At a Glance
- Tasks: Support systems engineering projects and collaborate with experienced engineers on live solutions.
- Company: Join Thales, a leader in innovative technology impacting lives daily.
- Benefits: Earn £24,000 a year, gain a degree, and enjoy hands-on experience.
- Other info: 4-year apprenticeship with excellent career progression and professional development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career while studying at the University of Warwick.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths & English and A Levels in Maths and STEM subjects required.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
As a Systems 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 Systems Engineering team, you will support the delivery of systems and equipment solutions, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Supporting systems requirements and design activities
- Contributing to project reviews
- Participating in system testing and validation activities
- Assisting with engineering investigations and problem solving
- Visiting customer sites, platforms and installations to support surveys, trials and system deployment where required
- 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
- Understanding and working with complex engineering systems
- Different engineering roles and activities across live projects
- The Systems Engineering Lifecycle and key engineering processes
- Requirements capture, requirements management and system design techniques
- Systems engineering tools and methods
- Testing, integration, verification, validation and qualification (IVVQ) activities
- Structured and methodical approaches to problem solving and investigation
Training
You will study towards the BEng Applied Professional Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with The University of Warwick, following the Product Design and Development Engineer pathway. The programme is delivered through a blended learning approach, combining:
- On-campus teaching (approximately 12 blocks of 3 days)
- Virtual coaching sessions
- Online learning resources
Programme structure:
This is a broad programme, designed to provide a strong multi-disciplinary engineering foundation prior to moving onto a more specialist pathway.
Years 1 and 2
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Materials and Design
- Computational skills
Years 3 and 4
- Progress onto the Design and Development Engineer specialist pathway
- Work based project
Throughout the four-year programme, you will combine university study with practical workplace experience, developing both academic knowledge and professional engineering skills. Aligned to the IET accreditation requirements, this degree will support those looking to become a Chartered Engineer in future.
What happens at the end
Will qualify and be a permanent member of the team within the Thales business.
Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
Qualifications
- GCSE 5 GCSEs incl. Maths & English (grade A-C or 9-4) - essential
- A Level Maths and a further STEM subject (grade BB minimum of 112 UCAS points) - essential
Key details
- Wage: £24,000 a year
- Working week: Monday - Friday. Shifts to be confirmed.
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Duration: 4 Years
- Start date: 2027-09-06
- Closing date: 2027-02-17
- Apprenticeship standard: Product design and development engineer (degree) (level 6)
- Training provider: THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK
About the employer
Together, we create the ingenious technological systems and innovations that impact and improve people's lives every single day. Even if you haven't heard the name Thales before, you've definitely benefited from our inventiveness. We reinvest 20% of our sales in Research & Development in the UK. Together we supply invention across 4 core areas: Aerospace, Space, Defence and Security, Digital Identity and Security.
2027 Systems Engineering Apprentice - Cheadle in Stockport 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 2027 Systems Engineering Apprentice - Cheadle in Stockport
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time 2027 Systems Engineering Apprentice - Cheadle role you’re after at Thales.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Thales a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Thales.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
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We think you need these skills to ace 2027 Systems Engineering Apprentice - Cheadle in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like 2027 Systems Engineering Apprentice - Cheadle, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Thales a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Thales specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Thales, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Thales want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
