Software Engineering Apprentice - Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenti

Position: 2026 Software Engineering Apprentice - Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenti[...]

2026 Software Engineering Apprentice – Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship

Join Thales, an industry leader that designs and builds advanced aerospace, defence, security, and space solutions. Our work powers two‑thirds of all flights and entertains 50 million passengers each year. As an apprentice you will develop cutting‑edge software for aircraft and defence systems, progressing from learning to contributing to real projects.

Start Date: 07 September 2026
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employment type: Permanent
Location: Crawley, United Kingdom
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 fully covered

As a Software Engineering Apprentice you will support the team to deliver real‑world software solutions to deadlines and within budget, with opportunities to contribute across the entire development lifecycle.

Key responsibilities and learning opportunities

• Programming in industry‑standard languages such as C++ and Java
• Working in a multi‑disciplined agile environment alongside experienced engineers
• Using business management tools for requirement and documentation management
• Learning new tools and infrastructure for the engineering environment
• Developing secure, quality software solutions that adhere to timescales and budgets
• Applying domain knowledge and mathematical skills to model and develop solutions for aerospace, underwater systems, and software‑defined radio and electronic counter‑measure systems
• Developing creative and bespoke software solutions
• Building organisational skills with strong communication and relationship‑building abilities
• Exploring digital technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics

Apprentice Programme

You will enrol in the Level 6 Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprenticeship at Warwick University, following the Software Engineering pathway. Over four years you will combine university studies with practical application, working in our software function in Crawley. The programme follows a block release model, blending on‑campus delivery with remote learning. For most of the time you will work in the business 4 days a week and have 1 day per week dedicated to apprenticeship studies.

Upon completion you will be employed as a software engineer within a Thales UK business, holding a BSc in Digital and Technology Solutions and a Level 6 apprenticeship qualification.

Requirements

• 112 UCAS tariff points at A level (grades BBC) including a C or higher in Maths and at least one other relevant STEM subject (Engineering, IT, Computing, Web and Telecoms, Physics, Electronics)
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9‑4 (A‑C) including English and Maths

Benefits

• 201 hours annual leave (plus 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)

Final date to receive applications

Applications will close  pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. We will contact shortlisted candidates by the end of February 2026. Roles may close earlier if a high number of applications is received.

Recruitment Process

Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February and May 2026. Induction week for all graduates and apprentices will be from Monday 7 September to Friday 11 September 2026.

Security & Eligibility

All applicants must have the permanent right to work in the UK and will need to undergo Government security clearance at BPSS level and secure full Security Clearance (SC) in line with UKSV requirements before starting. SC clearance is a requirement; if you do not yet hold it you must obtain it prior to commencement.

Equal Opportunities

Thales is an equal opportunities employer. Diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.

Accessibility & Support

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. Reasonable adjustments and support will be provided for neuro‑diverse applicants, those with a disability, or long‑term conditions. To request an adjustment or an alternative format, contact the Early Careers Team for apprentice roles.

Apply Now

Great journeys start here – apply now!

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