Mechanical Engineering Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
MBDA UK LIMITED
Hertfordshire (SG1 2DA)
Closes on Friday 23 January 2026
Posted on 15 October 2025
Contents
Summary
Our 4-year apprenticeship programme is designed to best prepare you for graduation into the Mechanical Engineering Function. Mechanical Engineering is involved in all aspects of a product's life-cycle. Completing this apprenticeship will provide you with the skills required to design, make, and test the next generation of missile system hardware.
- Wage
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£18,000 a year
Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
3k joining bonus and annual pay reviews.
- Training course
- Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)
- Hours
-
Your contract will require you to work 37 hours per week Monday–Friday with a flexible working scheme. Core hours to be confirmed.
37 hours a week
- Start date
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Monday 7 September 2026
- Duration
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4 years
- Positions available
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6
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
The placement rotations and experiences gained on this scheme have been tailored to provide the specific skills required to become an engineer within MBDA's Mechanical Engineering Function. Placements may include:
- Mechanical Design
- Mechanical Analysis
- Materials and Processes
- Design Definition Office
- Configuration management
- Environmental Engineering & Facilities
- Industry Policy Supply Chain and Procurement
You will be both studying and applying scientific and mathematical-based principles and practices during this apprenticeship and, therefore, it is suited to those who enjoy the practical application of the subjects.
Where you'll work
Six Hills Way
Stevenage
Hertfordshire
SG1 2DA
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE
Training course
Engineering manufacturing technician (level 4)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- Read and extract relevant engineering and manufacturing related data and information (such as workplans or project plans, schedules, drawings, specifications, production data, quality reports, costing data, statistical information) drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions.
- Use project management tools, such as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT), stakeholder matrices, risk mapping, radar chart and summary risk profiles.
- Use problem solving tools such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Fishbone, Practical Problem Solving (PPS) and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
- Analyse and interpret data and information in order to generate manufacturing engineering documentation such as Parts Per Million (PPM) quality adherence, cost analysis and test data.
- Communicate using the appropriate method for the audience such as, formal and informal presentations, written reports, verbal, electronic, social media and incorporating relevant and appropriate data or metrics.
- Use the approved process and quality compliance procedure to create or amend engineering or manufacturing documentation.
- Use lean tools and techniques, such as Six Sigma, 8 Wastes, Workplace organisation such as 5S's (sort, set in order, shine, standardise and sustain), Kaizen and Poka-Yoke (Error proofing).
- Apply documentation control processes and procedures such as format, location, access, authorisation.
- Use financial planning, recording and review processes and documentation such as departmental budgets, estimating, cost control, cost forecasting, and investment appraisal.
- Use computer based software systems or packages such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Data Analytics and Databases.
- Read and extract relevant engineering and manufacturing related data and information (such as workplans or project plans, schedules, drawings, specifications, production data, quality reports, costing data, statistical information) drawing accurate conclusions and making informed decisions.
- Use project management tools, such as Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT), stakeholder matrices, risk mapping, radar chart and summary risk profiles.
- Use problem solving tools such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Process Failure Modes Effects Analysis (PFMEA), Fishbone, Practical Problem Solving (PPS) and Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP).
- Analyse and interpret data and information in order to generate manufacturing engineering documentation such as Parts Per Million (PPM) quality adherence, cost analysis and test data.
- Communicate using the appropriate method for the audience such as, formal and informal presentations, written reports, verbal, electronic, social media and incorporating relevant and appropriate data or metrics.
- Use the approved process and quality compliance procedure to create or amend engineering or manufacturing documentation.
- Use lean tools and techniques, such as Six Sigma, 8 Wastes, Workplace organisation such as 5S's (sort, set in order, shine, standardise and sustain), Kaizen and Poka-Yoke (Error proofing).
- Apply documentation control processes and procedures such as format, location, access, authorisation.
- Use financial planning, recording and review processes and documentation such as departmental budgets, estimating, cost control, cost forecasting, and investment appraisal.
- Use computer based software systems or packages such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), Data Analytics and Databases.
Training schedule
You'll study towards a Level 4 Engineering Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, which includes a HNC qualification in Mechanical Engineering. This course is aligned with the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.
Throughout the 4 years, you will attend Cambridge Regional College for 1 day per week with the remaining time spent on work placements, typically lasting three to six months.
More training information
MBDA will assist in achieving professional accreditation through the IMechE, IET or RAeS.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- Maths (grade 5)
A Level in:
BTEC in:
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Creative
- Initiative
Other requirements
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.
About this employer
MBDA is the only company capable of designing and producing missile systems to meet the current and future needs of the armed forces over land, sea and air. Through our expertise, we have become a trusted partner to the Ministry of Defence and work closely with the military to ensure that they have the capability they need, in order to protect our freedoms
https://www.mbdacareers.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)
Company benefits
Flexible working hours, paid overtime, a comprehensive pension scheme, company bonus schemes and superb learning and development opportunities.
After this apprenticeship
This is a great opportunity to explore the breadth of the Mechanical Engineering discipline and to work with innovative technologies. It could lead to personal and professional progression to people management, where you could become a technical specialist, project manager, or beyond.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000346685.
Apply now
Closes on Friday 23 January 2026
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