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- Tasks: Explore various engineering fields and specialise in Mechatronics through hands-on projects.
- Company: Join Thales, a leader in innovative engineering solutions with a focus on diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 201 hours of annual leave, health care, and a company pension.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with a Level 6 apprenticeship and a BEng degree.
- Qualifications: 112 UCAS points in STEM subjects or equivalent qualifications required.
- Other info: Fast track your career in a dynamic environment with excellent growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
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. 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.
Responsibilities
- Develop your mechatronic engineering skills to become a confident, positive and flexible engineer with well-honed technical knowledge.
- Support the team to deliver solutions to deadline and budget.
- 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.
Skills and Qualifications
- 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 Ulster University BEng Mechatronic Engineering degree entry requirements.
- GCSE English Language Grade C or above or pass in L2 Literacy.
Further Information
ApprenticeshipNI eligibility conditions apply. 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. Closing date: 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. Please note that roles may close earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high number of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity.
For further information about our Future Talent recruitment process, including hints and tips, or to connect with a member of the Future Talent Team, a Graduate, or an Apprentice, please visit Thales Future Talent - Connectr. 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 below, prior to starting with us. This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance. To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. As part of the vetting process you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, eligibility to work in the UK, time spent abroad over the last 5 years, as well as employment and / or educational history. For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please follow this link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
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)
2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship - Mechatronic Engineering employer: Thales UK
Contact Detail:
Thales UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship - Mechatronic Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Thales and their projects in mechatronics. 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 apprentices or employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. It’s a great way to get insider info and make a good impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to engineering and problem-solving. You can even do mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨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. Get your application in early to avoid missing out!
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice - Level 6 Higher Level Apprenticeship - Mechatronic Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for mechatronic engineering shine through! Talk about what excites you about the field and any relevant projects or experiences you've had. We want to see that spark!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and qualifications match the job description. Mention specific experiences that relate to the responsibilities listed, like design concepts or teamwork in engineering projects. We love seeing a good fit!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary, and make sure your sentences flow well. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read. Remember, first impressions count!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this fantastic opportunity. Head over to our website and get your application in early!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales UK
✨Know Your Mechatronics
Make sure you brush up on the basics of mechatronic engineering. Understand how mechanics, electronics, and software work together. Be ready to discuss how these principles apply to real-world problems, especially in areas like automation and robotics.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past. Whether it's a project from school or a personal endeavour, be ready to explain your thought process and the steps you took to find a solution. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and creativity.
✨Familiarise Yourself with CREO
Since you'll be using CREO for design concepts, it’s a good idea to get familiar with this software before the interview. If you have any experience with CAD tools, highlight that, and be prepared to discuss how you would approach creating detailed drawings and assembly designs.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the apprenticeship programme, the team you'll be working with, and the types of projects you'll be involved in. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the role is the right fit for you.
