Engineering Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship 2026

MBDA S.A.S.; Stevenage; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence organisation in the UK seeks candidates for a four-year apprenticeship program, offering opportunities in various engineering placements. Ideal applicants will have at least 5 GCSEs, including English and Mathematics, and should also meet specific A level requirements. This program combines academic learning with hands-on experience and supports professional qualifications in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Paid travel expenses

Annual pay reviews

25 days annual leave

Study leave during exam periods

Qualifications

• GCSE's must include English Language and Mathematics – Grade 5 and above.
• Completion of A levels or equivalent qualifications with relevant grades.

Responsibilities

• Engage in a four-year apprenticeship with rotational placements.
• Study towards a Level 4 Diploma Engineering Manufacturing Technician.

Skills

Mechanical Design

Manufacturing

Technical Analysis

Problem Solving

Education

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

3 x A levels including Maths (grades A-C)

Job description

Benefits

• 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

Opportunity

At MBDA, we inspire team innovation to solve some of the biggest challenges. This means you'll learn from the brightest minds, who are always there to encourage and support you. Our collaborative approach and culture of sharing knowledge will be key to your development. We trust each other to thrive; support one another to learn, and when you join us, you'll bring a different perspective to how we see the future. 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.

Program Structure

You will study towards a Level 4 Diploma Engineering Manufacturing Technician at Cambridge Regional College, with a blend of virtual and face‑to‑face delivery, and work within our business on rotational placements for 4 years. This way of studying allows you to earn academic and nationally recognised qualifications as well as gain hands‑on learning experience within a professional and friendly workplace. You will be at college 1 day per week learning your basic skills, with the remaining time spent on placements, typically lasting three to six months. We will also help you to achieve a professional qualification through the IMechE, IET or RAeS.

Placements

• Mechanical Design
• Missile Design incl. Hardware‑In‑The‑Loop
• Manufacturing
• Integration and Systems Validation
• Customer Support
• Environmental Engineering
• Quality
• Procurement
• Drawing Office

Eligibility and Requirements

This role has specific qualification and subject criteria so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criterion 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.

GCSE's: A minimum of 5 GCSE's at grades 9‑4. This must include:

• English Language
• Mathematics – Grade 5 and above
• Any Science or Technology subject

After GCSEs you must have completed one of the following and achieved 96 UCAS Tariff points:

• 3 x A levels including Maths. Applicants must have achieved grades A to C. Grades below a C will not be considered.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma at a minimum grade of MMM including a Distinction in Further Maths module.
• T‑Level at Pass, Merit or Distinction in an Engineering 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.

Diversity and Inclusion

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.