2027 Systems Engineering (IVVQ) Apprentice

thales; Cheadle; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid/flexible working options

Learning and development support

Health Care Cash Plan

Contributory Company Pension

Life Cover

80 Hours Volunteering per year

Job summary

Thales is offering a 3-year Engineering (IVVQ) Apprentice programme in Cheadle, UK, starting 6 September 2027. You will work in the Underwater Systems Sonar business, gaining practical experience while progressing towards a Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship.

You will balance one day per week at college with four days in the business. You will learn to integrate and test complex systems, apply IVVQ principles, and develop fault-finding skills under senior engineers.

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) to include English and Maths.

Responsibilities

• Support the integration, validation, verification and qualification (IVVQ) of sonar systems.
• Conduct testing activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Following guidance from Lead Engineers and IVVQ Managers.
• Help prepare systems for customer acceptance and final delivery.
• Use specialist tools, equipment and diagnostic technology.
• Ensure components and assemblies meet technical specifications.

Job description

Location: Cheadle, 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 Systems Engineering (IVVQ) Apprentice - Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship

Start Date: 6 September 2027 Salary: £24,000 per annum Employee type: Permanent Location: Cheadle Working Schedule: Monday - Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday - Thursday, 5 hours Friday)

Are you passionate about engineering? Do you have an inquisitive mind? Are you looking for an employer who will sponsor you through a Level 3 Apprenticeship, whilst providing valuable and exciting on-the-job experience within a global, innovative and industry-leading organisation? If so, read on to see what Thales has on offer...

Benefits of the programme:

• Earn a salary while studying
• Gain hands-on experience in a real engineering environment
• Receive job-specific training and development
• Secure a permanent role from the start of your apprenticeship
• Have your tuition fees fully paid

About the Role

As an Engineering (IVVQ) Apprentice, you'll work within the Underwater Systems Sonar business, gaining hands-on experience with one of the leading companies in the industry.

Your role will be to support the integration and testing of sonar systems throughout different stages of projects. You'll help make sure both hardware and software products work correctly and meet the required standards before they are delivered to customers.

You'll be involved in:

• Supporting the integration, validation, verification and qualification (IVVQ) of systems.
• Conducting testing activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Following guidance from Lead Engineers and IVVQ Managers.
• Helping prepare systems for customer acceptance and final delivery.
• Using a range of specialist tools, equipment and diagnostic technology.
• Checking that components, assemblies and complete systems meet technical specifications.
• Becoming an important member of a highly skilled engineering team.

What You Will Learn

Throughout your apprenticeship, you'll develop both technical knowledge and practical engineering skills. You will learn:

• How to integrate and test complex engineering systems.
• The principles of Validation, Verification and Qualification (IVVQ).
• How to use specialist measuring, testing and diagnostic equipment.
• Problem-solving and fault-finding techniques.
• How engineering projects are delivered from development through to customer acceptance.
• Industry-standard engineering processes and best practices.
• How to work effectively within a professional engineering team.

Apprenticeship Programme

As an Engineering (IVVQ) Apprentice, you will:

• Work towards a Level 3 Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship
• Complete a 3-year apprenticeship programme
• Spend one day per week at a local college studying towards the apprenticeship, with four days working within the business, gaining practical experience
• Apply what you learn in college to real engineering projects and activities
• Develop valuable skills and knowledge while working alongside experienced engineers
• Gain broad experience across different areas of the engineering industry

Entry Requirements

To apply, you will need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C) to include English and Maths

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)