At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop software for cutting-edge defence systems while gaining a degree.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Earn £23,000 plus a £3,000 joining bonus, with paid travel and healthcare support.
- Other info: Dynamic placements across departments with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in defence technology while studying for a BSc degree.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grade 4+, plus A levels or equivalent in Maths and Science/Computing.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 23000 £ per year.
Salary: £23,000 plus a £3000 joining bonus
Duration: 4 years
Location: Bristol
Learning provider: University Centre Weston - Winter Gardens
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'll study for a Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship with a Software Engineer pathway. Your final award will be a BSc (Hons) Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions.
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:
The academic portion of this apprenticeship consists of one study day per week at the University. The remainder of your working week you'll be working in the Software Engineering function; depending on your placements you may be onsite at MBDA for the remainder of the working week. Some placements may offer more opportunity to work from home for a day a week.
The Software teams at MBDA deliver software for the next generation of weapons in an ever evolving environment - to support those on the battlefield. Our teams provide a range of products from high integrity software running on our weapon systems, to mission planning solutions integrated into a complex battle space arena. You'll be involved in all aspects of the software development lifecycle and we use numerous programming languages, software tools and software lifecycle methodologies to achieve this.
The Software team is part of a wider multinational function. This offers the team a unique opportunity to learn about different technologies and methods from other national teams. We develop and support a wide range of Software products, such as:
- Mission Planning and Control systems
- Command, Control and Firing Units
- Real Time components such as Weapons and Missile Control Units
- Test Systems
We are a strong cohesive team, which is interactive and passionate about software technologies and development. We have an open and encouraging approach to software development and are always seeking to improve the way we work and deliver our products. This provides a great learning environment for the apprentices on our programme.
Working closely with other teams and departments, you will work at various stages in the software development process, covering anything from embedded systems to front end software. This software will be developed on a range of platforms, including Linux and Windows, utilising languages including C, C++ and Java.
In years 1-3, you will undertake 6 x 6 month placements to give you visibility to each of the departments within Software and expose you to different technologies and development methodologies. In your final year, you will take on a 12 month placement in the department of your choosing, which will run alongside your final year project. As you progress towards your final year on the scheme, we’ll work with you to understand your skills and career ambitions, so that together we can explore the technical career paths available, once your apprenticeship is complete.
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 expect to meet these requirements by the start date you are welcome to apply.
GCSEs:
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs at minimum grade 4. This must include:
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Any Science or Technology subject
After GCSEs:
Following your GCSE's you must have completed one of the following qualification routes, equivalent to a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points:
- A levels: Three A levels totalling 120 UCAS Tariff points, including A level Mathematics and either a Science OR Computing/Computer Science subject, with no individual grade below C.
- T level: T Level in Engineering or Computing with a minimum Merit grade. Students from this pathway will need to complete and pass a Maths entry exam prior to starting this apprenticeship.
- BTEC: A single Level 3 Extended Diploma in Maths, Science, IT OR Engineering at a minimum grade of DDM. Those applying with a Science, IT or Engineering subject must provide evidence of completing a Further Maths module.
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.
Software Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship employer: MBDA
MBDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive benefits such as a generous bonus scheme, flexible working arrangements, and enhanced parental leave, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects that defend our freedom. Located in the UK, MBDA fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, empowering its workforce through various employee-led networks and opportunities for continuous development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
✨Get Your Tech Game On
Diving into coding communities like GitHub or Stack Overflow is a must! Contribute to open-source projects or join local coding meetups in your area. This not only boosts your skills but also shows potential employers, like MBDA, that you’re genuinely passionate about software development.
✨Connect with Apprenticeship Networks
Look for apprenticeship-focused platforms or community groups where you can connect with current apprentices and mentors. These networks can often provide insider tips on upcoming openings and help you gain a better idea of what companies like MBDA look for in a candidate.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Build a portfolio that showcases any projects or code you've worked on, even if they're just personal projects or coursework. Employers love to see hands-on experience, so having a well-organised GitHub repository to share when you apply can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Leverage University Resources
If you’re still studying, make sure to use your university’s career services. They often have partnerships with companies like MBDA and can help you find relevant apprenticeship opportunities or even connect you with alumni who’ve successfully landed similar roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Coding Skills:Don’t forget to highlight any coding projects or contributions you’ve made, whether they're personal, school-related, or open source. Including links to your GitHub or any code repositories can really showcase your hands-on experience and enthusiasm for software development.
Tailor Your CV for Tech:When preparing your CV, make sure you highlight relevant skills such as programming languages (like Python, Java, or JavaScript) and frameworks you’ve worked with. Also, be sure to include any academic accomplishments, courses, or certifications that relate to software engineering—these catch our eye!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:When applying for an apprenticeship, your motivation and eagerness to learn are super important. In your cover letter, share what excites you about software engineering and why you want to join MBDA. Don’t hesitate to mention what you hope to gain from this apprenticeship experience.
Link to Your Portfolio:If you’ve got a portfolio that showcases your projects—be it apps, websites, or any software you've developed—make sure to include it in your application. This gives us a clear idea of your abilities and creativity. Plus, feel free to list your availability and any specific areas you want to explore during your apprenticeship with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Show Off Your Coding Skills
During the interview for a software engineering apprenticeship at MBDA, you'll likely face some technical questions or coding challenges. Brush up on your coding skills, and be prepared to explain your thought process as you solve problems. Practising with platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank could give you a leg up!
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity
As an apprentice, they're looking for your potential and enthusiasm to learn. Be ready to discuss any projects you’ve worked on, whether they're school assignments or personal side projects. Show how you tackled challenges and what you learned from them; it’ll highlight your eagerness to grow in this field.
✨Understand the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with tools commonly used in software development, such as version control systems like Git, frameworks relevant to the role, or project management tools. Knowing your way around these tools will show that you’re not just a coding whiz but also ready to jump into real-world projects at MBDA.
✨Prepare for Soft Skills Questions
While technical skills are vital, soft skills matter too, especially in a collaboration-heavy environment like software engineering. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked in teams, resolved conflicts, or adapted to feedback. They want to know you can fit into the MBDA culture and work well with others!
