2026 Engineering (Component) Apprentice - Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronics

Londrinatur; Belfast; On-site; GBP 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology leader in engineering is seeking a Component Engineering Apprentice for a permanent role in Belfast. This higher-level apprenticeship offers the chance to earn while you learn, covering tuition fees and providing a pathway to a Foundation Engineering Degree in Mechatronics. Candidates should be enthusiastic and committed, with specific academic qualifications. Benefits include annual leave, a pension plan, and health coverage. This opportunity is open to residents of Northern Ireland with the right to work in the UK.

Benefits

Annual leave

Company Pension

Health Care Cash Plan

Life Insurance

Performance-related pay

Volunteering hours

Qualifications

• Must be a self-starter with strong time management skills.
• Genuine interest in engineering and technology.
• Motivated individuals who are committed to learning.

Responsibilities

• Develop engineering skills through hands-on learning.
• Support the team with service-engineering activities.
• Work with electronic, mechanical, and software engineering.

Skills

Motivation

Time management

Self-discipline

Interest in Engineering

Education

56 UCAS Tariff points including A levels

5 GCSEs including English and Maths

Job description

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 thats why we offer you the flexibility to do whats important to you; whether thats 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.

2026 Component Engineering Apprentice Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronics

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)

As a Component Engineering Apprentice, you will develop the key skills and experience in the following:

• 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 use Services tooling and software packages
• Learn and maintain knowledge of current industry standards for all service disciplines

The role will develop your engineering skills to become a confident, positive and flexible Component Engineering Apprentice with strong technical knowledge gained from on‑job training and college studies. Supporting the team to undertake service‑engineering activities to deadlines and within 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, working on your own, using your initiative and having 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

Please note: due to funding obligations (i) applicants who already hold a relevant degree will not be eligible for this programme; (ii) this opportunity is available in Belfast and open to all Northern Ireland residents. In addition, Right to Work in the UK for the duration of the programme is necessary.

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)

Please note, 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 – Friday 11 September 2026.

Closing date: Our applications will close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 12 February 2026, this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ROLES MAY CLOSE EARLIER THAN THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE IF WE RECEIVE A HIGH NUMER OF APPLICATIONS. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.

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). The role requires Security Clearance (SC), and it would be advantageous if currently held; otherwise a requirement to undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment.

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

Great journeys start here, apply now!