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

Location: Templecombe, United Kingdom

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.

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

 

Start Date: 06 September 2027

Salary: £24,000 per annum

Employee type: Permanent

Location: Templecombe

Working Schedule: Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday – Thursday, 5 hours Friday)

 

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

Benefits of the programme:

• Earn a salary while studying for your degree
• Gain hands-on experience in a real engineering environment
• Receive job-specific training and development
• Achieve a recognised engineering qualification
• Secure a permanent role from the start of your apprenticeship
• Have your university tuition fees fully paid

 

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.

 

The programme is delivered through a blended learning approach, combining:

 

• 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:

 

A Levels

• 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

 

GCSEs

• 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 to register your interest.  You only need to register for one role as you will have the opportunity to apply for additional roles at the full application stage.

 

2.      Upload Your CV

 

3.      Check your emails for the invitation to apply – this will come from [email removed]

 

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.

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.

 

 

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

 

Closing date: Our applications will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 17 February 2027, this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. Please note, we will be in contact by the end of February 2027 with details of next steps.

 

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