Software Engineer Apprentice Review
at Thales
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Greater Manchester
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
Exposure to interesting and challenging Software Engineering (SwEng) issues, from fixing bugs to learning about application build processes. You get a lot of experience with different SwEng tools, techniques and development software. Colleagues are very helpful and eager to teach you what they know.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
The university program is very good, the building is newly refurbished with new computer labs. The quality of teaching is also good, with a range of materials used in lectures. The staff are very helpful and accommodating. For a technology course, the first year content can feel a little business-heavy, however as pathways are chosen in second year, the content becomes more tailored and relevant to your everyday work.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have gained experience with multiple programming languages, gained agile working skills, TDD skills, experience building my network & confidence conversing with people in a variety of roles, developed experience presenting to stakeholders, gained skills in a range of Sw development techniques, including learning about build processes.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The university programme introduces you to a wide variety of topics, developing your SwEng skills in one module and your data handling/ database querying skills in another, for example. Some topics are introduced at odd points along the year, for example term 1 includes an essay writing assignment, then term 2 provides an essay writing workshop. Otherwise, well organised & structured.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Thales is very supportive of University work, developing skills & training for apprentices, for example allowing apprentices to take study days for OTJ (off the job) hours.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Skills coaches are engaged and supportive, very encouraging of keeping on track and helpful when organising evidence towards your KSBs. Lecturers are approachable and willing to help answer questions around the lectures.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Some of the business modules help you get a better understanding of the wide roles within the company, but may not be as helpful in your day-to-day job. Other modules are very helpful and really support your work role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Thales have social groups that will organise events throughout the year, especially around the big holidays. Volunteering opportunities are available through Thales, who give a generous amount of volunteering hours for apprentices to give back to the community.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Thales to a friend?
Yes
Why?
They are a supportive company who actively promote CPD, volunteering and networking.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Thales?
Learn about the company, you may not have heard the name 'Thales' before, but they are involved in a lot of industries and you've likely come across their technology before. Remember to be confident, respectful of others, encouraging others to get involved and be yourself.
