2026 Software Engineering Apprentice - Graduate Level Apprenticeship in IT: Software Development

Thales; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 21,600 - 26,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave (201 hours)

Company Pension

Health Care Cash Plan

Life Insurance

Performance-related pay uplifts

Job summary

A leading engineering company in Glasgow is looking for a Software Engineering Apprentice to work alongside experienced engineers while studying for a BSc in Software Development. The role combines university education with practical experience, offering numerous benefits including a fully covered tuition fee. Applicants should have 4 Highers and National 5 English. The position offers a salary of £24,000 per annum.

Qualifications

• Must possess a permanent right to work in the UK.
• Must obtain SC security clearance prior to starting.

Responsibilities

• Design software solutions for engineering systems.
• Collaborate on effective software systems for the business.
• Support embedded systems projects with real-time hardware.
• Apply university learning in an engineering environment.

Skills

Enthusiasm for software and coding

Self-motivation

Collaboration

Education

4 Highers (BBBB)

National 5 English at grade C

Job description

2026 Software Engineering Apprentice – Graduate Level Apprenticeship (BSc)

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom
Start Date: 07 September 2026
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee type: Permanent
Working Schedule: 37 hours per week (Thursday university days, Monday‑Thursday on‑site or from‑home)

We are looking for enthusiastic, self‑motivated individuals who are passionate about software, engineering and coding. This role provides you with the opportunity to learn and grow alongside experienced software engineers, while gaining practical experience with embedded systems and cutting‑edge hardware.

What the role has to offer

• Earn while you learn
• Job‑specific training experience
• Recognised qualifications
• A support network of students currently on the programme
• Various benefits and opportunities to grow your essential skills
• Permanent role from day one
• Tuition fees for university or approved training providers are fully covered

Responsibilities

• Work with Engineering and Industry teams to design software solutions for our engineering systems and hardware.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver effective software systems for the business.
• Support embedded systems projects, testing code on real‑time cutting‑edge hardware.
• Apply university learning in a real‑life engineering environment.

Apprentice Programme

• Study at the University of Strathclyde towards a BSc in Software Development.
• Four‑year programme combining university studies with practical application in the software function in Glasgow.
• Attend one day per week for university studies and four days working in the business.
• Attend classes on campus for 10 days annually, once a month during term time.
• Upon completion, transition into a permanent role within Thales in Glasgow.

Requirements

• 4 Highers (BBBB) including either Maths, Computing Science or Physics.
• National 5 English at grade C or above.

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)

Recruitment & Security

• Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February and May 2026.
• Induction week for all graduates and apprentices: 07‑11 September 2026.
• All successful candidates must possess permanent right to work in the UK and will be required to obtain SC security clearance prior to starting.
• Security clearance information and guidance can be found on the UKSV website.

Closing Information

Applications will close at 11:59 pm on Thursday 12 February 2026. The earliest we will be in contact is at the end of February 2026 with details of next steps.

Additional Information

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

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. Contact Resourcing Ops for mid‑to‑senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles, if you require an adjustment.