Business Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026

MBDA UK Ltd; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organization is offering a Business Degree Apprenticeship in Stevenage starting in 2026. The program spans 4 years, blending university study with practical experience across several business functions. Ideal candidates will have a minimum of 120 UCAS points and relevant qualifications. This apprenticeship offers a competitive salary and invaluable career opportunities.

Benefits

£3,000 joining bonus

Fully funded degree

Hands-on experience in a professional environment

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics required.
• Achieve a minimum of 120 UCAS Tariff points from relevant qualifications.
• Business-related subject as part of A-levels is a must.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects including planning, costs, and risk mitigation.
• Liaise with customers on commercial agreements.
• Manage supplier relationships and subcontract management.
• Support Export Campaigns and provide commercial management.
• Contribute to market development with the UK Ministry of Defence.

Skills

Project Management

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Analytical skills

Education

3 x A levels at minimum grade C including Business-related subject

BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma minimum grade DDM in business

T-Level Merit or Distinction in business

Job description

Overview

Business Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship 2026

Salary: £18,750 plus a £3,000 joining bonus

Work Location: MBDA Stevenage

Learning Provider Location: University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield

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 3 November 2025 (subject to application volumes).

The opportunity

Throughout the life cycle of our products, a multitude of skill and expertise is required. At MBDA our Business and Support functions cover a wide range of fields, with each one crucial for our continued growth and ensuring we deliver on our promises to our customers.

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

There are two streams within the Business Degree Apprenticeship that you may join. We will consider you for both unless you specify an interest in only one within your application.

In our Business stream you will experience placements in:

• Project Management - Work on a variety of projects and platforms to manage planning, costs and risk mitigation
• Commercial - 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 your placement.
• 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.

SBD stream offers apprentices the opportunity to support multi-national campaigns, whilst engaging with the UK Ministry of Defence and International customers. SBD Degree apprentices will experience placements in:

• Commercial Operations - Support Export Campaigns and provide bid and commercial management support that includes developing competitive propositions, proposal writing and negotiating.
• Group Business Development - Develop product and international strategies that support the security of MBDA\'s position in a highly competitive defence market.
• Export Sales - Reinforce MBDA\'s global presence by liaising with MBDA\'s current and prospective Export customers and remain open to responding to the requests and requirements issued by our customers.
• UK National Sales - Working with UK Government and Front Line Commands (Armed Forces) to deliver compelling offerings to enhance the existing capabilities of the UK Armed Forces.
• Technical Military Operations - Develop a technical understanding of MBDA products and their application within their relevant battlespace. Provide assistance to marketing opportunities such as trade shows and exhibitions that promote MBDA\'s commitment to international Armed Forces.
• International Industrial Cooperation - Gain experience in international offset and industrial participation policies, and contribute to the competitiveness of sales offerings to our Export customers.
• Market Development - Work with UK Ministry of Defence to support UK Export opportunities and national prosperity.

In addition, you will spend each summer in one of MBDA\'s international offices, subject to any restrictions. Previous SBD Degree Apprentices have spent their summer\'s working in France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain, gaining exposure into cross-national sales campaigns and cultures, and enhancing their linguistic abilities.

Programme structure

You will study towards a BA (hons) degree in Business Management at the University of Hertfordshire for 4 years which will be fully funded by MBDA and is also accredited by the Chartered Management Institute.

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.

Find more details about the course here: https://www.herts.ac.uk/courses/degree-apprenticeships/chartered-manager-degree-apprenticeship

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!

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:

• 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.

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