2026 Software Engineering Apprentice Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship

Location: Crawley United KingdomThales people architect solutions that enable two-thirds of planes to take off and land safely. We create in-flight entertainment systems that engross 50 million fliers every year and we develop the avionics that control the worlds largest commercial aircrafts. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And together each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. 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. Your health and well-being matters to us and thats why we offer you the flexibility to do whats important to you; whether thats 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 Software Engineering Apprentice - Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree ApprenticeshipStart Date: 07 September 2026Salary: 24000 per annumEmployee type: PermanentLocation: CrawleyWorking 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 Do you want to be part of an Apprenticeship Programme that will develop and challenge you If so read on to see what Thales has on offerWhat the role has to offer:Earn while you learnJob specific training experienceRecognised qualificationsPermanent role from day oneTuition fees for university or approved training providers are fully coveredOur exciting Software Engineering Apprentice role will develop your software skills to become a confident positive and versatile engineer with well-honed technical knowledge. You will support the team to deliver real-world software solutions to deadlines and within budget with opportunities to get involved across the entire development lifecycle.As a Software Engineering Apprentice you will develop key skills and experience in the following:Programming skills in industry standard languages such as C and JavaExperience of working in multi-disciplined agile environment alongside experienced engineersFamiliarity with business management tools for managing requirements and formal documentationNew tools and infrastructure used for the development engineering environmentDevelopment of secure quality software solutions that adhere to timescale and budgetDomain specific knowledge and application of mathematics skills to model and develop real-world solutions across industries such as aerospace and underwater systems and software defined radio and electronic counter measure systems (dependant on which business area you are aligned to)Opportunity to develop creative and bespoke software solutionsOrganisational skills with well-rounded communication and relationship building abilitiesDigital Technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Data AnalyticsApprentice ProgrammeYou will enrol onto the Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship at Warwick University following the Software Engineering pathway. For the duration of this 4 year programme you will combine university studies with practical application working within our software function in Crawley.This programme is delivered via a block release delivery model which includes a blend of on campus delivery and remote learning. For the rest of the time you will be working in the business for 4 days per week and will be given 1 day per week to focus on your apprenticeship studies.At the end of the apprenticeship you will be working as a software engineer within one of the Thales UK businesses. Your final qualification will be a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions plus the Level 6 degree apprenticeship qualification.Requirements: 112 UCAS tariff points at A Level (grades BBC) including grade C or above in Maths and at least 1 other relevant STEM subject (any of Engineering IT Computing Web and Telecoms Physics Electronics)5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A-C) including English and MathsBenefits201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)Company PensionHealth Care Cash PlanLife InsuranceDiscount PortalPerformance-related pay uplifts80 Hours Volunteering (first two years)Please note 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. Please note we will be in contact by the end of February 2026 with details of next steps.PLEASE NOTE THAT ROLES MAY CLOSE EARLIER THAN THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE IF WE RECEIVE A HIGH NUMER OF APPLICATIONS. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.Recruitment Process: 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.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 andwill be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and to obtain full SecurityClearance (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. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.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.For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please follow this link - is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.In line with Thales Baseline Security requirements candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. 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.At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80000 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. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. 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 Teamfor graduate and apprentice roles.Great journeys start here apply now Key Skills Anti Money Laundering,Healthcare Attorney,Desktop Support,Data Entry Operation,Home Care,Adobe Photoshop Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1