2026 Academy Engineer Apprentice – Level 5 Higher Level Apprenticeship – Mechatronic Engineering
Thales, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
Position opens 07 September 2026. Salary £24,000 per annum. Permanent role from day one. 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 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. Advanced products and systems are produced through automation and robotics.
Responsibilities
* Create innovative design concepts for missile sub‑systems and vehicle integration solutions using CREO
* Generate detailed drawings for the manufacture of high precision‑machined components
* Generate assembly drawings of electro/optical/mechanical systems and sub‑systems
* Interact 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 working in a multi‑disciplined agile environment
* Organise 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
* Enthusiastic individuals motivated, committed and keen to learn
* Self‑starter, able to demonstrate time management skills, work on own, use initiative and genuine interest in Engineering and Thales
* Self‑discipline and aspiration to achieve a degree qualification
Entry requirements
* 56 UCAS tariff points including 1 A Level mathematics, further mathematics, physics, chemistry, design & technology, engineering, electronics or double award science/ applied science. Or BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering with MPP profile or Diploma in Engineering with MM profile.
* 5 GCSEs at grade C or above including English and Maths
Please note: applicants who already hold a relevant degree will not be eligible for this programme. 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)
Important dates
Closing date: 11.59pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. Applications may close earlier than the advertised deadline if we receive a high number of applications. 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 to Friday 11 September 2026.
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 obtain full Security Clearance (SC) prior to starting. This role requires SC clearance; if not currently held, you must achieve and maintain SC clearance before commencing.
Equal opportunities statement
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.
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