Our 5-year Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity to kickstart your career in software engineering. You’ll work on real projects while studying for a BSc Honours Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions with the University of Exeter – combining academic learning with industry experience.
From day one, you’ll be part of our Mission Systems business, helping us develop innovative software that supports national security and defence. From cutting edge development of machine learning models to intelligent sensor technologies able to analyse the electromagnetic environment, our software needs to be proven, reliable and fully integrated.
You’ll work in design offices, laboratories and workshops, contributing to live projects in areas such as submarine systems, communications and security, command and control and electronic warfare. Whether you're helping to build an audio console or supporting software for a world-class ship, you'll be involved in the full development lifecycle – from concept through to testing.
This programme offers the opportunity to develop skills across both traditional and modern software development practices, including Agile ways of working and AI-assisted development techniques used within the defence sector. Working alongside experienced professionals, you'll gain hands-on experience, build your technical expertise, and develop the skills needed to contribute to real-world projects from the start.
These skills will enable you to contribute to the delivery of innovative digital technologies that help keep people, assets and information safe – supporting our shared purpose of creating a safe and secure world, together.
As part of your apprenticeship, you will study for the BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions through the University of Exeter.
You’ll complete your studies part-time over four years while gaining hands-on experience in the workplace. In years 1 and 2, you’ll build a strong foundation in digital technologies. In years 3 and 4, you’ll specialise in Software Engineering. During your final year, you’ll work full-time in placements while completing your End Point Assessment.
Your technical training will be supplemented with in-house training courses and soft skill training to further develop your personal and team working skills.
By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have earned a BSc Honours Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions and gained rich work experience in software engineering.
In addition to your technical development, you’ll have built valuable project management skills through activities such as project planning, resourcing, budgeting, document management, and configuration control.
Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to progress into your first substantive role within the business – typically as an Assistant Software Engineer or Software Engineer.
Apprentices who complete the programme can expect a competitive starting salary in software engineering, along with opportunities to pursue professional registration and Chartership, supported by experienced mentors and industry professionals.
We’ll provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.
In addition, you’ll benefit from:
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities, which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.
It’s hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and business experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will really help you navigate where you want to take your career.
Plus, when you join us, you’ll be automatically enrolled onto our Apprentice Development Programme. Through a series of digital and face to face sessions, presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partners, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.
Applications are reviewed in the order they are received, and if there’s a high level of interest in this programme, we may close applications earlier than advertised. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.
Please apply to one programme only. If we receive more than one application from you, we’ll assess the first one submitted. If your chosen programme becomes oversubscribed, we may contact you to discuss other programmes you could be eligible for.
We're a Disability Confident Employer. If you require additional support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know when you apply. Our team will contact you after receiving your application to discuss your requirements and the support available.
We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.
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