Systems Engineering Apprentice Review
at Thales
Degree Apprenticeship
Engineering
Edgeley, 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:
4/5
I am a Systems Engineering Apprentice involved in designing and testing systems and sub-systems. My day to day responsibilities involve working on design change proposals, writing and executing tests to verify that the system meets certain requirements, keeping up to date with program progress and system development and completing documentation.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy my programme a lot. I think there is a great variety in roles and responsibilities and I have opportunities to explore opportunities and develop myself as an engineer. Having block weeks to study for my apprenticeship is a nice change of pace from the regular workplace routine and my company are very supportive in allowing me to do this. I have opportunities to steer my career path to focus on areas that I am interested in.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have learnt a huge range of core engineering skills, both at work and through my uni studies. I have also had many opportunities to develop my soft skills and find my place within a corporate, professional environment. I can complete all kinds of additional training and company funded volunteering to develop my skills away from the desk as well.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
The academic team at Warwick are very good at organising and structuring my apprenticeship modules. These are evenly spaced throughout the year so that they can fit seamlessly alongside my workplace commitments. There is not a structured, rotational apprenticeship program within my company as there are many apprentices on different courses with different requirements. We are treated like full time employees from day one which allows us to take on a lot of responsibility early and develop our subject matter expertise.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer are very supportive in ensuring I can complete all of my apprenticeship training and assignments. When I travel to uni for my block weeks, this is treated as business travel and so all of the associated costs (travel, food, accommodation) are covered by the company, allowing us to focus on our learning and enjoy some of the uni experience.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
We have regular meetings between myself, my line manager and my apprenticeship tutor to ensure that all aspects of my apprenticeship are on track and working in concordance with each other. My professors and other Warwick staff have been very forthcoming with help and advice whenever I have asked.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
Not all of what I learn at uni is applicable to my current role. That is, to a certain extent, inevitable with such a broad engineering course. I think my qualification helps me perform better not just from directly applying my learning but also from developing my academic and writing skills. Many of my assignments are based on the type of work I am likely to complete through my engineering career.
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
There are some extra-curricular activities however many of these are organised by groups of employees rather than the organisation and are not necessarily easy to find out about. Thales offers a substantial amount of volunteering leave for apprentices and graduates (80hrs/year for the first 2 years) which can be used to engage in extra-curricular volunteering, either organised by the company or an external entity.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Thales to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Interesting, varied work, a good work/life balance, lots of opportunities.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Thales?
Advocate for yourself and put yourself forwards for as many opportunities as possible. You will get as much out of this apprenticeship as you put in. Don't be ashamed to ask for help, you will not be expected to get everything first time and the best way to learn is to try things out, ask questions and listen.
