At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Mechanical Engineering Higher Apprenticeship and work on innovative missile systems.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Fully funded qualification, paid travel, healthcare cash plan, and generous leave.
- Other info: Dynamic placements across various engineering functions with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while studying engineering and shape the future of defence technology.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, plus A levels or equivalent in Engineering.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
Due to the need to attend your MBDA site and the training provider as required for your apprenticeship, applicants need to ensure their home or rental location is appropriate, travel arrangements are manageable and travel time is minimised as required for your role.
The Qualification: You will complete an Engineering Manufacturing Technician (level 4) apprenticeship and study for an HNC in Engineering.
Security clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
What we can offer you:
- Fully funded qualification starting September 2027
- Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
- Annual pay reviews
- Healthcare Cash Plan: provides support with everyday health related costs – including medical, dental, optical, physio and health & wellbeing
- 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
- Study leave during exam periods
Programme structure - your work at MBDA: You’ll study onsite at Cambridge Regional College (Cambridge) one day per week. When not studying you’ll be working in the Mechanical Engineering function (ME) and can expect to be onsite at MBDA for the remainder of the working week. Our four year apprenticeship programme is designed to best prepare you for graduation into the Mechanical Engineering Function. ME is involved in all aspects of a product’s life-cycle; from early development and research, through to in service support. Completing this apprenticeship will provide you with the skills required to design, make, and test the next generation of missile system hardware.
This programme provides structured training on the use of industry standard engineering software packages such as Creo Parametric, Altair HyperMesh, and Ansys. You’ll be educated in key engineering design and analysis skills such as calculation of mass properties, limits and fits and understanding of material properties and selection process. You’ll gain exposure to the application of structural and dynamic analysis techniques learned during academic studies. You’ll also develop the skills required to work as part of a multi-functional project team, regularly collaborating with colleagues from Electronics, Environmental engineering and Manufacturing. This is a great opportunity to explore the breadth of the Mechanical Engineering discipline and to work with innovative technologies. It could lead to personal and professional progression to people management, where you could become a technical specialist, project manager, or beyond. You’ll join an accredited Mechanical Engineering scheme that has developed some of the top tier engineering apprentices in the UK! We’ll also help you in achieving Professional accreditation through the IMechE, IET or RAeS.
The placement rotations and experiences gained on this scheme have been tailored to provide the specific skills required to become an engineer within MBDA’s Mechanical Engineering Function.
- Mechanical Design
- Mechanical Analysis
- Materials and Processes
- Design Definition
- Office Configuration management
- Environmental Engineering & Facilities
- Industry Policy
- Supply Chain and Procurement
You will be both studying and applying scientific and mathematical based principles and practices during this apprenticeship and therefore it is suited to those who enjoy the practical application of the subjects.
What we’re looking for from you: This role has specific qualification and subject criteria so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria before applying otherwise your application will not be considered. If you are currently studying and predicted to meet these requirements by the start date you are welcome to apply.
GCSEs:
- GCSE Maths at Grade 5 minimum
- GCSE English Language at Grade 4 minimum
- An additional 3 GCSE's at Grade 4 minimum to include a Science or Technology subject
After GCSEs: Following your GCSE's you must have completed one of the following qualification routes:
- A level: Three A levels with a minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points, including A level Mathematics, with no individual grade below C.
- BTEC: A single Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at MMM or above, including a Distinction in Further Maths module.
- T level: T Level in Engineering with a minimum Merit grade.
Please note: We look at entry criteria based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications (BTEC/T Level). We do not include UCAS points gained from an Extended Project Qualification. Additionally, as an employer we set our own entry criteria based on the requirements of this role. This means that the criteria above may differ from the university.
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more... We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Apply: This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Friday 22nd January 2027 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.
Mechanical Engineering Higher Apprenticeship 2027 in Stevenage employer: MBDA France société par actions simplifiée
MBDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Stevenage where innovation and collaboration thrive. With competitive benefits such as a company bonus, generous pension contributions, and flexible working arrangements, employees are empowered to grow both personally and professionally. The inclusive culture fosters diversity and supports employee-led networks, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued.
Contact Details:
MBDA France société par actions simplifiée Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineering Higher Apprenticeship 2027 in Stevenage
✨Get Hands-On in the Field
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✨Utilise Engineering Competitions
Join engineering competitions or clubs at your university or in your community. These not only look great on your CV but can also connect you with companies looking to recruit apprentices, including MBDA France société par actions simplifiée.
✨Tap into University Career Services
If you're currently studying, make sure to hit up your university's career services. They often have connections with firms like MBDA France société par actions simplifiée who are on the lookout for eager apprentices. Take full advantage of their resources!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any projects you've worked on, whether for school or personal interest. A well-curated portfolio can impress potential employers like MBDA France société par actions simplifiée when you're stepping into the apprenticeship scene.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering Higher Apprenticeship 2027 in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:When applying for a mechanical engineering apprenticeship, highlight any relevant skills or hands-on experience you've got. If you've worked on projects related to design, CAD software, or any hands-on mechanical work, make sure to include that to show you're ready for the practical side of things!
Dive into Your Education:Apprenticeships value your learning potential, so don’t forget to mention your academic achievements, specifically in STEM subjects. Talk about any courses or certifications related to mechanical engineering you've taken and how they inspire you to grow in this field.
Personalise Your Cover Letter:This isn’t just any application—you want to grab attention! In your cover letter, weave in your passion for mechanical engineering. Share why you’re excited about potentially working with MBDA France société par actions simplifiée and how this apprenticeship aligns with your career goals. Let your enthusiasm shine through!
Highlight Teamwork & Problem-Solving:Mechanical engineering is all about collaboration and critical thinking. Include examples in your CV or cover letter where you’ve tackled a problem as a team, or solved a challenge in a project. This shows recruiters at MBDA France société par actions simplifiée that you're ready to contribute positively from day one.
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA France société par actions simplifiée
✨Show Off Your Practical Skills
As this is an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering, make sure you highlight any hands-on experience you have. Bring along examples of projects or tasks you've done, whether it's in school or outside. If you've got a portfolio of work or even some photos of your projects, that can really set you apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Brush up on the specific tools and techniques commonly used in mechanical engineering. Be prepared to discuss software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or simulation tools, as these might come up during technical questions. Understanding of basic engineering principles will also give you a solid foundation to impress your interviewers at MBDA France société par actions simplifiée.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
Apprenticeships are all about learning on the job. So, be ready to articulate why you want to pursue this path at MBDA France société par actions simplifiée. Share any relevant coursework or experiences that piqued your interest in mechanical engineering, and let your enthusiasm shine through!
✨Practice Problem-Solving on the Spot
You may face some situational or problem-solving questions during your interview, especially practical ones that mimic real-world engineering challenges. Practise how you'd approach such problems – think through your reasoning and how you would apply your knowledge practically. This shows you can think on your feet, which is key in mechanical engineering!
