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Technology

Software Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

Airbus Defence and Space Limited · Cardiff Metropolitan
Location
Newport
Salary
£23,000 per year
Duration
3 years
Hours per week
37h
Positions available
1
Level
Level 6 – Degree
Degree awarded
BSc (hons) Applied Software Engineering
Start date
31 August 2027
Application deadline
26 October 2026
Vacancy reference
JR10433575
Minimum grades
104-112 UCAS points (3 A Levels at C or above), BTEC/Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma DMM, or T Level Merit or above; 5 GCSEs at C/4 or above including English Language and Mathematics

About the role

Join Airbus Defence & Space Cyber Security Division as a Software Engineering Apprentice. You will develop advanced cryptographic devices and key management systems to protect governments, military, enterprise organizations and critical national infrastructure. Working within the Cyber Security UK Engineering team, you will gain hands-on experience in embedded software development and Windows application software development, meeting demanding standards set by the UK National Cyber Security Centre. The role combines rotational placements, focused training, and a formal degree qualification from Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Requirements

Minimum 104-112 UCAS points from 3 A Levels at C or above, OR BTEC/Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma DMM, OR T Level Merit or above. AND 5 GCSEs at C/4 or above including English Language (or Welsh First Language) and Mathematics (or Mathematics-Numeracy). Candidates must demonstrate genuine interest in software development, be highly self-motivated with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must have current legal authorisation to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme. Subject to BPSS security check and potentially UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control depending on role requirements.

Working week

37 hours per week with half-day Fridays (subject to completing full hours prior to this)

Skills

Embedded software developmentC/C++ programmingCryptographic systemsWindows application developmentObject-oriented designUMLAgile methodologiesRequirements elicitationFPGA integrationSecurity standards compliance

Required qualifications

Essential
A Level · Any · Grade C
Essential
GCSE · English Language or Welsh First Language · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · Mathematics or Mathematics-Numeracy · Grade 4
Essential
GCSE · Any · Grade 4
Desired
Degree · Software Engineering or related field

Training & development

On-the-job training in high-grade cryptographic development. Learning Airbus Defence & Space standards for software design, development, integration and testing. Training in tools, methodologies and coding standards. Understanding design decisions, cost/benefit trade-offs, and software development plan estimation. Participation in Agile processes. Rotational placements within departments and potential European assignments.
Additional training
Formal BSc (hons) Applied Software Engineering degree from Cardiff Metropolitan University. Personal development and professional networking opportunities throughout the apprenticeship.
Future prospects
Upon completion, apprentices will be proficient in real-time software design and development in embedded environments using C or C++, familiar with design and architectural patterns, competent in object-oriented analysis and design using UML, proficient in requirements elicitation and traceability, and experienced in Agile software development processes. Graduates will be ready for the next step of their career within Airbus or the aerospace sector.

Company benefits

£23,000 annual salary, 37 hours per week with half-day Fridays (subject to completing full hours), 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, pension, success share scheme, flexible benefits. No course fees required.

Things to consider

Conditional offers for predicted grades must be achieved before apprenticeship start date. Subject to BPSS security check and potentially UK SC-level Security Clearance or Export Control. Must have UK work authorization for full duration. Apprenticeship roles do not meet minimum UK Visas & Immigration requirements for migrant worker sponsorship. Early application submission is recommended. Can only progress in selection process for one position at a time.

About Airbus Defence and Space Limited

Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. Generated €67 billion in revenues (2016) with approximately 134,000 employees worldwide. Offers comprehensive range of passenger airliners, tanker, combat, transport and mission aircraft, Europe's leading space enterprise, and efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions. Committed to workforce diversity, inclusive working environment, equal opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.
Website
www.airbus.com
Contact email
apprentices@airbus.com