Software Engineering Degree Apprentice

Leonardo UK Ltd; Wickford; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Dental

Family cover

Tech & lifestyle discounts

Gym membership

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Bonus scheme

Pension with employer contribution

Job summary

Leonardo UK Ltd invites applications for a four-year Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship. You will study for a BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions while working on real projects in World-class facilities across UK sites.

The programme includes university day release, extensive on‑the‑job training, and collaboration with experienced engineers. Applicants should show drive, teamwork, and a commitment to safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• 104 UCAS Points, including at least 2 STEM subjects (3 C's at A Level or equivalent).
• 5 GCSE grades 9-4 / A*-C or equivalent, must include Maths, English and a Science.

Responsibilities

• Grow knowledge of an engineering business and the role of a Software Engineer within Integrated Project Teams.
• Develop practical skills in software engineering and understand key processes and technologies.
• Support early careers activities – apprenticeships with STEM ambassadors in schools, colleges and universities.
• Commit to completing all academic modules and assignments for a Level 6 Apprenticeship standard.

Education

104 UCAS Points including 2 STEM subjects, 5 GCSE grades 9-4 including Maths, English and a Science

Job description

Job Description

The Opportunity

Leonardo offers a range of Apprenticeships from 2-4yrs. across a variety of STEM and business routes, offering paid training, coupled with on the job learning that enables you to gain practical skills, experience and knowledge that offers the best start to your career. We offer competitive entry salaries and fully support your academic learning through to qualifications, with salary increases as you progress.

Whether leaving School or College with GCSEs/Standards, A ‘Levels/Highers (or equivalent) or in work and looking for a new career path, you are fully supported as you rotate within the business working on real-time projects alongside highly skilled professionals. There is a member of our Apprentice team at each site, helping you progress, ensuring your study time is protected and enabling access to digital learning as well as opportunities to get involved with the local community and STEM projects.

Are you looking for a career in software engineering and the opportunity to work on real-time projects alongside leading scientists and engineers within a globally renowned company? Then why not apply for the Leonardo Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship!

Leonardo is an international leader in electronic and information technologies for defence systems, aerospace, data, infrastructures, land security and protection, and sustainable ’smart’ solutions. We are a continually expanding company, offering exciting opportunities to talented individuals who want to work at the forefront of technology.

Programme Description

Are you looking for a great start to your career inSoftware Engineering, earning and learning on a professionally accredited, award-winning scheme? We are looking to recruit the experts of the future on our nationally recognised, award-winning Apprenticeship Programmes.

You will be working within world class facilities regardless of which site you are based. There may also be opportunities to travel between the Company’s UK sites to meet with colleagues, customers and suppliers.

How this role fits in

Leonardo's four-year SoftwareEngineering DegreeApprenticeship programme is looking for people who understand the importance of communication, who are able to work well as part of a team and on their own initiative. You will have the drive and commitment to work through difficult problems to find the right engineering solutions.

Role description

You will also attend university on a day release basis to complete your Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Apprenticeship (ST0119) which includes a BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions (Software Engineer) degree.

We need people who understand the importance of our Customers and are ready to commit to working in the business, whilst also committing to a degree programme. At the end of the programme, you will work as a highly qualified member of ourSoftware Engineeringcommunity.

You will be working for a company at the cutting edge of technology, as well as enhancing your skills and business acumen, opening up your horizons to the diverse and dynamic ways to apply your academic learning in a practical environment.

We have created a programme across our UK sites that value those who continuously ask questions and look to resolve problems through creative and innovative thinking.

Who would suit this role?

Leonardovalues people that look to alwaysdevelopthroughout their career and along with an eager willingness to learn, a successful apprenticeship withLeonardoinvolves a drive to deliver results, sometimes from your own initiative, a patience forproblem solving, as well as a need to comply with safety instructions and clearprocess complianceat all times. We view commitment to the programme and learning objectives very highly.

Note

This Apprenticeship assumes the candidate has little professional engineering experience and is NOT suitable for candidates who already have anengineering/softwre degree.

During your apprenticeship, you will:

• Grow your knowledge of an engineering business and what the role of a Software Engineer is by being part of our Integrated Project Teams.
• Develop practical skills in software engineering and understanding key processes and technologies.
• Support early careers activities - our apprentices have the opportunity to work as STEM ambassadors in schools, colleges and universities
• Commit to the successful completion of all your academic modules and assignments in support of a recognised Level 6 Apprenticeship standard.

Qualifications

You must have as a minimum:

104 UCAS Points to include at least 2 STEM subjects (3 C's at A' Level or T Level core pass C or equivalent qualification)

Plus 5 GCSE grades 9-4 / A* - C or equivalent, must include Maths. English and a Science

Contract Type

Fixed Term

Salary

£23,500

During your Apprenticeship we encourage you to spend at least 3/4 days a week on site to integrate with your team and maximise your learning experience.

Security Clearance

At Leonardo, many of our roles are subject to security and export control restrictions set by UK Government Security requirements and customer obligations. As a result, and in line with the UK Government Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) requirements, all successful applicants will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record declaration information and employment and/or education history verification for the previous five years.

For staff operating in more sensitive posts, there is an additional range of personnel security controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV). As part of this process, a range of factors may be considered, including an individual's background, travel history, nationality, previous nationalities held and other information relevant to the vetting assessment.

To be eligible for National Security Vetting at SC level, applicants will generally be expected to have continuously resided in the UK for the previous five years. For DV clearance, this is typically ten years. In some circumstances, time spent overseas may be accepted, with additional overseas checks. Additional vetting requirements may apply upon appointment.

For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

Why join us

At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.

We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you're looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to recharge:Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.

• Secure your future:Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.

• Your wellbeing matters:Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.

• Rewarding performance: All employees are eligible for our bonus scheme.

• Join in our success:Our annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.

• Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit:https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/company-benefits

We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people, communities and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Primary Location

GB - Basildon

Contract Type

Fixed term

Hybrid Working

Hybrid