At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore engineering fields and develop skills in mechatronics while earning a degree.
- Company: Join Thales UK, a leader in technology for Aerospace, Defence, Security, and Space.
- Benefits: Earn £24,000, enjoy flexible working, and receive full tuition coverage.
- Other info: Dynamic apprenticeship with excellent career growth and hands-on experience.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with innovative projects and gain recognised qualifications.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English, plus A Levels or equivalent in STEM subjects.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 24000 £ per year.
Location: Belfast, United Kingdom. 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.
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
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. It 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.
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: 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. 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.
You will be studying towards a Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship, finishing with a BEng Mechatronic Engineering degree, with our partners at Ulster University Belfast. 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.
Benefits include:
- Life Insurance
- Discount Portal
- Performance-related pay uplifts
- 80 Hours Volunteering (first two years)
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Company Pension
- 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
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.
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 prior to starting with us.
This role requires Security Clearance. 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.
2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship - Mechatronic Engineering TLNT1_NI in Belfast employer: Thales UK Limited
At Thales UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and flexible work environment in Belfast that prioritises your health and well-being. Our commitment to employee development is evident through our comprehensive apprenticeship programme, which not only provides recognised qualifications but also the opportunity to earn while you learn, ensuring you gain valuable hands-on experience in cutting-edge engineering fields. Join us to be part of a culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, where your contributions directly impact the safety and quality of life for millions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship - Mechatronic Engineering TLNT1_NI in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Thales UK and their projects in Aerospace, Defence, Security, and Space. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨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 might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to engineering and mechatronics. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Thales team and ready to kickstart your engineering career.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship - Mechatronic Engineering TLNT1_NI in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for engineering and what makes you tick.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to fit the role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the Mechatronic Engineering apprenticeship. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we do!
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!:Before hitting send, give your application a thorough read. Typos and errors can distract from your great qualifications. We want to see your attention to detail, so make sure everything is polished and professional.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We encourage you to apply as soon as possible through our website to avoid missing out on this fantastic opportunity. The early bird catches the worm!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales UK Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the basics of mechatronic engineering and the specific technologies Thales works with. Brush up on your knowledge of mechanics, electronics, and software integration. This will help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Show Your Passion
Express your enthusiasm for engineering and technology during the interview. Share any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your interest in the field. Companies like Thales appreciate candidates who are genuinely excited about their work.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers. This shows that you're engaged and interested in the role. You might ask about the types of projects you'll be working on or how the apprenticeship programme is structured.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to practice your responses. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident when it’s time for the real thing.
