2026 Engineering (Component) Apprentice - Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronics
Thales Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
In fast changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales. Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defence, security and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow's possible. Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of 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 you 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.
Start Date: 07 September 2026
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee type: Permanent
Location: Belfast
Working Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday – Thursday, 5 hours Friday)
Programme: 3‑year Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronics with South Eastern Regional College in Bangor
Key Responsibilities
* Gain knowledge of engineering subjects: electronic, mechanical and software engineering.
* Familiarise yourself with the key techniques and technologies used in the design and implementation of the product.
* Learn to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
* Gain knowledge of the different disciplines within the Services function.
* Gain knowledge and be able to use Services tooling and software packages.
* Learn and maintain knowledge of current industry standards for all service disciplines.
* Support the team to undertake service‑engineering activities within deadlines and budget.
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.
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 this 3‑year programme, 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 business, embedding your college learning in a real‑life engineering environment. On successful completion of the Higher‑Level Apprenticeship, there may 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, work independently, use 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, Technology & Design, 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.
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).
Closing date: Thursday 12 February 2026 11:59pm
Applications will close at 11:59pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. Please note, we will be in contact by the end of February 2026 with details of next steps. Roles may close earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high number of applications.
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.
This role requires Security Clearance (SC). Applicants must go through Government security clearance at BPSS level and obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with UKSV requirements. Residence in the UK for the last 5 years is usually required. Refer to the UKSV website for guidance.
Thales is an equal opportunities employer. Diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales. Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process and will provide reasonable adjustments and support for applicants with disabilities.
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