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- Tasks: Join a four-year Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship, designing and testing missile system hardware.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: £18,750 salary, £3,000 joining bonus, paid travel, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience with innovative technologies and advance your engineering career.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 including Maths, plus 96 UCAS points from A-Levels or equivalent.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with diverse employee networks and excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Mechanical Engineering Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
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 for this role is midnight on Friday 24th January.
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.
What we're looking for from you:
- 5 x GCSES at Grade 4-9. Must include Maths at Grade 5 or above as well as English Language, Science or Technology
- 96 UCAS Points achieved through: 3 A-Levels including Maths at Grade C or above, Full T level qualification at Pass, Engineering BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at grade MMM including Further Maths Module at Merit or Distinction (OR a Foundation Year)
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.
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:
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.
What we can offer you:
- Fully funded qualification starting September 2025
- 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
We respect new perspectives and experiences, and we value our collaborative ways of working. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential. MBDA is proud of our employee-led networks including Gender Equality, Pride, Neurodiversity, Ethnic Diversity, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers and Armed Forces.
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.
Mechanical Engineering Higher Apprenticeship 2025 in Stevenage employer: MBDA
Contact Detail:
MBDA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical Engineering Higher Apprenticeship 2025 in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research MBDA and understand their values, projects, and culture. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to mechanical engineering and your experiences. Mock interviews with friends or family can help you feel more confident and articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity. Don’t forget to follow up after applying; a little persistence can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering Higher Apprenticeship 2025 in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Mechanical Engineering Higher Apprenticeship. We want to see your passion for engineering, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects or coursework!
Show Off Your Qualifications: Double-check that you meet the entry criteria before applying. List your GCSEs and A-Levels clearly, especially focusing on Maths and any engineering-related subjects. We need to see that you’ve got the academic chops for this role!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the apprenticeship there.
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering principles and the specific software mentioned in the job description, like Creo Parametric and Ansys. Being able to discuss these tools and how you've used similar ones in your studies or projects will show your genuine interest and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Since this apprenticeship involves working in multi-functional teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past. Highlight any group projects or experiences where you contributed to a team effort, especially in engineering contexts.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme and MBDA's projects. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals. For instance, ask about the types of projects you'll be involved in or how the training is structured.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. MBDA values diversity and unique perspectives, so being authentic can help you stand out. Share your passion for engineering and what excites you about this opportunity!