2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice – Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship – Mechatronic Engineering
Apply for the 2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice – Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship – Mechatronic Engineering role at Portal Londrinatur.
Start date: 07 September 2026
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee type: Permanent
Location: Belfast
Working schedule: Monday‑Thursday 0800‑1645, Friday 0800‑1200 (flexible working available)
Our Mechatronics apprenticeship will let you explore different types of engineering before you decide to specialise in Hardware (Mechanical or Electrical), Software or Systems Engineering.
What the role has to offer
* 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
Mechatronic Engineering unites the principles of mechanics, electronics and software. It combines mechanical engineering, problem solving and design skills with expertise in digital electronics and computing systems to produce advanced products and systems through automation and the use of robotics.
Skills
* Creation of innovative design concepts for missile sub-systems and vehicle integration solutions using CREO
* Generation of detailed drawings for the manufacture of high precision‑machined components
* Generation of assembly drawings of electro/optical/mechanical systems and sub-systems
* Interaction with stress, aerodynamics, manufacturing, procurement and supply base to ensure optimised, robust, cost-effective designs
* Participate in and contribute to company continuous improvement projects
* Experience of working in a multi-disciplined agile environment
* Organisational skills with well-rounded communication and relationship building abilities
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 the 3-year programme you will follow an initial rotation plan and then specialise in a particular engineering function. 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 engineering departments, embedding your college learning in a real‑life engineering environment. On successful completion of the Higher-Level Apprenticeship, there will be scope to progress onto the BEng in Mechatronic Engineering at Ulster University.
Requirements
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are motivated, committed and keen to learn. 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. Successful candidates will show self-discipline and an aspiration to achieve a degree qualification.
Entry requirements
* 56 UCAS tariff points including: A Level (A2): Typical grade profile CC (to include 1 from Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, 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.
Please note: due to funding obligations (i) applicants who already hold a relevant degree will not be eligible for this programme (ii) this opportunity is available in Belfast and open to all Northern Ireland residents.
Benefits
* 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 (first two years)
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 11:59 pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. 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 number of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out.
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.
Security clearance
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 before starting, if not already held. It would be advantageous to already hold SC clearance; otherwise, the successful applicant must undergo, achieve, and maintain SC clearance prior to commencing employment. For details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance, see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
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 Team for graduate and apprentice roles.
Great journeys start here, apply now!
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