2026 Project Planning and Controls Apprentice - Level 4 Project Management Associate

2026 Project Planning and Controls Apprentice – Level 4 Project Management Associate Apprenticeship

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning, to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short‑range systems, to extended protection across the entire battle‑space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar. 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: Belfast
Working schedule: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8.25 hours Monday‑Thursday, 4 hours Friday)

Are you looking for an employer who will sponsor you through your qualifications, 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 apprenticeship will give you the skills and knowledge to be an effective Project Planning and Controls Apprentice within the Bid and Project Management Function at Thales. The apprentice programme will provide you with a strong understanding and working knowledge of planning, scheduling, monitoring and controls, building the foundations for future roles supporting or managing projects that deliver world‑leading solutions to our global customer base. The Bid and Project Management functions key responsibilities are to support the project team deliver the mission and ensure strong governance over bids and projects and oversee the implementation of consistent and assured processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the creation and maintenance of the integrated master schedules for assigned projects
• Contribute to project reports and attend associated reviews
• Assist in the deployment & reporting of risk & opportunity management
• Help the project team ensure correct and effective project governance is applied
• Operate Thales UK tools to ensure effective management of the project schedule, budgets, risks and opportunities
• Commit to attend all elements of the apprenticeship including attendance on virtual training modules, 1‑2‑1 coaching calls, assignments, exams and mandatory Thales UK training activities to lay the foundations for your contribution to future growth of the business

The Programme

Through our higher apprenticeship you’ll be making the most of your talents, getting to understand the Project Management Office from the ground up; and doing so with the help of one of the biggest and best names in the industry. This is a 2‑year programme, working towards the Level 4 Project Manager Associate Apprenticeship standard, with our training provider, The Apprentice Academy. The programme will be delivered via a virtual delivery model, with live virtual workshops and 1‑2‑1 coaching calls. Upon successful completion of your End Point Assessment, you will roll off into the Thales UK Bid and Project Management job family into a Project Planner or Project Controller role.

We’re Looking For

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are motivated, committed and keen to learn. A self‑starter who is able to manage their time, show initiative and has a genuine interest in project planning/controls and Thales. Successful candidates will show self‑discipline and an aspiration to achieve the qualification.

Entry Requirements

• Level 3 qualification to demonstrate the ability to learn at this level. Suitable Level 3 qualifications might include A Levels (Grade C or above), Highers, T Level (Merit or above), BTEC Diploma (Merit or above). Level 3 STEM based qualification would be advantageous
• GCSEs grade 9‑4 (A‑C) 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 (first two years)

Closing date: 11.59 pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. Please note, applications will close at that time. We will be in contact by the end of February 2026 with details of next steps. This role may close earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high number of applications.

Security Clearance Requirements

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 before starting with us. This role requires SC clearance. It would be advantageous if you already hold it; if not, you must achieve and maintain SC clearance prior to commencing employment. For further guidance, please visit the UKSV website.

Thales is an equal opportunities employer. Diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales. We provide a barrier‑free recruitment process and reasonable adjustments for neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition. To request an adjustment, or for assistance in an alternative format, contact Resourcing Ops for mid‑to‑senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here – apply now!