Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in engineering while studying towards a Foundation Engineering Degree.
- Company: Join Thales, a global leader in innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Earn £24,000 per year with a structured apprenticeship and college education.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with real-world experience and potential progression to a BEng degree.
- Qualifications: 56 UCAS points and 5 GCSEs including English and Maths required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Are you passionate about engineering? Do you have an inquisitive mind? Are you looking for an employer who will provide valuable and exciting on-the-job experience within a global, innovative and industry-leading organisation? If so, read on to see what Thales has to offer.
You will be studying towards a Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship, Foundation Engineering Degree (FdEng) in Mechatronics with our partners at the South Eastern Regional College in Bangor. During this 3-year programme, you will be given 1 day per week to attend college lessons, lectures and tutorials. For the other 4 days, you will be working in business, embedding your college learning in a real-life engineering environment. On successful completion of the Higher-Level Apprenticeship, there may be scope to progress onto the BEng in Mechatronic Engineering at Ulster University.
Responsibilities- Gain knowledge of engineering subjects; electronic, mechanical and software engineering.
- Familiarise yourself with the key techniques and technologies used in the design and implementation of the product.
- Learn to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
- Gain knowledge of the different disciplines within the Services function.
- Gain knowledge and be able to use Services tooling and software packages.
- Learn and maintain knowledge of current industry standards for all service disciplines.
- Support the team to undertake service-engineering activities to deadlines and within budget.
- 56 UCAS Tariff points including A level (A2): Typical grade profile CC (to include 1 from Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technology & Design, Design & Technology, Engineering, Electronics).
- 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including English and Maths.
- A full list of essential skills is available on the employer's website by following the Apply Direct button.
Applicants please note this position is under the auspices of ApprenticeshipNI provision. 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.
Start Date: 07 September 2026. 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.
Recruitment ProcessFor 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.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
2026 Component Engineering Apprentice, Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronics employer: Thales UK
Contact Detail:
Thales UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Component Engineering Apprentice, Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronics
✨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
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to engineering and apprenticeships. We can even help you with mock interviews to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current apprentices or employees at Thales through LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up on what to expect during the recruitment process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t wait until the last minute! Apply through our website as soon as possible. The sooner you get your application in, the better your chances of standing out before the roles close.
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Component Engineering Apprentice, Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Engineering: Let your enthusiasm for engineering shine through in your application. Talk about what excites you about the field and how you’ve explored it, whether through projects, hobbies, or studies.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what Thales is looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your application is easy to read. We want to see your personality, but clarity is key!
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 to get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales UK
✨Know Your Engineering Basics
Brush up on your knowledge of electronic, mechanical, and software engineering. Be ready to discuss how these areas interconnect and how they apply to the role. Showing a solid understanding of engineering principles will impress the interviewers.
✨Familiarise with Engineering Drawings
Make sure you can read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications. Practise explaining a few examples or projects where you've used this skill. This will demonstrate your readiness for the practical aspects of the apprenticeship.
✨Research Thales and Their Innovations
Dive into Thales' recent projects and innovations in the engineering field. Being able to reference specific technologies or techniques they use will show your genuine interest in the company and the role.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask during your interview. This could be about the apprenticeship structure, team dynamics, or future opportunities within Thales. Engaging with your interviewers shows enthusiasm and a proactive mindset.
