2026 Project Planning and Controls Apprentice - Level 4 Project Management Associate Apprenticeship

This exciting apprenticeship will give you the skills and knowledge to be an effective Project Planning and Controls Apprentice within the Bid and Project Management Function at Thales. The apprentice programme will provide you with a strong understanding and working knowledge of planning, scheduling, monitoring and controls, building the foundations for future roles supporting or managing projects that deliver world leading solutions to our global customer base.

The Bid and Project Management functions' key responsibilities are to support the project team deliver the mission and ensure strong governance over bids and projects and oversee the implementation of consistent and assured processes. Through our higher apprenticeship you'll be making the most of your talents, getting to understand the Project Management Office from the ground up; and doing so with the help of one of the biggest and best names in the industry. This is a 2 year programme, working towards the Level 4 Project Manager Associate Apprenticeship standard, with our training provider, The Apprentice Academy. The programme will be delivered via a virtual delivery model, with live virtual workshops and 1-2-1 coaching calls. Upon successful completion of your End Point Assessment, you will roll off into the Thales UK Bid and Project Management job family into a Project Planner or Project Controller role.

We are looking for individuals who are keen to learn. Somebody who has a genuine interest in project planning/controls and Thales.

• Assist with the creation and maintenance of the integrated master schedules for assigned projects
• Assist in the deployment & reporting of risk & opportunity management
• Operate Thales UK tools to ensure effective management of the project schedule, budgets, risks and opportunities
• Commit to attend all elements of the apprenticeship including attendance on virtual training modules, 1-2-1 coaching calls, assignments, exams and mandatory Thales UK training activities to lay the foundations for your contribution to future growth
• Contribute to project reports and attend associated reviews
• Help the project team ensure correct and effective project governance is applied

• Level 3 qualification to demonstrate the ability to learn at this level. Suitable Level 3 qualifications might include A Levels (Grade C or above), Highers, T Level (Merit or above), BTEC Diploma (Merit or above)
• GCSEs grade 9-4 (A-C) including English and Maths
• Level 3 STEM based qualification would be advantageous

Apprenticeship NI eligibility conditions apply. Applicants please note this position is under the auspices of Apprenticeship NI provision. 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. We will be in contact by the end of February 2026 with details of next steps. Roles may close earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high number of applications. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on this opportunity.

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. 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.

• 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)
• Salary £24,000 per annum.
• Location Belfast.
• Contract Type Permanent.
• Weekly hours 37.