Project Control and Planning Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship 2026

Mbda Systems; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Stevenage is offering a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Project Control and Planning. The 4-year programme includes both academic learning and on-the-job training, equipping apprentices with essential skills in project management, risk analysis, and collaboration. Candidates must have 5 GCSEs including English and Maths to apply. Benefits include a competitive salary, a joining bonus, and a fully funded qualification.

Benefits

Fully funded qualification

Paid travel expenses

25 days annual leave

Study leave during exam periods

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and planning skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Good interpersonal and team-working abilities.
• Commitment to learning and personal development.

Responsibilities

• Develop skills for planning and controlling multi-million pound projects.
• Work collaboratively with various teams across the business.
• Participate in training on essential programmes.
• Capture updates and determine next steps for projects.

Skills

Project Management skills

Team collaboration

Risk management

Effective communication

Education

5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English Language and Mathematics

Tools

Primavera

SAP

ARM

Job description

Project Control and Planning Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship 2026

Salary: £18,000 plus a £3,000 joining bonus

Work Location: MBDA Stevenage

Learning Provider: Learning Skills Partnership

Security clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.

Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

• Fully funded qualification starting September 2026
• Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
• Annual pay reviews
• 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
• Study leave during exam periods

Closing date: Midnight on 23 January 2026

The opportunity

Throughout the life cycle of our products, a multitude of skill and expertise is required to design, craft and deliver to our end customer – and one of the most integral roles comes from our Project Management and Control Function.

Project Management and Project Control work simultaneously with each other to deliver programmes of work and projects to customers and end users on time, within budget and to agreed specifications. We have a unique and niche apprenticeship within this team to help us continue successful delivery of our products in the future.

Throughout this programme, apprentices will:

• Develop the skills required to effectively plan and control multi-million pound projects such as; planning at a detailed level, collecting and assigning costs across all parts of a programme whilst capturing, identifying and mitigating risks.
• Be working with colleagues and partners of our organisation in a fast paced, exciting and constantly evolving environment.
• Look at projects in development, manufacturing and assessment phases to get a full insight to the different stages of the missile lifecycle.
• Capture updates and information from all areas of the business - at all levels - to determine next steps on a given project.
• Be trained on all the essential programmes we use – such as Primavera, SAP and ARM.

Our team promotes innovative thinking, encourages new ideas and embraces them, so there will be ample opportunity for your own contributions. Training will be given on how to deliver specific tasks on a defined project, then as we build on your confidence and knowledge your project responsibility will increase.

You'll build a strong network across the business right from the beginning working with the Business team. This will include Project Managers and our Commercial team as well as Manufacturing, Technical and Engineering teams, giving you a well-rounded understanding of all aspects of our business and our products. We also offer the opportunity to work with the Ministry of Defence and some of our Customers as well!

This is a fantastic opportunity dedicated to your development and the improvement of successful planning and project control within MBDA. You'll be joining a scheme that has developed winners of some of the most prestigious apprenticeship awards in the UK!

Programme structure

This apprenticeship is a 4-year programme where you will study for a Level 3 Project Controls Technician Apprenticeship both virtually and face to face at your MBDA site with Learning Skills Partnership. The academic portion of this apprenticeship is 3 years, with an additional learning period of a year where you will remain on scheme, completing on the job learning to support your future role at MBDA. Study will be a blend of online and face to face sessions. When not studying, you will be working on various placements around the business.

You'll experience a placement with our Business & Project Management team to see a slightly different area of Project Management, and within the Project Management Office which will cover all aspects of Project Management in MBDA.

This apprenticeship could lead on to Project Control and Planner positions, which ultimately progress to Project Control Manager Positions.

Find more details about the course here: https://www.learningskillspartnership.com/project-controls-technician-level-3

What We're Looking For From You

This role has specific qualification and subject criteria so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria before applying otherwise your application will not be considered. If you are currently studying and predicted to meet these requirements by the start date you are welcome to apply.

GCSEs:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4
• This must include English Language and Mathematics

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, including Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more. We recognise that everyone is unique and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Training
• Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing

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