Software Engineer Apprentice Review
at Thales
Degree Apprenticeship
Software Engineering
Cheadle, Greater Manchester
Review Submitted: March 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.6/5
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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
My role primarily is developing software for a project I am on, however despite this I do frequently travel to other sites within Thales, and have been on some great yearly trips with the company, there is a great mix between work and the social side.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I fully enjoy the programme and there is a great variety of opportunities, the only setback is the commute time, however this is on me for living far away.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
I have developed my software development skills thoroughly, when I joined as a first year I only knew basic software, fast forward to year 4, I can independently code without any assistance in the majority of tasks given to me, I have also developed on leadership due to early careers opportunities that have been given to me.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is structured, apprentices can rotate project every 6 months - a year if they like, however many apprentices stay on their first given project as all the work projects are great and engaging and we want too see them to the end.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive great support from colleagues, my line manager and project manager.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
Great support is received from MMU, I have a skills coach where I have check-ins on progress updates and a supervisor for my 4th year project.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
The qualification helps, however many aspects specifically in the first and second year are unrelated to my current 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.)
4/5
There is a good amount of events over the year. The events I attend are typically once a year, the Cheadle site seems to fall behind on socials, compared to other sites where they are more frequent.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Thales to a friend?
Yes
Why?
Great company to work for, Hybrid working, Cross-Site travel, Great office environment.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Thales?
Be yourself
