Business Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Bolton; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in Bolton is offering a Business Degree Apprenticeship for 2026. The program includes fully funded education and hands-on experience across multiple placements in procurement, supply chain, and project management. Candidates should have a minimum of 5 GCSEs including English and Maths, and 120 UCAS points from A levels or equivalent qualifications. The role offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Paid travel expenses

Study leave during exam periods

£3000 joining bonus

Responsibilities

• Manage business relationships with UK and overseas suppliers.
• Improve supplier performance through risk assessments.
• Work on various projects and platforms to manage planning, costs, and risks.

Skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Education

5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English and Mathematics

120 UCAS Tariff points from A levels, BTEC, or T-Level

Job description

Business Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026

Salary: £18,750 plus a £3000 joining bonus

Work Location: MBDA Bolton

Learning Provider Location: University of Greater Manchester

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.

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS ROLE IS MIDNIGHT ON 3RD NOVEMBER 2025 (SUBJECT TO APPLICATION VOLUMES)

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

The opportunity

As a Business Degree Apprentice you will gain a unique insight in to various functions within MBDA. By the end of the four year programme, you\'ll begin the next stage of your career in a part of the business that you have experienced, and are keen to continue working in.

You will experience placements in functions such as:

• Procurement - manage business relationships with UK and / or overseas suppliers and gain experience of subcontract management ensuring on time, on cost, on quality supplier performance. Develop your negotiating and influencing skills and build your internal and external network as part of your placement.
• Supply Chain - gain experience in managing and improving supplier performance through risk assessments, ensuring that risks are identified, collected and effectively mitigated.
• Project Management - work on a variety of projects and platforms to manage planning, costs and risk mitigation.

There is also the option to complete a placement in Commercial at our Stevenage site - you\'ll liaise with MBDA\'s customers, ensuring the correct commercial agreements are in place to support the winning and delivering against the overall business objectives. There is a large amount of legal and commercial knowledge available to support you within this placement.

Programme structure

You will study for a BSc (Hons) Business Management Degree at University of Greater Manchester for 4 years which will be fully funded by MBDA. You will attend university for one day a week and when you are not at university, you\'ll work within our business on rotational placements. This way of studying allows you to earn an academic and nationally recognised qualification as well as gain hands on learning experience within a professional and friendly workplace. Course delivery will be a blend of virtual and face to face.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to join an apprenticeship scheme that has developed winners of some of the most prestigious apprenticeship awards in the UK.

Find more details about the course here: https://www.bolton.ac.uk/course/BAM007-P-UOB-SS

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

A minimum of 5 GCSE\'s at grades 9-4

This must include:

• English Language
• Mathematics

After GCSEs

After your GCSEs you must have completed one of the following and achieved 120 UCAS Tariff points:

• 3 x A levels at minimum grade C to include an A-level in a Business-related subject (for example A-level Business, Government and Politics, Economics, Finance, Accounting or Law)
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at a minimum grade of DDM, in a business related subject.
• T-Level at Merit or Distinction in a business related subject.

Please note: We look at entry criteria based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications (BTEC/T Level). We do not include UCAS points gained from an Extended Project Qualification. Additionally, as an employer we set our own entry criteria based on the requirements of this role. This means that the criteria above may differ from the university.

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, examples include: 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.

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