2026 Hardware Engineering Apprentice - Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Degree Apprenticeship

2026 Hardware Engineering Apprentice – Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Degree Apprenticeship

Thales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in‑flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the world’s largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

• Start Date: 07 September 2026
• Salary: £24,000 per annum
• Employee type: Permanent
• Location: Crawley
• Working Schedule: 37 hours a week, Monday Thursday 8 hours a day, Friday 5 hours (Flexible start time between 07:00 and 09:30)

Are you passionate about engineering? Do you have an inquisitive mind? Are you looking for an employer who will sponsor you through a Level 6 Apprenticeship, whilst providing valuable and exciting on-the-job experience within a global, innovative and industry-leading organisation? If so, read on to see what Thales has on offer.

What The Role Has To Offer

• Earn while you learn
• Job specific training experience
• Recognised qualifications
• Permanent role from day one
• Tuition fees for university or approved training providers are fully covered

This exciting Hardware Apprentice role will develop your skills by the designing and implementation of the engineering solutions in accordance with programme and product requirements. Typical tasks will range from requirements management via the design and development cycle, to test, integration and validation of complex products and systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement and test engineering solutions in accordance with Thales procedures
• Attendance at project reviews
• Creation of functional and physical system architectures
• Preparation of engineering specifications, interface control documents & test documentation
• Deliver tasks on time and to the required quality
• Work as a team-player asking for guidance and direction where necessary
• Develop knowledge and skills within the engineering discipline
• Effectively communicate engineering issues related to own tasks

Apprentice Programme

As a Hardware Engineering Apprentice you will be studying towards a BEng in Electro‑mechanical Engineering at the University of Nottingham. Delivered over 5 years via a blended learning model, your study will combine on campus taught lectures, with online and work-based learning. You can typically expect to study on campus for a minimum of 4 weeks per academic year, delivered in 1 week blocks. At the end of the programme, and following End Point Assessment, you will have achieved a (fully funded) accredited BEng in Electro‑mechanical Engineering, as well as a Level 6 Electro‑mechanical Degree Apprenticeship qualification.

Requirements

• 3 A Levels (BBB) including Mathematics (Citizenship Skills, General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted), or BTEC Extended Diploma in an engineering discipline at MMM or above or Level 3 apprenticeship in a relevant discipline, or an engineering T Level at Merit or above
• 5 GCSEs grade A-C (4-9) including English and Maths

Benefits

• 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
• Company Pension
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Life Insurance
• Discount Portal
• Performance-related pay uplifts
• 80 Hours Volunteering a year (first two years)

Please note, assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February – May 2026. Induction week for all Graduates and Apprentices will take place from Monday 7 September – Friday 11 September 2026.

Our applications will close at 11.59pm on Thursday 12 February 2026; this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. Please note, we will be in contact by the end of February 2026 with details of next steps.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ROLES MAY CLOSE EARLIER THAN THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE IF WE RECEIVE A HIGH NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, all of our roles are subject to security restrictions. All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK, and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and to obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements below, prior to starting with us. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. As part of the vetting process you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, eligibility to work in the UK, time spent abroad over the last 5 years, as well as employment and / or educational history.

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.

Great journeys start here, apply now!