At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop software solutions and support engineering projects in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Thales, a global tech leader shaping the future with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, with full tuition coverage and competitive salary.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with hands-on experience and a recognised qualification.
- Qualifications: 104 UCAS points or equivalent, plus 5 GCSEs including Maths and English.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 24000 £ per year.
Location: Cheadle, United Kingdom
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.
Start Date: 6 September 2027
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee type: Permanent
Working Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday – Thursday, 5 hours Friday)
Turn your curiosity into a career. If you're passionate about engineering, eager to learn, and looking for a degree apprenticeship that combines academic study with exciting on-the-job experience, we'd love to hear from you.
Benefits of the programme:
- Earn a salary while studying for your degree
- Gain hands‑on experience in a real engineering environment
- Receive job‑specific training and development
- Achieve a recognised engineering qualification
- Secure a permanent role from the start of your apprenticeship
- Have your university tuition fees fully paid
About the Role:
As a Software Engineering Apprentice, you will develop the technical knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours needed to become a confident and capable engineer. Working as part of our Software Engineering team, you will support the delivery of software solutions, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Supporting system requirement and design activities
- Developing software solutions to fulfil an actual business need
- Contributing to project reviews
- Assisting with engineering investigations and problem solving
- Communicating technical recommendations to stakeholders
- Working with experienced engineers on live projects
What You Will Learn:
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will gain experience and knowledge in:
- Professional engineering behaviours and industry best practice
- Working securely, ethically and responsibly with complex data in compliance with regulatory standards
- The Software Engineering lifecycle and key engineering processes
- Software Engineering tools and methods
- Requirement management, design techniques, and software code implementation
- Testing, integration, verification, validation and qualification (IVVQ) activities
- Structured and methodical approaches to problem solving and investigation
Apprenticeship Programme:
You will study towards a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship with Manchester Metropolitan University. As a Software Engineering Apprentice, you’ll develop a broad set of skills and knowledge across the digital and technology landscape. You’ll learn how information systems work, how software is built and tested, and how data and cyber security fit into real business environments—alongside the fundamentals of business organisation, IT project management, and computer and network infrastructures.
Your learning is supported through taught units and work-based projects, where possible focused on live business scenarios and real‑world problem solving, with experienced support throughout. For the duration of this 4‑year programme you will attend Manchester Metropolitan University one day per week to study. For the other four days you will be working at our Cheadle site, applying your learning to real work projects and gain a breadth of experience with your teammates. At the end of the apprenticeship, you will be working as a Software Engineer within the Thales UK businesses.
The programme is delivered through a blended learning approach, combining:
- On campus teaching, face to face one day a week during the academic year
- Online workshops/classes
- Guided self‑study
Throughout the 4-year programme, you will combine university study with practical workplace experience, developing both academic knowledge and professional engineering skills.
Entry Requirements:
To apply, you will need:
- 104 UCAS points (A Level BCC)
- Or an equivalent qualification such as BTEC Extended Diploma (DDM), T Level (Merit) or apprenticeship
- And 5 GCSEs at Grade 9-4/A-C including Maths and English
Please note that applicants who already hold a relevant degree will not be eligible for this programme. Software Engineering and Computer Science are both relevant degrees.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary of £24,000 per annum
- Performance-related pay uplifts
- Holiday entitlement of 201 hours a year (plus a company day and bank holidays)
- Contributory Company Pension
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Hybrid/flexible working options
- Employee assistance programme
- Learning and development support
- Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives
- Life Cover
- 80 Hours Volunteering per year (first two years)
Software Engineering Apprentice - Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship in Cheadle employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Glasgow where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a performance-related bonus and generous leave policies, and a commitment to inclusivity, Thales empowers its employees to thrive while contributing to critical projects in the Sea sector. Join us to be part of a team that values your unique strengths and supports your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Software Engineering Apprentice - Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship in Cheadle
✨Get Your Tech Game On
Diving into coding communities like GitHub or Stack Overflow is a must! Contribute to open-source projects or join local coding meetups in your area. This not only boosts your skills but also shows potential employers, like Thales, that you’re genuinely passionate about software development.
✨Connect with Apprenticeship Networks
Look for apprenticeship-focused platforms or community groups where you can connect with current apprentices and mentors. These networks can often provide insider tips on upcoming openings and help you gain a better idea of what companies like Thales look for in a candidate.
✨Show Off Your Projects
Build a portfolio that showcases any projects or code you've worked on, even if they're just personal projects or coursework. Employers love to see hands-on experience, so having a well-organised GitHub repository to share when you apply can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Leverage University Resources
If you’re still studying, make sure to use your university’s career services. They often have partnerships with companies like Thales and can help you find relevant apprenticeship opportunities or even connect you with alumni who’ve successfully landed similar roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Software Engineering Apprentice - Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship in Cheadle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Coding Skills:Don’t forget to highlight any coding projects or contributions you’ve made, whether they're personal, school-related, or open source. Including links to your GitHub or any code repositories can really showcase your hands-on experience and enthusiasm for software development.
Tailor Your CV for Tech:When preparing your CV, make sure you highlight relevant skills such as programming languages (like Python, Java, or JavaScript) and frameworks you’ve worked with. Also, be sure to include any academic accomplishments, courses, or certifications that relate to software engineering—these catch our eye!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:When applying for an apprenticeship, your motivation and eagerness to learn are super important. In your cover letter, share what excites you about software engineering and why you want to join Thales. Don’t hesitate to mention what you hope to gain from this apprenticeship experience.
Link to Your Portfolio:If you’ve got a portfolio that showcases your projects—be it apps, websites, or any software you've developed—make sure to include it in your application. This gives us a clear idea of your abilities and creativity. Plus, feel free to list your availability and any specific areas you want to explore during your apprenticeship with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Show Off Your Coding Skills
During the interview for a software engineering apprenticeship at Thales, you'll likely face some technical questions or coding challenges. Brush up on your coding skills, and be prepared to explain your thought process as you solve problems. Practising with platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank could give you a leg up!
✨Demonstrate Your Curiosity
As an apprentice, they're looking for your potential and enthusiasm to learn. Be ready to discuss any projects you’ve worked on, whether they're school assignments or personal side projects. Show how you tackled challenges and what you learned from them; it’ll highlight your eagerness to grow in this field.
✨Understand the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with tools commonly used in software development, such as version control systems like Git, frameworks relevant to the role, or project management tools. Knowing your way around these tools will show that you’re not just a coding whiz but also ready to jump into real-world projects at Thales.
✨Prepare for Soft Skills Questions
While technical skills are vital, soft skills matter too, especially in a collaboration-heavy environment like software engineering. Be ready to share examples of how you've worked in teams, resolved conflicts, or adapted to feedback. They want to know you can fit into the Thales culture and work well with others!
