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- Tasks: Support innovative software projects and collaborate with diverse teams on exciting challenges.
- Company: Join QinetiQ, a leader in cutting-edge technology and software solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, coaching, mentoring, and access to digital learning platforms.
- Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship with excellent career growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile science and technology programmes while earning a degree.
- Qualifications: A passion for software engineering and knowledge of object-oriented programming is essential.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
The QinetiQ Software Engineering discipline supports a broad range of our capabilities from designing submarines to cyber‑security services and is at the forefront of developing innovative software solutions to meet the demanding requirements of our customers and partner organisations. We are a group of professional software developers and engineers working across the air, land, maritime and space domains. We use the latest software development technologies to create innovative solutions.
Our teams recruit proactive, passionate and innovative people who are eager to improve the way we work and shape the solutions of tomorrow. Our teams include apprentices, subject matter experts, software architects and technical leaders, representing a variety of STEM‑related backgrounds. We develop R&D, product and service projects from mission systems to simulation & training. Software Engineering covers everything from embedded, real‑time systems to cloud‑based services. We work in multidisciplinary teams on autonomous vehicles, high‑end cryptography and high‑precision satellite navigation for challenging, high‑profile science and technology programmes.
Key Accountabilities
What will I be doing? You will perform a wide variety of software tasks to support project delivery. You will work effectively with external clients and internal teams, helping design, implement and deliver new features, and maintain existing software. You will have 20% of your working week dedicated to university commitments as you work toward a degree.
Areas of Contribution
- Supporting the most challenging, high‑profile science and technology programmes in the UK and overseas
- Developing training & simulation systems for armed forces
- Supporting test and evaluation for novel equipment trials and military exercises in the UK and internationally
- Delivering systems that monitor and protect critical national infrastructure
- Developing autonomous air, land, and maritime vehicles for military and humanitarian use
- Updating one of the world’s only fully integrated naval architecture design and analysis tools
Additional Requirements
- Strong interest or experience in software engineering
- Some knowledge of at least one object‑oriented software language
- Work experience within computing or engineering industry is beneficial
- Hobbies in software engineering or computer science are beneficial
- Experience in Agile, Cloud, DevOps or embedded software is beneficial
- Lectures and on‑campus days require travel to Southampton (Solent)
Qualifications
Minimum of 104–112 points at A‑Level (Grades BBC) or equivalent (e.g., BTEC DMM), including Maths and a science subject. At least a grade 5 (C) in Maths, IT, Science, English, and at least one other GCSE or equivalent.
Benefits
- On‑demand learning, access to courses, modules, and lectures via multiple digital learning platforms
- Coaching and mentoring
- 25 days annual holiday, excluding bank holidays
- Matched contribution pension scheme with life assurance
- Employee discount portal
- Employee assistance programme
- Employee‑led networks
Security & Eligibility
Applicants must be eligible for SC clearance, at a minimum. Eligibility information can be found at the UKSV National Security Vetting Solution – guidance for applicants. Early Careers roles do not meet the legal threshold for candidates holding UK student visas. Eligibility for other immigration statuses should be verified with the recruiting team.
Locations
Software Engineering Apprentice - 2026 UKI in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: QINETIQ LIMITED
Contact Detail:
QINETIQ LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineering Apprentice - 2026 UKI in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former apprentices at QinetiQ on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. This can give you insider knowledge and make your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Make sure you can talk confidently about your experience with software languages and any projects you've worked on. We want to see your passion for software engineering shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your enthusiasm! During interviews, let us know why you're excited about the role and how you can contribute to our innovative projects. A genuine interest in what we do can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at QinetiQ.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineering Apprentice - 2026 UKI in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Software Engineering: Let us see your enthusiasm for software engineering shine through in your application. Share any projects, hobbies, or experiences that highlight your interest and skills in this field. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about technology!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with what we’re looking for in a Software Engineering Apprentice. A little effort in personalising your application can go a long way!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your ideas flow logically. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at QINETIQ LIMITED
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of software engineering principles and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with object-oriented programming languages and any relevant frameworks. This will show your passion and readiness for the role.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your passion for software engineering shine through. Talk about your hobbies related to coding or any projects you've worked on. Employers love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the field and eager to learn.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers. This could be about the team dynamics, the types of projects you'll be working on, or how they support apprentices in their learning journey. It shows you're engaged and interested in the role.
✨Practice Problem-Solving
Be prepared to tackle some technical questions or coding challenges during the interview. Practising common coding problems or algorithms can help you feel more confident. Remember, it's not just about getting the right answer but also demonstrating your thought process.