apprenticeship, there will be scope to progress onto the BEng in Mechatronic Engineering at Ulster University – joining in Year 2 of their programme.
Requirements
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are motivated, committed and keen to learn. You will be a self-starter, able to demonstrate time management skills, working on your own, using your initiative and have a genuine interest in Engineering and Thales.
Successful candidates will show self-discipline and an aspiration to achieve a degree qualification.
Entry Requirements
- 64 UCAS points (2 A-Levels to include a STEM subject or a Level 3 vocational qualification in Engineering)
- GCSE Mathematics Grade C or above
- GCSE English Language Grade C or above or Pass in Level 2 Essential Skills Literacy
Benefits
- 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
- Company Pension
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Life Insurance
- Discount Portal
- Performance-related pay uplifts
- 80 Hours Volunteering (first two years)
Please note: assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February and May 2025. Induction week for all Graduate and Apprentices will take place from Monday 01 September until Friday 05 September 2025.
Closing date
Our applications will close at 11.59pm on Sunday 16 February 2025 , this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year.
Recruitment Process
For further information on our Early Careers recruitment process or to speak to a member of the Early Careers Team or a Graduate or Apprentice, please visit Thales Future Talent – Connectr.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.
Great journeys start here, apply now!
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2025 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship - Mechatronic Engineering employer: Quintec
Contact Detail:
Quintec Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2025 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship - Mechatronic Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the principles of mechatronic engineering. Understanding how mechanics, electronics, and software work together will give you a solid foundation to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage in hands-on projects or workshops related to robotics or automation. This practical experience can set you apart and demonstrate your passion for engineering.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current apprentices or employees at Thales. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the assessment centre by practicing problem-solving scenarios relevant to engineering. Being able to showcase your critical thinking skills will help you stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace 2025 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship - Mechatronic Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the 2025 Academy Engineer Apprentice position. Understand the responsibilities and skills required, and think about how your experiences align with them.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experiences in engineering, particularly in mechatronics or related fields. Emphasize any projects or coursework that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for engineering and your eagerness to learn. Mention specific aspects of the apprenticeship program that excite you and how you can contribute to Thales.
Prepare for Assessment Centres: If shortlisted, be ready for assessment centres. Practice common interview questions and prepare to discuss your technical knowledge and teamwork experiences. Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn throughout the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Quintec
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for engineering during the interview. Share specific examples of projects or experiences that sparked your interest in mechatronics, and demonstrate how this passion aligns with Thales' mission.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss instances where you've successfully tackled engineering challenges. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing your ability to think critically and creatively.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication
Thales values collaboration, so be ready to talk about your experiences working in teams. Highlight your communication skills and how you've built relationships with peers or mentors in previous projects.
✨Research Thales and Its Projects
Familiarize yourself with Thales' work in defense and technology. Understanding their products and services will help you ask insightful questions and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
