2027 Project Planning & Controls Apprentice

thales; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary while studying

Hands-on experience

Job-specific training

Recognised qualification

Permanent role from start

Job summary

Thales in Belfast is offering a 3-year Higher Level Apprenticeship in Business focused on Project Planning & Controls within the Bid & Project Management function. You will combine academic study with hands-on project experience and progress toward a Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Business.

The programme covers master scheduling, risk management, governance, and project reporting, delivered via blended on‑campus and self‑directed learning.

Qualifications

• 64 UCAS points at A Level, or BTEC diploma or Level 3 apprenticeship.
• 5 GCSE's 9-4 (A-C), including Maths and English.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with the creation and maintenance of the integrated master schedules for assigned projects.
• Contributing to project reports and attend associated reviews.
• Assisting in the deployment & reporting of risk & opportunity management.
• Helping the project team ensure correct and effective project governance is applied.
• Operating Thales UK tools to ensure effective management of the project schedule, budgets, risks and opportunities.
• Committing to attend all elements of the apprenticeship including attendance on virtual training modules, 1-2-1 coaching calls, assignments, exams and mandatory Thales UK training activities to lay the foundations for your contribution to future growth of the business.

Education

64 UCAS points (A Level) or BTEC Level 3 or equivalent

5 GCSEs 9-4 including Maths and English

Job description

Location: Belfast, 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 Project Planning & Controls Apprentice - Higher Level Apprenticeship in Business

Start Date: Monday 6 September 2027

Salary: £24,000 per annum

Employee Type: Permanent

Location: Belfast

Working Schedule: 37 hours per week (8.25 hours Monday - Thursday, 4 hours on a Friday)

Transform your curiosity into a rewarding career. If you're passionate about projects and eager to learn, this apprenticeship is perfect for you. Combining academic study with hands‑on, practical experience, it offers a fantastic opportunity to grow and thrive within a global, innovative & industry leading organisation. We'd love to hear from you!

Benefits of the programme:

• Earn a salary while studying for your apprenticeship
• Gain hands‑on experience within the Bid & Project Management environment
• Receive job‑specific training and development
• Achieve a recognised qualification
• Secure a permanent role from the start of your apprenticeship

About the Role:

This exciting Project Planning & Controls Apprenticeship will give you the skills and knowledge to be an effective team member within the Bid and Project Management Function at Thales. The apprentice programme will provide you with a strong understanding and working knowledge of planning, scheduling, monitoring and controls, building the foundations for future roles supporting or managing projects that deliver world leading solutions to our global customer base. The Bid and Project Management function's key responsibilities are to support the project team deliver the mission and ensure strong governance over bids and projects and oversee the implementation of consistent and assured processes.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Assisting with the creation and maintenance of the integrated master schedules for assigned projects
• Contributing to project reports and attend associated reviews
• Assisting in the deployment & reporting of risk & opportunity management
• Helping the project team ensure correct and effective project governance is applied
• Operating Thales UK tools to ensure effective management of the project schedule, budgets, risks and opportunities
• Committing to attend all elements of the apprenticeship including attendance on virtual training modules, 1-2-1 coaching calls, assignments, exams and mandatory Thales UK training activities to lay the foundations for your contribution to future growth of the business

Apprenticeship Programme:

Through our higher apprenticeship you'll be making the most of your talents, getting to understand the Project Management Function from the ground up; and doing so with the help of one of the biggest and best names in the industry.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll receive on-the-job training tailored to work alongside your studies, giving you the hands‑on experience needed to develop practical skills and knowledge.

The programme will be delivered via a blended learning model combing on campus attendance and self‑directed learning activities.

This is a 3‑year programme, working towards a Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Business, at Belfast Metropolitan College.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are motivated, committed and keen to learn. A self‑starter who can manage their time, show initiative and has a genuine interest in project planning/controls and Thales. Successful candidates will show self‑discipline and an aspiration to achieve the qualification.

Entry Requirements:

• 64 UCAS points at A Level, or BTEC diploma or a Level 3 apprenticeship
• 5 GCSE's 9-4 (A-C), including Maths and English

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)