Apprenticeship · Level 6 (Degree)
TL;DR
Key Takeaways
- Undertake a 4-year Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship (BEng Hons) at the University of Hertfordshire, starting September 2027.
- Earn £23,000 per year, with a £3000 joining bonus and annual pay reviews.
- Gain practical experience in one of four engineering streams: Integration and Missile Validation, Engineering Support, Environmental Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
- Requires specific GCSEs and A-Level/BTEC qualifications equivalent to 120 UCAS points, including Maths and a Science/Technology subject.
- Applications close at midnight on Friday 20th November 2026.
About the Role
This is a 4-year Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship, starting in September 2027, leading to a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering qualification.
Salary
- £23,000 per year
- £3000 joining bonus
- Annual pay reviews
What You'll Do
You will study at the University of Hertfordshire one day a week, with the rest of your time spent at MBDA, applying your learning in a practical environment. The programme includes placements tailored to one of four streams:
Integration and Missile Validation
- Prepare and support live missile trials.
- Learn about instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition, and test equipment.
- Analyse data and contribute to trial reports and engineering reviews.
Engineering Support
- Gain experience in supporting engineering products throughout their lifecycle.
- Explore placements in areas such as Supportability, In-service teams, Support Services, Human factors, Field support, and Technical publications.
- Understand how engineers keep complex systems available, reliable, and effective.
Environmental Engineering
- Test advanced products in extreme mechanical and climatic conditions.
- Simulate real-world environments including extreme temperatures, vibration, shock, humidity, and low pressure.
- Gain experience in mechanical and climatic testing, structural testing, trials, and data analysis.
Mechanical Engineering
- Explore the full mechanical engineering lifecycle, from design and simulation to manufacture, assembly, and testing.
- Use industry-standard tools such as Creo, Altair, Hypermesh, and Ansys.
- Work on increasingly complex projects.
Regardless of the stream, you will benefit from a rotational programme exposing you to the entire product lifecycle and collaboration with various engineering functions.
Entry Requirements
- GCSEs: A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Mathematics, and any Science or Technology subject.
- Post-GCSE Qualifications (equivalent to 120 UCAS Tariff points):
- A Levels: Three A levels totalling 120 UCAS Tariff points, including Maths and either a Technology or Engineering subject, with no individual grade below B.
- BTECs: A single Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at a minimum grade of DDM, including a distinction in a Further Maths module.
- Note: T-level qualifications are not supported. Entry criteria are based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications (BTEC). EPQ points are not included.
Security Clearance
- Must be a British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.
- Successful candidates will undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS).
Benefits
- Fully funded qualification starting September 2027
- Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
- Study leave during exam periods
Location
Stevenage
Application Deadline
Friday 20th November 2026 (may close earlier depending on application volumes).