At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team and gain hands-on experience in mechanical engineering.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Earn £23,000 plus a £3,000 joining bonus, with paid travel and healthcare support.
- Other info: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, study leave, and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Get a fully funded degree while working on real-world engineering projects.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grade 4+, plus A Levels or equivalent in Maths and Physics.
The predicted salary is between 23000 - 23000 £ per year.
Salary: £23,000 plus a £3000 joining bonus
Duration: 4 years
Work location: Stevenage
Learning provider: University of Hertfordshire
Due to the location of the site and learning providers, applicants are encouraged to consider their home or rental location to ensure travel arrangements are manageable and travel time is minimised.
The qualification: You'll study for a Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, which maps to the Product design and development engineer apprenticeship standard. Your final award will be a BEng (Hons) Mechanical 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.
This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Friday 20th November 2026 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.
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 University one day a week (with occasional virtual learning sessions); the rest of your working week will be in your home function with MBDA and you'll be putting into practice everything you’re learning in a real life environment, via placements tailored to the stream you'll be joining. There are four streams within the Mechanical Degree Apprenticeship that you may join. During the recruitment process we will assess which role you are best suited for.
- Integration and Missile Validation: Get hands on experience preparing and supporting live missile trials across different testing environments. Learn about instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition and test equipment. Support trials, record and analyse data, and contribute to trial reports and engineering reviews. Work alongside experienced engineers to understand how testing helps prove, validate and improve complex systems.
- Engineering support: Gain experience in how engineering products are supported throughout their entire lifecycle, from development through to in-service use. Explore placements across areas including Supportability, In-service teams, Support Services, Human factors, Field support and Technical publications. Learn how engineers help customers keep complex systems available, reliable and effective. Develop an understanding of the wider engineering roles involved beyond the initial design and manufacture of a product.
- Environmental Engineering: Test advanced products in extreme mechanical and climatic conditions to make sure they can operate safely and reliably. Experience simulating real world mechanical and climatic environments ranging from extreme cold and heat to vibration, shock, humidity and low pressure. Gain experience across placements in mechanical and climatic testing, structural testing, trials, data analysis and facilities. Use specialist equipment and facilities while applying your university learning to real engineering challenges.
- Mechanical Engineering: Explore the full mechanical engineering lifecycle, from design and simulation through to manufacture, assembly and testing. Gain experience across placements such as Mechanical Design, Future Concepts, Actuation, Analysis, Materials and Environmental Engineering. Develop critical skills alongside academic knowledge, using industry-standard tools such as Creo, Altair, Hypermesh and Ansys. Work on increasingly complex projects as your skills and confidence grow.
Regardless of the route you take, you'll benefit from a rotational programme that exposes you to the entire product lifecycle. You'll collaborate with a wide range of engineering functions and specialist teams; all while being supported by experienced colleagues.
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 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 with no individual grade below B, which must include Maths AND Physics or a Technology or Engineering subject.
- BTECs: A single Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at a minimum grade of DDM, including a distinction in a Further Maths module.
The learning provider is not able to support T level qualifications for this apprenticeship. 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.
Advert end date: 23 January 2027
Mechanical Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Stevenage 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 Mechanical Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Stevenage
✨Get Hands-On at Local Workshops
Don’t miss out on local engineering workshops and hackathons! They’re a brilliant way to learn something new, meet fellow aspiring engineers, and often, company reps will be scouting for fresh talent. Plus, you can mention your hands-on experiences at these events during your interviews!
✨Join Engineering Societies and Clubs
Get involved with engineering societies at your school or in your area. These communities often host talks, networking events, and even competitions, which can open doors to apprenticeship opportunities. Plus, chatting with industry professionals is never a bad idea!
✨Show Off Your Passion Online
Consider starting a blog or a social media account where you can share your engineering projects, ideas, and learnings. This not only demonstrates your passion but also your initiative. Share the link on your application to really showcase who you are!
✨Don’t Wait, Apply Early!
Apprenticeships often have early application windows, so keep an eye on MBDA’s website and get your applications in as soon as you can. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to secure an interview and land that coveted position!
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical Engineering Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for an engineering apprenticeship at MBDA, make sure to highlight any relevant technical skills and subjects you've excelled in. Include specific projects or coursework that demonstrate your understanding of engineering principles—anything from physics projects to CAD designs can really make your application stand out!
Include Your Learning Experience:Since this is an apprenticeship, we want to see how keen you are to learn. In your cover letter, talk about what you hope to gain from this opportunity at MBDA and how it aligns with your career goals. Don’t be shy—express your enthusiasm for getting hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV for Engineering:Make sure your CV reflects your passion for engineering. List relevant coursework, skills, and any hands-on experiences like workshops or engineering clubs. Feel free to use a clear and structured layout so it's easy for the hiring team at MBDA to see your qualifications at a glance.
Keep it Visual—If Possible!:If you've worked on any engineering projects, consider including visual elements in your application—like pictures, graphs or even a small portfolio link. This isn’t mandatory, but visuals can help us appreciate your work and problem-solving skills more effectively!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Showcase Your Passion for Engineering
Since you're applying for an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for engineering. Be ready to talk about any projects you've done, be it in school or in your spare time, as this shows your commitment and eagerness to learn on the job at MBDA.
✨Get Hands-On with Technical Questions
Expect some technical queries related to basic engineering principles. Brush up on subjects you’ve covered in your studies, such as materials science or thermodynamics. They might throw a scenario your way to gauge how you would approach solving a problem—don't be afraid to think aloud!
✨Demonstrate Your Teamwork Skills
Apprenticeships often require working in teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked with others in school or during any group projects. Share specific examples that reflect your ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, as this is highly valued in engineering roles at MBDA.
✨Ask About Learning Opportunities
Make sure to prepare some questions about the apprenticeship itself, like how training will be structured or the types of projects you'll tackle. Showing curiosity about your growth will impress the interviewers at MBDA, demonstrating that you're ready to dive into the learning experience.
