Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship - Software Engineering Pathway
Programme title: Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship – Software Engineering Pathway
Level: 6
Salary: £23,776
Location: Bristol
Application closing date: 18th December 2025
Programme start date: September 2026
Role ID: 67231
Our 5-year Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship offers an exciting opportunity to kickstart your career in software engineering. You’ll work on real projects while studying for a BSc Honours Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions with the University of Exeter – combining academic learning with industry experience.
About the programme
From day one, you’ll be part of our Mission Systems business, helping us develop innovative software that supports national security and defence. From cutting edge development of machine learning models to intelligent sensor technologies able to analyse the electromagnetic environment, our software needs to be proven, reliable and fully integrated.
You’ll work in design offices, laboratories and workshops, contributing to live projects in areas such as submarine systems, communications and security, command and control and electronic warfare. Whether you're helping to build an audio console or supporting software for a world-class ship, you'll be involved in the full development lifecycle – from concept through to testing.
This programme gives you the chance to learn about cyber security, control systems, software development, electronics and more. You’ll also have opportunities to develop skills and experience in Computer Aided Design (CAD), electrical and electronic design, and managing databases.
These skills will enable you to contribute to the delivery of innovative digital technologies that help keep people, assets and information safe – supporting our shared purpose of creating a safe and secure world, together.
Your education/training
As part of your apprenticeship, you will study for the BSc (Hons) Digital and Technology Solutions through the University of Exeter.
You’ll complete your studies part-time over four years while gaining hands-on experience in the workplace. In years 1 and 2, you’ll build a strong foundation in digital technologies. In years 3 and 4, you’ll specialise in Software Engineering. During your final year, you’ll work full-time in placements while completing your End Point Assessment.
Your technical training will be supplemented with in-house training courses and soft skill training to further develop your personal and team working skills.
Future prospects
By the end of your apprenticeship, you’ll have earned a BSc Honours Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions and gained rich work experience in software engineering.
In addition to your technical development, you’ll have built valuable project management skills through activities such as project planning, resourcing, budgeting, document management, and configuration control.
Upon successful completion of your apprenticeship, you’ll be ready to progress into your first substantive role within the business – typically as an Assistant Software Engineer or Software Engineer.
Apprentices who complete the programme can expect a competitive starting salary in software engineering, along with opportunities to pursue professional registration and chartership, supported by experienced mentors and industry professionals.
What you’ll need
- A minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent), plus one of the following:
- A minimum of three A Levels at grade B or above, preferably in related subjects such as Mathematics, Science, or IT.
- BTEC Extended Diploma at MMM
- Other qualifications equivalent to 96 UCAS tariff points.
- You’ll also need strong IT proficiency, familiarity with software development tools and web technologies (such as HTML), and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Many of our apprenticeship programmes are subject to Security Clearance and Trade Control restrictions which mean that your place of birth, nationality, citizenship, or residency you hold or have held may impact which programmes you are eligible for. For this programme, you must be able to achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Security Check (SC) clearance. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
What you’ll get
We’ll provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career.
In addition, you’ll benefit from:
- Fully funded qualification
- Personal development training and opportunities
- Minimum 28 days holiday allowance including bank holidays
- Competitive pension scheme
- Employee share scheme
- Flexible benefits including cycle to work scheme and employee shopping savings portal
You’ll also have the chance to get involved in our STEM outreach activities and volunteering opportunities, which our apprentices find incredibly rewarding.
Your career development
It’s hard to beat the variety of fantastic opportunities and business experiences you’ll receive. You can expect real world encounters and exposure to exciting projects that will really help you navigate where you want to take your career.
Plus, when you join us, you’ll be automatically enrolled onto our Apprentice Development Programme. Through a series of digital and face to face sessions, presented by wellbeing and performance experts and our external partners, we will equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to thrive and perform at your very best on your programme and beyond.
Application process and closing dates
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the programme may close early if we receive a high volume of interest. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, we strongly recommend submitting your application and completing any required online assessments as soon as possible.