Apprenticeships
Learn whilst you work and gain a recognised qualification
Apprenticeships @ MBDA
Discover our business, develop your skills, build a network and earn the qualifications you need to succeed. Our four-year apprenticeship schemes provide you with a platform to study, work on exciting projects and make a valuable impact with the work you do, all while earning a salary.
Our apprenticeships focus on business, engineering, software and manufacturing. As part of the programme, you’ll move around the company in rotational placements, where you will gain a wider understanding of what we do, build a network within the organisation and define your future career with us.
There will be plenty of opportunities for you to develop. You’ll work at one of our MBDA sites and study for your qualification via day release at university or college. We also organise bespoke training courses to further enhance and improve your skill set. Starting each September our apprenticeships last for 4 years with salaries starting at £18,000, with a £3,000 joining bonus paid in your first months salary.
Our level 3 apprenticeships cover Project Control and Manufacturing operator roles - if you love managing tasks or getting hands-on then these roles are for you. If you're interested in Engineering and gaining a level 4 qualification then come and learn all about General Engineering or focus on Mechanical Engineering. If numbers is more your thing, then our Finance apprenticeship is worth a look. More focused on getting a degree? We have a range of Engineering, Software and Business apprenticeships for you to pick from. Whichever route you pick, all qualifications are paid for by MBDA - all the learning without the debt.
Are you unsure of your next steps now that you have finished school or college and are interested in finding out more about apprenticeships? Find out more about Movement to Work here.
Applications for our September 2025 programme are now OPEN! Take a look at what you could be a part of by using our job search - applications are due to close on the 24th January but could be sooner for some roles - so be sure to apply as soon as you can.
Benefits & Rewards
Annual Bonus
Annual Bonus
Every year in February, we reward our dedicated employees with an annual bonus. Exact amounts and percentages will vary by job grade and on business performance. This can be discussed/explained further with a member of the Resourcing team during your application process.
We are proud to say that we were able to award our annual bonus to employees even through tough economic times in recent years, when other employers were less fortunate.
25 Days Annual Leave (plus holiday purchase)
25 Days Annual Leave (plus holiday purchase)
Employees receive 25 days of paid annual leave per calendar year, in addition to all statutory and public holidays.
This increases to 26 days after 10 years of service and 27 days after 30 years. You can enjoy more time off by purchasing up to an additional five days holiday through payroll.
Dynamic Working
Dynamic Working
We trust our people to agree, within their teams, where and when they can be most effective. Our Dynamic Working policies allow individuals great levels of flexibility around the hours they work and where they work. Depending on your role and function, this may include options for paid overtime, dynamic leave (time in lieu) and more.
When applying, please check the job advert for details, then make sure to discuss what to expect with your recruiter.
Enhanced Parental Leave
Enhanced Parental Leave
We recognise that having or adopting a child is a significant life event for our employees and as a family friendly employer we offer a range of enhanced family leave provisions to support employees before, during and after a period of leave.
Our enhanced parental leave offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave. Enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments.
We also offer 2 weeks enhanced pay for paternity leave, and neonatal care leave for up to 12 weeks where a period of extended hospital care is required after birth. Employees also have access to support whilst undergoing fertility testing and treatments.
Lifestyle - Discounts & Vouchers
Lifestyle - Discounts & Vouchers
Discounts – The Discounts platform includes a great range of features such as: discounts, instant vouchers, reloadable cards, easy saver cards, cashback, mobile app and Wellbeing Centre.
Costco - Permanent employees of MBDA qualify for Costco’s individual membership.
Technology Vouchers – Purchase the latest gadgets and white goods up to the value of £2,500 and spread the cost over 12 months.
Charity Donations - Donate up to five charities each month, with full tax relief on all donations.
MyCar Scheme – The MBDA MyCar Scheme offers employees the opportunity to access up to two new vehicles via a salary sacrifice arrangement including an all-inclusive package.
Holiday Purchase – Purchase up to 5 days' extra holiday whilst making tax and National Insurance savings, spreading the cost over 12 months.
Gyms & Social Clubs
Gyms & Social Clubs
Healthworks Gym Membership - The Healthworks on-site gym at our Stevenage site offers a range of facilities and equipment, alongside a variety of classes available during the week.
Annual Gym Membership – Take advantage of discounted membership at over 3,600 of the UK's leading gym chains, leisure centres, hotel health clubs, independent gyms, boot camps and yoga studios.
The Club –The Club provides a fantastic opportunity to enjoy great social activities - from theatre trips, days out, to sporting activities.
Pension & Finance
Pension & Finance
Our MBDA Retirement Savings Plan is a 'Defined Contribution' plan in the Mercer Master Trust, administered by Scottish Widows. The standard contributions are 4% of an employee's base salary and 6% employer contributions. You can increase both employee and employer contributions by up to 2%.
