Project Planning and Controls Apprentice - Level 4 Project Management Associate

2026 Project Planning and Controls Apprentice - Level 4 Project Management Associate

Thales invites applications for the

2026 Project Planning and Controls Apprentice - Level 4 Project Management Associate role.

Location:

Crawley, United Kingdom

Start Date:

07 September 2026

Salary: £24,000 per annum

Employee Type:
Permanent

Working

Schedule:

Monday – Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday – Thursday, 5 hours Friday)

• Earn while you learn
• Job specific training experience
• Recognised qualifications
• Permanent role from day one
• Tuition fees for university or approved training providers are fully covered

This exciting apprenticeship will give you the skills and knowledge to be an effective Project Planning and Controls Apprentice within the Bid and Project Management Function  apprentice programme will provide you with a strong understanding and working knowledge of planning, scheduling, monitoring and controls, building the foundations for future roles supporting or managing projects that deliver world leading solutions to our global customer base.

The Bid and Project Management functions’ key responsibilities are to support the project team deliver the mission and ensure strong governance over bids and projects and oversee the implementation of consistent and assured processes.

• Assist with the creation and maintenance of the integrated master schedules for assigned projects
• Contribute to project reports and attend associated reviews
• Assist in the deployment & reporting of risk & opportunity management
• Help the project team ensure correct and effective project governance is applied
• Operate Thales UK tools to ensure effective management of the project schedule, budgets, risks and opportunities
• Commit to attend all elements of the apprenticeship including attendance on virtual training modules, 1-2-1 coaching calls, assignments, exams and mandatory Thales UK training activities to lay the foundations for your contribution to future growth of the business

You’ll be making the most of your talents, getting to understand the Project Management Function from the ground up; and doing so with the help of one of the biggest and best names in the industry. This is a 2-year programme, working towards the Level 4 Project Manager Associate Apprenticeship standard, with our training provider, The Apprentice Academy. The programme will be delivered via a virtual delivery model, with live virtual workshops and 1-2-1 coaching calls.

Throughout your apprenticeship, you’ll receive on-the-job training tailored to work alongside your studies, giving you the hands‑on experience needed to develop practical skills and knowledge. Upon successful completion of your End Point Assessment, you will roll off into the Thales UK Bid and Project Management job family into a Project Planner or Project Controller role.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are motivated, committed and keen to learn. A self-starter who is able to manage their time, show initiative and has a genuine interest in project planning/controls and Thales. Successful candidates will show self-discipline and an aspiration to achieve the qualification.

• Level 3 qualification to demonstrate the ability to learn at this level. Suitable Level 3 qualifications might include A Levels (Grade C or above), Highers, T Level (Merit or above), BTEC Diploma (Merit or above)
• 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A-C) including English and Maths

All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK, and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and to obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements. This role requires SC. If you do not currently hold SC, you must undergo, achieve, and maintain it prior to commencing employment.

Our applications will close m on Thursday 12 February 2026.

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.

Thales is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process, providing reasonable adjustments and support for neuro‑diverse applicants and those with a disability or long-term condition.