Mechanical Engineering Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship 2027
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
£42,500
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role may not meet the standard rate
Its advertised pay is below the standard rate. SOC 3113 needs £42,500 and SOC 2122 needs £46,800.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
3113 Engineering technicians Most likely code | £33,400 Misses | £34,000 Misses | £38,300 Misses | £42,500 Misses |
2122 Mechanical engineers Also possible | £33,400 Misses | £37,400 Misses | £42,100 Misses | £46,800 Misses |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. A mark is for the top of the advertised pay. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Mechanical Engineering Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship 2027
Salary: £21,000 plus a £3000 joining bonus
Duration: 4 years
Location: Stevenage
Learning provider: Cambridge Regional College, Cambridge Campus
The Qualification: You will complete an Engineering Manufacturing Technician (level 4) apprenticeship and study for an HNC in Engineering.
Find out more details on the course here: https://www.camre.ac.uk/course/engineering-manufacturing-technician-level-4-apprenticeship-standard/CC4AS4EMT/
Due to the need to attend your MBDA site and the training provider as required for your apprenticeship, applicants need to ensure their home or rental location is appropriate, travel arrangements are manageable and travel time is minimised as required for your role.
Security clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.
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.
This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Friday 22nd January 2027 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.
What we can offer you:
- Fully funded qualification starting September 2027
- Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
- Annual pay reviews
- Healthcare Cash Plan: provides support with everyday health related costs – including medical, dental, optical, physio and health & wellbeing
- 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
- Study leave during exam periods
Programme structure - your work at MBDA:
You'll study onsite at Cambridge Regional College (Cambridge) one day per week. When not studying you'll be working in the Mechanical Engineering function (ME) and can expect to be onsite at MBDA for the remainder of the working week.
Our four year apprenticeship programme is designed to best prepare you for graduation into the Mechanical Engineering Function. ME is involved in all aspects of a product's life-cycle; from early development and research, through to in service support. Completing this apprenticeship will provide you with the skills required to design, make, and test the next generation of missile system hardware.
This programme provides structured training on the use of industry standard engineering software packages such as Creo Parametric, Altair HyperMesh, and Ansys.
You'll be educated in key engineering design and analysis skills such as calculation of mass properties, limits and fits and understanding of material properties and selection process. You'll gain exposure to the application of structural and dynamic analysis techniques learned during academic studies. You'll also develop the skills required to work as part of a multi-functional project team, regularly collaborating with colleagues from Electronics, Environmental engineering and Manufacturing.
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.
You'll join an accredited Mechanical Engineering scheme that has developed some of the top tier engineering apprentices in the UK!
We'll also help you in achieving Professional accreditation through the IMechE, IET or RAeS.
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
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.
What we’re looking for from you:
This role has specific qualification and subject criteria so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria before applying otherwise your application will not be considered. If you are currently studying and predicted to meet these requirements by the start date you are welcome to apply.
GCSEs:
GCSE Maths at Grade 5 minimum
GCSE English Language at Grade 4 minimum
An additional 3 GCSE's at Grade 4 minimum to include a Science or Technology subject
After GCSEs:
Following your GCSE's you must have completed one of the following qualification routes, equivalent to a minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points:
- A level: Three A levels with a minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points, including A level Mathematics, with no individual grade below C.
- BTEC: A single Level 3 Extended Diploma in Engineering at MMM or above, including a Distinction in Further Maths module.
- T level: A T level in Engineering, with a Pass grade
Please note: We look at entry criteria based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications (BTEC/T Level). We do not include UCAS points gained from an Extended Project Qualification. Additionally, as an employer we set our own entry criteria based on the requirements of this role. This means that the criteria above may differ from the university.
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given
MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.
We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more…
We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with MBDA UK Limited, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Engineering technicians (SOC 3113) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~91k in sample- Middle half £33,540–50,648
- Median £42,172
- Going rate £42,500
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £33,400–38,300
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at MBDA UK LimitedAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. MBDA UK Limited holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 3113 going rate of £42,500. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.