At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in project planning, scheduling, and governance for innovative defence solutions.
- Company: Join Thales, a leader in aerospace, defence, security, and space technology.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with competitive salary, health care, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience and recognised qualifications in project management.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification and enthusiasm for project planning required.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 980 ÂŁ per month.
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 shortârange systems to extended protection across the entire battleâspace including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems, 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 wellâbeing matters to us and thatâs why we offer you the flexibility to do whatâs important to you; whether thatâs partâtime 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: ÂŁ24,000 per annum
Employee type: Permanent
Location: Belfast
Working schedule: Monday â Friday, 37 hours a week (8.25 hours MondayâThursday, 4 hours Friday)
Are you looking for an employer who will sponsor you through your qualifications, whilst providing valuable and exciting onâtheâjob experience within a global, innovative and industryâleading 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 worldâleading 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, 1â2â1 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 youâll 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 2âyear 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 1â2â1 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.
Weâre Looking For
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are motivated, committed, and keen to learn. A selfâstarter who is able to manage their time, show initiative, and has a genuine interest in project planning/controls and Thales. Successful candidates will show selfâdiscipline 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 9â4 (AâC) 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
- Performanceârelated 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.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer. Diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales. We provide a barrierâfree recruitment process and reasonable adjustments for neuroâdiverse applicants or those with a disability or longâterm condition. To request an adjustment, or for assistance in an alternative format, contact Resourcing Ops for midâtoâsenior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.
Great journeys start here â apply now!
2026 Project Planning and Controls Apprentice - Level 4 Project Management Associate in London employer: Portal Londrinatur
Contact Detail:
Portal Londrinatur Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land 2026 Project Planning and Controls Apprentice - Level 4 Project Management Associate in London
â¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Thales and understand their projects, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
â¨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 even referrals that might just land you that apprenticeship.
â¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to project management and controls. Think about how your skills align with what Thales is looking for, and be ready to share examples from your experiences.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining the Thales team and starting your career in project management.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Project Planning and Controls Apprentice - Level 4 Project Management Associate in London
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Show Your Enthusiasm: Let your passion for project management shine through in your application. We want to see that you're genuinely excited about the role and eager to learn. A little enthusiasm can go a long way!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we do at Thales.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and fluff. Make it easy for us to see why youâre a great fit for the apprenticeship.
Apply Through Our Website: Donât forget to submit your application through our official website! Itâs the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands. Plus, youâll find all the details you need there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portal Londrinatur
â¨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Thales and its projects. Understand their role in defence and how project planning fits into their operations. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the company.
â¨Show Your Enthusiasm
Thales is looking for motivated individuals who are keen to learn. During the interview, express your passion for project management and your eagerness to grow within the company. Share examples of how you've taken initiative in the past.
â¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage projects. Think of scenarios where you've had to plan, monitor, or control a project. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
â¨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the apprenticeship programme or the team you'll be working with. This shows you're engaged and serious about the opportunity, plus it gives you a chance to learn more about what to expect.