Financial Awareness – Employees have access to free financial webinars hosted throughout the year, along with access to a financial education website which provides plenty of useful hints, tips and guidance on managing financial wellness.
Share Incentive Plan - Acquire shares in our UK Shareholder, BAE Systems PLC, the scheme is tax efficient on shares purchased.
Mortgage Advice – As part of our financial wellbeing initiative employees can access free of charge mortgage advice and webinars.
Season Ticket Loan – Employees can borrow the value of public transport season ticket for bus or train journeys to and from work and spread the cost over 12 months.
Critical Illness – To help reduce the financial impact after being diagnosed with a critical illness, employees receive a tax-free lump sum payment that can be used for any purpose including covering medical expenses, adjustments to lifestyle and more.
Share Incentive Plan
Share Incentive Plan
The Share Incentive Plan (SIP) is available for you to join and reinforces our commitment to long-term share ownership amongst our employees.
Free Financial Advice
Free Financial Advice
We know money matters in life, so we want to make sure our employees are both paid what they deserve, and also have access to resources that can help them plan for the future.
Through selected partnerships, we offer a range of free seminars, held throughout the year, to help you make good financial decisions for now and the future.
Extracurricular Learning Budget
Extracurricular Learning Budget
You can receive up to £150 towards the cost of approved courses each year including group language lessons.
Health and Wellbeing
Health and Wellbeing
Employee Assistance Programme - The Employee Assistance Programme is free, independent, confidential and is available 24 hours a day/365 days a year. Employees have access to short-term counselling (which includes up to 8 structured face to face, telephone or virtual sessions).
Voluntary Private Medical Insurance – Private Medical Insurance offers three healthcare plans to suit your individual requirements for you and your family.
Funded Private Medical Insurance - Eligible employees (Grade C & Above) are enrolled as standard into the company funded Private Medical Insurance benefit.
Dental Insurance – The Dental Insurance benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday dental expenses such as, minor treatments, routine examinations, restorative treatment and more. There are six levels of cover available, with each level providing increased claim limits.
Healthcare Cash Plan - The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more. There are six levels of cover available, with each level providing increased claim limits.
Healthcare and Leisure – The Healthcare and Leisure benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as medical fees, dentist fees, opticians and also provides access to special deals and concessions on sporting and recreational facilities.
Employee Assistance Programme
Employee Assistance Programme
Our employees' wellbeing is our priority. That's why everyone at MBDA UK can access free, confidential advice on a range of financial, personal and workplace issues, available 24/7.
Spotlight on our Apprenticeships
Take a look at some of our apprenticeships on offer and see what qualification you can achieve whilst you are earning:
General Engineering
Level: Higher
Qualification: Engineering Manufacturing Technician Level 4 Diploma
Locations: Stevenage
Mechanical Engineering
Level: Degree
Qualification: BEng (hons) Mechanical Engineering
Locations: Stevenage
Electrical Engineering
Level: Degree
Qualification: BEng (hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Locations: Stevenage
Project Control and Planning:
Level: Advanced
Qualification: Project Controls Technician
Locations: Stevenage
Business Management
Level: Degree
Qualification: BA (hons) Business and Management
Locations: Stevenage and Bolton
Software
Level: Degree
Qualification: BSc (hons) Digital and Technology Solutions
Locations: Bristol, Bolton and Stevenage
Finance
Level: Advanced/Higher
Qualification: Assistant Accountant Level 3 progressing to Professional Accounting/Taxation Technician Level 4
Locations: Bristol, Bolton and Stevenage
Manufacturing Operator
Level: Advanced
Qualification: Level 3 Engineering Fitter
Locations: Bolton and Stevenage
Entry Criteria & Application Process
AI in our application process
At MBDA, we believe in the power of technology to enhance our work and the potential of our future talent.
We understand that candidates may use tools to improve their applications. At MBDA, we emphasize the importance of using this technology ethically and responsibly. Innovation and integrity are two of our values at MBDA.
Use AI to Enhance, Not Replace:
- Drafting and Editing: Let AI help you organize and polish your application, but ensure your personal voice and experiences shine through to show us your authentic self.
- Research and Preparation: Use AI to gather insights about our company and the role, demonstrating your understanding and alignment with our values.
Avoid Misuse:
- Originality is Key: Submitting AI-generated content without personalization can be easily spotted. Authenticity and honesty are crucial.
- Final Review: Always conduct a thorough manual review to ensure your application reflects your true self and adheres to context-specific nuances.
MBDA People
Gain an insight into how we work and who you could be working alongside.
Stories
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