2026 Engineering (Component) Apprentice - Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronics

In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible.
At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

2026 Component Engineering Apprentice – Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronics

Permanent
Working Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday – Thursday, 5 hours Friday)

Are you passionate about engineering? As a Component Engineering Apprentice, you will develop the key skills and experience in the following:
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 use Services tooling and software packages
Learn and maintain knowledge of current industry standards for all service disciplines

The role will develop your engineering skills to become a confident, positive and flexible Component Engineering Apprentice with strong technical knowledge gained from on-the-job training and college studies. Supporting the team to undertake service-engineering activities to deadlines and within budget.

Job specific training experience
Permanent role from day one
Tuition fees for university or approved training providers are fully covered

Apprentice Programme
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.

You will be a self-starter, able to demonstrate time management skills, working on your own, using your initiative and have a genuine interest in Engineering and Thales. 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 or Double Award Science/Applied Science) or BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering with overall award profile MPP or Diploma in Engineering with overall award profile MM
5 GCSEs at grade C or above including English and Maths

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
~Induction week for all Graduates and Apprentices will take place from Monday 7 September - Friday 11 September 2026.

WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.

For 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 .

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). Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.
For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please follow this link - .

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.

Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.