2026 Software Engineering Apprentice - Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship
Thales is a leading designer, developer and supplier of secure, resilient solutions in Defence, Security, and the aerospace, space and infrastructure sectors. This apprenticeship will give you the chance to develop as a software engineer, learn the latest technology such as 4G, cryptography, cloud and big data, and make a real contribution to mission‑critical systems.
Start Date: 07 September 2026
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee type: Permanent
Location: Reading
Working Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 h Monday–Thursday, 5 h Friday)
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
The apprenticeship is part of a Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship at Warwick University. You will split your time between university study and working in our software team in Reading. After four years you will graduate with a BSc and a Level 6 qualification and will join Thales as a software engineer.
Key Skills and Experience You Will Gain
* Programming in industry‑standard languages – Python, C++, C, Go
* Agile, multi‑disciplinated working alongside experienced engineers
* Use of business management tools for requirement and documentation management
* Exposure to the software‑defined radio and electronic counter‑measure systems
* Develop secure, high‑quality software that meets tight timescales and budgets
* Opportunity to create bespoke solutions for digital technologies such as AI and data analytics
* Building strong organisational, communication and relationship‑building skills
Programme Details
Programme is delivered with a block‑release model: 4 days a week in the business and 1 day a week dedicated to apprenticeship studies, with a mix of on‑campus and remote learning.
Requirements
* 112 UCAS tariff points at A Level (grades BBC) including grade C or above in Maths and at least one STEM subject (Engineering, IT, Computing, Web & Telecoms, Physics, Electronics)
* 5 GCSEs grade 9‑4 (A‑C) including English and Maths
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 a year (first two years)
Closing Date
Applications close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. We will contact shortlisted candidates by the end of February 2026.
Security Clearance
All successful applicants must have permanent right to work in the UK. This role requires SC clearance; it would be advantageous if already held. Non‑held applicants must obtain SC clearance before commencing employment.
Equal Opportunity
Thales is an equal‑opportunity employer; we welcome qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. We provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure a fair, barrier‑free recruitment process.
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