2027 Software Engineering Apprentice - Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship

To achieve a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions.

Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.

Discover our technologies
Say HI to technology & innovation.

Turn your curiosity into a career. If you are passionate about engineering, eager to learn, and looking for a degree apprenticeship that combines academic study with exciting on-the-job experience, we would love to hear from you.

About the Role

As a Software 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 Software Engineering team, you will support the delivery of software solutions, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Your responsibilities may include:

  • Supporting system requirement and design activities
  • Developing software solutions to fulfil an actual business need
  • Contributing to project reviews
  • Assisting with engineering investigations and problem solving
  • Communicating technical recommendations to stakeholders
  • 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
  • Working securely, ethically and responsibly with complex data in compliance with regulatory standards
  • The Software Engineering lifecycle and key engineering processes
  • Software Engineering tools and methods
  • Requirement management, design techniques, and software code implementation
  • Testing, integration, verification, validation and qualification (IVVQ) activities
  • Structured and methodical approaches to problem solving and investigation

Degree Apprenticeship Programme

You will study towards a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship with Exeter University, following the Software Engineer pathway.

This 3.5-year programme will introduce apprentices to a broad range of digital disciplines over the first two years of the programme, including data, computer security, software development, networks, programming and AI. In Year three you will move into your specialist pathway of Software Engineering, focussing on the principles, methods, and models that underpin professional software engineering practice. 

You will also undertake a work based Synoptic Project, before completing your End Point Assessment. On completion of the apprenticeship, you will achieve a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions, as well as the Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship.

  • On campus teaching (around 22 days across the whole programme)
  • Distance learning (1 day per week during term time)
  • Online workshops/classes
  • Guided self-study

Throughout the 3.5-year programme, you will combine university study with practical workplace experience, developing both academic knowledge and professional engineering skills.

Entry Requirements

To apply, you will need:

  • Three A Levels Grade B or above or,
  • BTEC Extended Diploma (DDM) or,
  • T Level (Merit) or,
  • Level 4 Digital Apprenticeship, as defined by Skills England

and

  • Minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above
  • Must include:
    • English Language
    • Mathematics

Please note that applicants who already hold a relevant degree will not be eligible for this programme. Software Engineering and Computer Science are both relevant degrees.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary of £24,000 per annum
  • Performance-related pay uplifts
  • Holiday entitlement of 201 hours a year (plus a company day and bank holidays)
  • Contributory Company Pension
  • Health Care Cash Plan
  • Hybrid/flexible working options
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Learning and development support
  • Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives
  • Life Cover
  • 80 Hours Volunteering per year (first two years)

Thales Apprentice Recruitment Process

  1. Apply Online - submit your application online
  2. Upload Your CV
  3. Check your emails for the invitation to apply – this will come from recruiting@jobalerts.thalesgroup.com
  4. Complete Your Application – follow the link provided in the email to complete your application. You can apply for one primary role and up to 3 additional roles.
  5. Complete Online Tests - undertake the online assessments designed to evaluate your suitability for the role.
  6. Virtual Assessment Centre - candidates who progress from the online assessment stage will attend a virtual assessment centre, which will include group exercises, and competency-based interviews.
  7. Job Offer – successful candidates who perform well throughout the recruitment process will receive a job offer from Thales.

Please note, assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February - May 2027. Induction week for all Apprentices will take place from Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2027.

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.

Because of the work we do at Thales, all roles are subject to security requirements.

To be considered for this position, you must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to successfully complete and maintain UK Government security checks, including Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) screening and Security Clearance (SC), which is a government background check, before starting employment.

To be eligible for SC clearance, you will typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years. As part of the vetting process, you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, right to work in the UK, any time spent overseas during the last five years, and your employment and/or education history.

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

At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role.

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Job ID Number: R0337865
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Add to Shortlist
Shortlisted
  • Deadline
    February 18th, 2027
  • Starting
    September 2027
  • Salary
    £24,000 + benefits
  • Location
    Templecombe (Somerset)
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