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- Tasks: Join our Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship to design and test cutting-edge missile systems.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Earn £18,750 plus a £3,000 joining bonus, with paid travel and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in engineering while studying towards a Level 4 qualification.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4, including Maths and Science; 96 UCAS points required.
- Other info: Dynamic placements across various engineering functions with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 18750 - 18750 £ per year.
Overview
Mechanical Engineering Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship 2026
Salary: £18,750 plus a £3000 joining bonus
Work Location: MBDA Stevenage
Learning Provider Location: Cambridge Regional College, Cambridge Campus
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.
Closing date: MIDNIGHT ON 23 JANUARY 2026 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES)
What we can offer you
- Fully funded qualification starting September 2026
- Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
- Annual pay reviews
- 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
- Study leave during exam periods
The opportunity
Our four year apprenticeship programme is designed to best prepare you for graduation into the Mechanical Engineering (ME) 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.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join an accredited Mechanical Engineering scheme that has developed some of the top tier engineering apprentices in the UK!
Programme structure
You\’ll study towards a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, which includes a HNC qualification in Mechanical Engineering. This course is aligned with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
Throughout the 4 years, you will attend Cambridge Regional College for 1 day per week with the remaining time spent on work placements, typically lasting three to six months.
MBDA will assist 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. Placements may include:
- 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.
Find more details about the course here: https://www.camre.ac.uk/course/engineering-manufacturing-technician-level-4-apprenticeship-standard/APPEMT4S
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:
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4
This must include:
- English Language
- Mathematics – level 5 and above
- Any Science or Technology subject
After GCSEs:
After your GCSEs you must have completed one of the following and achieved 96 UCAS Tariff points:
- 3 x A levels at minimum grade C including Maths
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at a minimum grade of MMM, including a Distinction in Further Maths module.
- T-Level at Pass in an Engineering subject
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.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
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Mechanical Engineering Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship 2026 employer: MBDA UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
MBDA UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineering Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current apprentices or employees at MBDA through LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. This can give you insider knowledge and make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can talk confidently about engineering principles and how they apply to the role. We want to see your passion for mechanical engineering shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and reduce nerves on the big day. Remember, we’re looking for enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the MBDA team. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what the role entails and how your skills align with it. Highlight any specific qualifications or experiences that match what we're looking for!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Mechanical Engineering Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship. We love seeing how you can bring your unique background into our team.
Show Your Passion for Engineering: Let your enthusiasm for mechanical engineering shine through in your application. Share any projects, coursework, or experiences that demonstrate your interest and commitment to the field. We’re looking for candidates who are excited about the opportunity to learn and grow with us!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our official website. This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA UK Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the basics of mechanical engineering, especially topics related to design and analysis. Familiarise yourself with industry-standard software like Creo Parametric and Ansys, as these might come up in conversation.
✨Show Your Passion
Let your enthusiasm for engineering shine through! Talk about projects you've worked on or any relevant experiences that sparked your interest in the field. This will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely excited about the apprenticeship.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers. This shows you're engaged and interested in the role. You could ask about the types of projects you'll be working on or how the apprenticeship supports your professional development.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you get comfortable with common interview questions and improve your confidence. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing technical concepts.
