TechnologyEngineeringData Science
2027 AI Researcher Apprentice - Level 6 Machine Learning
Thales Group
Location
Crawley, West Sussex
Postcode
RH10 9HA
Salary
£24,000 per annum
Duration
4 years
Hours per week
37h
Positions available
1
Level
Level 6 – Degree
Degree awarded
Level 6 Machine Learning
Start date
1 September 2027
Application deadline
17 February 2027
Vacancy reference
R0337756
Minimum grades
A Levels: Grade B+ in Maths and one relevant subject; GCSEs: Grade 4/C+ in English Language and Mathematics, plus three other GCSEs at Grade 4/C+
About the role
As an AI Researcher Apprentice, you will develop technical knowledge, analytical skills and professional behaviours needed to investigate challenging problems and advance the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Working alongside AI researchers, engineers and domain specialists, you will support research and experimentation on live projects, translating questions into evidence-based findings, prototypes and recommendations.
Requirements
Three A Levels with Grade B or above in Maths and at least one other relevant subject (Physics, Computer Science, Software, ICT). Minimum of five GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above including English Language and Mathematics. Or Level 4/5 apprenticeship in a relevant discipline. Computer Science graduates are not eligible due to funding restrictions. Must have permanent right to work in the UK and be able to complete UK Government security checks including BPSS screening and SC clearance. Typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years.
Working week
Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday – Thursday, 5 hours Friday)
Skills
Machine learningData analysisPython programmingExperimental designStatistical analysisTechnical writingResearch methodsProblem-solving
Required qualifications
Essential
A Level · Maths · Grade B
Essential
A Level · Physics or Computer Science or Software or ICT · Grade B
Essential
GCSE · English Language · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · Mathematics · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · Any · Grade 4
Desired
Apprenticeship · Level 4/5 in relevant discipline · Grade Completion
Training & development
Degree apprenticeship programme leading to Level 6 Machine Learning qualification with Corndel. Study covers professional research behaviours, research methods, statistics, experimental design, machine learning principles, programming, data handling, responsible AI, and technical communication. Delivered through virtual learning model combining live lectures, online resources and self-directed learning. Full AI lifecycle coverage from concept and design through deployment and governance.
Company benefits
Competitive salary of £24,000 per annum; Performance-related pay uplifts; Holiday entitlement of 201 hours a year plus company day and bank holidays; Contributory Company Pension; Health Care Cash Plan; Hybrid/flexible working options; Employee assistance programme; Learning and development support; Employee discounts and wellbeing initiatives; Life Cover; 80 Hours Volunteering per year for first two years; Private medical insurance; Buying or selling annual leave; Cycle to work schemes; Paid volunteering day; Stocks and shares; Annual bonus
About Thales Group
Thales is a global technology leader with more than 83,000 employees on five continents. With over 7,500 people in the UK, operating across defence, space, aerospace, and digital security, helping build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of the nation by providing extraordinary technology to customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with products and services.
Website
www.thalesgroup.com