At a Glance
- Tasks: Support integration and testing of sonar systems in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join Thales, a global tech leader shaping the future with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Earn £24,000, gain hands-on experience, and have your tuition fees covered.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible working options and 80 hours of volunteering per year.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with real-world projects and expert mentorship.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English and Maths required.
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)
Are you passionate about engineering? Do you have an inquisitive mind? Are you looking for an employer who will sponsor you through a Level 3 Apprenticeship, whilst providing valuable and exciting on-the-job experience within a global, innovative and industry-leading organisation?
Benefits of the programme:
- Earn a salary while studying
- Gain hands-on experience in a real engineering environment
- Receive job-specific training and development
- Secure a permanent role from the start of your apprenticeship
- Have your tuition fees fully paid
About the Role
As an Engineering (IVVQ) Apprentice, you'll work within the Underwater Systems Sonar business, gaining hands-on experience with one of the leading companies in the industry. Your role will be to support the integration and testing of sonar systems throughout different stages of projects. You'll help make sure both hardware and software products work correctly and meet the required standards before they are delivered to customers.
You’ll be involved in:
- Supporting the integration, validation, verification and qualification (IVVQ) of systems.
- Conducting testing activities throughout the project lifecycle.
- Following guidance from Lead Engineers and IVVQ Managers.
- Helping prepare systems for customer acceptance and final delivery.
- Using a range of specialist tools, equipment and diagnostic technology.
- Checking that components, assemblies and complete systems meet technical specifications.
- Becoming an important member of a highly skilled engineering team.
What You Will Learn
Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll develop both technical knowledge and practical engineering skills. You will learn:
- How to integrate and test complex engineering systems.
- The principles of Validation, Verification and Qualification (IVVQ).
- How to use specialist measuring, testing and diagnostic equipment.
- Problem-solving and fault-finding techniques.
- How engineering projects are delivered from development through to customer acceptance.
- Industry-standard engineering processes and best practices.
- How to work effectively within a professional engineering team.
Apprenticeship Programme
As an Engineering (IVVQ) Apprentice, you will:
- Work towards a Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship
- Complete a 3-year apprenticeship programme
- Spend one day per week at a local college studying towards the apprenticeship, with four days working within the business, gaining practical experience
- Apply what you learn in college to real engineering projects and activities
- Develop valuable skills and knowledge while working alongside experienced engineers
- Gain broad experience across different areas of the engineering industry
Entry Requirements
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) to include English and Maths
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)
Please note, assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February - May 2027. Induction week for all Graduate and Apprentices will take place from Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2027.
Closing date: Our applications will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 17 February 2027, this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. Please note, we will be in contact by the end of February 2027 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.
Because of the work we do at Thales, all roles are subject to security requirements. To be considered for this position, you must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to successfully complete and maintain UK Government security checks, including Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) screening and Security Clearance (SC), which is a government background check, before starting employment.
To be eligible for SC clearance, you typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years. As part of the vetting process, you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, right to work in the UK, any time spent overseas during the last five years, and your employment and/or education history.
In addition, this role supports a UK Eyes Only programme and is therefore subject to government-mandated nationality restrictions. To satisfy the security clearance requirements for access to highly sensitive information, applicants must have been British citizens from birth and must not hold any other nationality. This requirement is determined by the UK Government and is a condition of programme access rather than an employment preference.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity, and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales. At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring.
Systems Engineering (IVVQ) Apprentice - Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician 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 Systems Engineering (IVVQ) Apprentice - Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship in Cheadle
✨Get Hands-On Experience
Look for opportunities to get hands-on with mechatronics outside the classroom. Join local maker spaces or robotics clubs where you can tinker with projects. This practical experience not only boosts your skills but also gives you exciting examples to talk about in interviews!
✨Show Up at Local Events
Keep an eye out for local tech fairs, robotics competitions, or engineering expos in your area. These events are fantastic for meeting industry professionals, learning about the latest trends, and even connecting with potential employers like Thales. Don't forget to bring your business cards!
✨Leverage Your School’s Resources
If you're enrolled in a college or university, tap into your career services. They often have partnerships with companies in the mechatronics field that offer apprenticeships. Go to their workshops or career fairs and make sure they know you’re interested in opportunities like those at Thales.
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for an apprenticeship, specifically at places like Thales, be sure to tailor your application to highlight relevant school projects or technical skills. Mention any software or tools you've used that are common in the mechatronics field, as well as your passion for innovation and collaboration!
We think you need these skills to ace Systems Engineering (IVVQ) Apprentice - Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship in Cheadle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the mechatronics field, it's all about that blend of mechanical and electronic knowledge. Make sure your CV highlights any relevant coursework, projects, or experiences that demonstrate your abilities in robotics, electronics, or automation. And don’t forget to mention your hands-on skills with tools and technology!
Hands-On Projects Make a Difference:If you've worked on any DIY projects or participated in competitions like robotics contests, be sure to include these in your application! We love seeing real-world applications of your skills, so describe what you did and any specific contributions you made. If you’ve got photos or videos, consider including a link to a portfolio.
Express Your Passion for Learning:As you’re applying for an apprenticeship, it’s crucial to show your eagerness to learn and grow in the mechatronics field. Use your cover letter to explain why you want to pursue this path and what excites you about working with Thales. This will help us see that you’re not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in this opportunity!
Tailor Your Application for Us:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure each application is customised for Thales and the specific role of Systems Engineering (IVVQ) Apprentice - Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship. Mention how the skills you're bringing to the table can benefit our projects, and don’t hesitate to sprinkle in some buzzwords that are relevant to the industry. It’ll help your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Know-How
Since you're diving into the mechatronics field, make sure you’re comfortable discussing basic principles and functions of mechanics, electronics, and computer systems. Prepare to tackle some technical scenarios or problems that they might throw your way. This could be a hands-on demo or theoretical questions, so know your stuff!
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
As an apprentice, your willingness to learn is just as crucial as your existing knowledge. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve approached learning in the past, whether through projects, coursework, or even hobbies. This can help the interviewer see that you’re motivated and ready to grow within the company.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Problem-solving is key in mechatronics! Prepare to walk the interviewer through your thought process on common engineering challenges. If you have past experiences where you tackled a tricky problem, like a project during school or a DIY task, bring that up to illustrate your approach.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools
Get to know the tools and software commonly used in the mechatronics field, like CAD software or programming languages relevant to automation. If you’ve dabbled in any related platforms, mention them. Showing that you have hands-on experience with these can give you a leg up and make you a more attractive candidate for the apprenticeship at Thales.
