2026 Hardware Engineering Apprentice - Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Degree Apprenticeship

Thales 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 world’s largest commercial aircraft. Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. Each member of our aerospace team makes a difference. At Thales UK we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact 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 that’s why we offer the flexibility to do what’s important to you – 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.

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• Earn while you learn
  
• Job‑specific training experience
  
• Recognised qualifications
  
• Permanent role from day one
  
• Tuition fees for university or approved training providers are fully covered
  

This exciting Hardware Apprentice role will develop your skills by designing and implementing engineering solutions in accordance with programme and product requirements. Typical tasks will range from requirements management via the design and development cycle, to test, integration and validation of complex products and systems.

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• Design, implement and test engineering solutions in accordance with Thales procedures
  
• Attend project reviews
  
• Create functional and physical system architectures
  
• Prepare engineering specifications, interface control documents & test documentation
  
• Deliver tasks on time and to the required quality
  
• Work as a team‑player asking for guidance and direction where necessary
  
• Develop knowledge and skills within the engineering discipline
  
• Effectively communicate engineering issues related to own tasks
  

As a Hardware Engineering Apprentice you will be studying towards a BEng in Electro‑mechanical Engineering at the University of Nottingham. Delivered over five years via a blended learning model, your study will combine on‑campus lectures with online and work‑based learning. You can typically expect to study on‑campus for a minimum of four weeks per academic year, delivered in one‑week blocks. At the end of the programme, and following the End Point Assessment, you will have achieved a fully funded accredited BEng in Electro‑mechanical Engineering, as well as a Level 6 Electro‑mechanical Degree Apprenticeship qualification.

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• 3 A Levels (BBB) including Mathematics (citizenship skills, general studies and critical thinking are not accepted), or BTEC Extended Diploma in an engineering discipline at MMM or above, or Level 3 apprenticeship in a relevant discipline, or an engineering T Level at Merit or above
  
• 5 GCSEs grade A‑C (4‑9) including English and Maths
  

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• 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
  
• 80 hours volunteering a year (first two years)
  

Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February and May 2026. Induction week for all graduates and apprentices will take place from Monday 7 September to Friday 11 September 2026.

Closing date: Applications will close at 11:59 pm Thursday 12 February 2026. We will contact shortlisted candidates 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 NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.

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 obtain full Security Clearance (SC) prior to starting with us. This role requires SC. It would be advantageous if currently held; if not, the successful applicant must achieve and maintain SC clearance before commencing employment.

Thales is an equal‑opportunity employer. Thales UK is committed to 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.

Great journeys start here, apply now!