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- Tasks: Explore engineering fields and develop skills in mechatronics while working on innovative projects.
- Company: Join Thales, a leader in defence and technology solutions.
- Benefits: Earn £24,000, enjoy flexible hours, and have tuition fees covered.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with hands-on experience and recognised qualifications.
- Qualifications: 112 UCAS points in STEM subjects or equivalent qualifications required.
- Other info: Permanent role with excellent career growth and a supportive learning environment.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1200 £ per month.
Location: Belfast, United Kingdom
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.
2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship - Mechatronic Engineering
Start Date: 07 September 2026
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee type: Permanent
Location: Belfast
Working Schedule: Monday to Thursday, Friday (flexible working available)
Are you passionate about engineering? Do you have an inquisitive mind? Do you want to be part of an Apprentice Programme that will develop and challenge you? If so, then look no further.
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
Responsibilities:
Our Mechatronics apprenticeship will let you explore different types of engineering before you make an informed decision to specialise in Hardware (Mechanical or Electrical), Software or Systems Engineering. Mechatronic Engineering unites the principles of mechanics, electronics and software. It combines mechanical engineering, problem solving and design skills with expertise in digital electronics and computing systems to produce advanced products and systems through automation and the use of robotics.
Our exciting Apprentice Engineer roles will develop your mechatronic engineering skills to become a confident, positive and flexible engineer with well-honed technical knowledge. You will support the team to deliver solutions to deadline and budget. Example activities include:
- Creation of innovative design concepts for missile sub-systems and vehicle integration solutions using CREO
- Generation of detailed drawings for the manufacture of high precision-machined components
- Generation of assembly drawings of electro/optical/mechanical systems and sub-systems
- Interaction with stress, aerodynamics, manufacturing, procurement and supply base to ensure optimised, robust, cost effective designs
- Participate in and contribute to company continuous improvement projects
- Experience of working in a multi-disciplined agile environment
- Organisational skills with well-rounded communication and relationship building abilities
Apprenticeship Programme:
You will be studying towards a Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship, finishing with a BEng Mechatronic Engineering degree, with our partners at the Ulster University in their Belfast campus. This is a 4 year fast track programme. In the 1st year, you will attend university lectures and tutorials over 4 days per week, remotely complete Thales engineering project work and spend 1 day a week onsite developing your engineering knowledge. From 2nd year onwards, you will be in university 1 day a week and 4 days working in engineering, embedding your university learning in a real-life engineering environment.
Requirements:
- 112 UCAS points (A Level BBC) including Grade B in a STEM Subject (Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Chemistry, DT, Engineering, Electronics, Double Award Science/Applied Science). Or equivalent BTEC Extended Diploma (DMM) to include a merit in Engineering Principles and Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems.
- Combination of smaller BTEC Diploma plus A levels or other acceptable Level 3 qualifications as per the Ulster University BEng Mechatronic Engineering degree entry requirements
- GCSE Mathematics ideally at Grade A, albeit Grade C + considered depending on specific level 3 qualifications as per the Ulster University BEng Mechatronic Engineering degree entry requirements.
- GCSE English Language Grade C or above or Pass in Level 2 Essential Skills Literacy
Please Note: due to funding obligations (i) applicants who already hold a relevant degree will not be eligible for this programme (ii) this opportunity is available in Belfast and open to all Northern Ireland residents. In addition, Right to Work in the UK for the duration of the programme is necessary.
Benefits:
201 hours annual leave (plus a company day)
2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice employer: Thales UK Limited
Contact Detail:
Thales UK Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former apprentices at Thales through LinkedIn or local events. They can give you insider tips and maybe even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on your engineering knowledge and the latest trends in mechatronics. Show us that you're not just passionate but also informed about the field!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills with real-world engineering challenges. We love seeing how you approach problems, so be ready to showcase your thought process during interviews.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining the Thales family!
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for engineering shine through! Share any projects or experiences that sparked your interest in mechatronics, and don’t be shy about your curiosity. We love to see candidates who are genuinely excited about the field.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention specific aspects of the job description that resonate with you, like working in a multi-disciplined agile environment or your interest in robotics. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so make sure your thoughts flow logically and your key points stand out.
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 application process there. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales UK Limited
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your fundamentals in mechatronics, mechanics, and electronics. Be ready to discuss how these principles apply to real-world scenarios, especially in defence and aerospace contexts. This will show your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of past projects or challenges where you demonstrated strong problem-solving abilities. Thales values innovative thinking, so think about how you can present your experiences in a way that highlights your creativity and technical skills.
✨Research Thales and Their Projects
Familiarise yourself with Thales' recent projects and innovations in defence and aerospace. Understanding their mission and values will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the apprenticeship structure, team dynamics, or future projects. It demonstrates your enthusiasm and eagerness to learn more about the role and the company.
