Project Planning & Controls Apprentice
About the job
- Achieve 64 UCAS points at A Level, or hold a BTEC diploma or a Level 3 apprenticeship.
- Have five GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A–C), including Maths and English.
- Have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to successfully complete and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard screening and Security Clearance before employment.
- For Security Clearance eligibility, typically have lived continuously in the UK for the last five years.
- Be motivated and committed, manage time, show initiative, have a genuine interest in project planning and controls, and demonstrate self-discipline and aspiration to achieve the qualification.
- Assist with creating and maintaining integrated master schedules for assigned projects.
- Contribute to project reports and attend associated reviews.
- Assist in deploying and reporting risk and opportunity management.
- Help the project team ensure correct and effective project governance is applied.
- Operate Thales UK tools to manage project schedules, budgets, risks, and opportunities effectively.
- Attend all elements of the apprenticeship, including virtual training modules, one-to-one coaching calls, assignments, exams, and mandatory Thales UK training activities.
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, we help build a future we can all trust. Thales supports the security and stability of our nation by providing extraordinary technology to our customers, as well as delivering social value to the UK with our products and services.
2027 Project Planning & Controls Apprentice
Start Date: Monday 6 September 2027
Salary: £24,000 per annum
Employee Type: Permanent
Location: Belfast
Working Schedule: 37 hours per week (8.25 hours Monday – Thursday, 4 hours on a Friday)
Transform your curiosity into a rewarding career. If you’re passionate about projects and eager to learn, this apprenticeship is perfect for you. Combining academic study with hands-on, practical experience, it offers a fantastic opportunity to grow and thrive within a global, innovative & industry leading organisation. We’d love to hear from you!
Benefits of the programme:
- Earn a salary while studying for your apprenticeship
- Gain hands-on experience within the Bid & Project Management environment
- Receive job-specific training and development
- Achieve a recognised qualification
- Secure a permanent role from the start of your apprenticeship
About the Role:
This exciting Project Planning & Controls Apprenticeship will give you the skills and knowledge to be an effective team member within the Bid and Project Management Function at Thales. The 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.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Assisting with the creation and maintenance of the integrated master schedules for assigned projects
- Contributing to project reports and attend associated reviews
- Assisting in the deployment & reporting of risk & opportunity management
- Helping the project team ensure correct and effective project governance is applied
- Operating Thales UK tools to ensure effective management of the project schedule, budgets, risks and opportunities
- Committing 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
Apprenticeship Programme:
Through our higher apprenticeship 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.
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.
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are motivated, committed and keen to learn. A self-starter who can 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.
Entry Requirements:
- 64 UCAS points at A Level, or BTEC diploma or a Level 3 apprenticeship
- 5 GCSE's 9-4 (A-C), including Maths and English
Benefits:
- Competitive salary of £24,000 per annum
- Performance-related pay uplifts
- Holiday entitlement of 201 hours a year (plus a 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 (first two years)
Thales Apprentice Recruitment Process:
1. Apply Online - submit your application online to register your interest. You only need to register for one role as you will have the opportunity to apply for additional roles at the full application stage.
2. Upload Your CV
3. Check your emails for the invitation to apply – this will come from [email protected]
4. Complete Your Application – follow the link provided in the email to complete your application. You can apply for one primary role and up to 3 additional roles.
5. Complete Online Tests - undertake the online assessments designed to evaluate your suitability for the role.
6. Virtual Assessment Centre - candidates who progress from the online assessment stage will attend a virtual assessment centre, which will include group exercises, and competency-based interviews.
7. Job Offer – successful candidates who perform well throughout the recruitment process will receive a job offer from Thales.
For further information about our Future Talent recruitment process, including hints and tips, or to connect with a member of the Future Talent Team, a Graduate, or an Apprentice, please visit Thales Future Talent - Connectr.
Please note, assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February - May 2027. Induction week for all Graduate and Apprentices will take place from Monday 6 September - Friday 10 September 2027.
Closing date: Our applications will close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 17 February 2027, this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. Please note, we will be in contact by the end of February 2027 with details of next steps.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ROLES MAY CLOSE EARLIER THAN THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE IF WE RECEIVE A HIGH NUMER OF APPLICATIONS. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.
Because of the work we do at Thales, all roles are subject to security requirements.
To be considered for this position, you must have the permanent right to work in the UK and be able to successfully complete and maintain UK Government security checks, including Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) screening and Security Clearance (SC), which is a government background check, before starting employment.
To be eligible for SC clearance, you will typically need to have lived in the UK continuously for the last five years. As part of the vetting process, you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, right to work in the UK, any time spent overseas during the last five years, and your employment and/or education history.
For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please follow this link - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels
Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity, and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
At Thales, we ensure equal opportunities, pay and working conditions for all. The benefits we offer include private medical insurance, buying or selling annual leave, cycle to work schemes, employee discounts, paid volunteering day, stocks and shares, annual bonus and much more depending on the role. Read more about our benefits here.
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued for who they are and the unique strengths they bring. Discover more about our programmes, employee networks, wellbeing policies, and inclusive features here.
If this role isn’t quite right for you, we encourage you to join our talent community where your details will be shared with our recruitment teams for other potential opportunities. Join the Talent Community here.
Join Thales in the UK – Innovate with us and shape the future!
About the company
Thales designs and delivers critical technology for aerospace, defense, and digital security, including electronics, software, and data-security systems used in air travel, credit cards, and modern military platforms. It combines hardware and software to create avionics, radar, cybersecurity, and secure communications systems that collect sensor data, run specialized software, and protect networks. It distinguishes itself through end-to-end solutions across defense, aerospace, and cybersecurity, ongoing deep-tech research in AI and quantum, and strategic acquisitions such as Gemalto and Imperva, plus its partial state ownership. Its goal is to provide reliable, secure, and connected technologies that support national security, public safety, and everyday life by solving complex security and connectivity challenges.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Meudon, France
Founded
1893
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- On July 23, 2026, Thales posted €12.5 billion orders and 22% organic growth.
- Ireland ordered five radars on October 2, 2026, reinforcing European air-defence demand.
- October 1, 2026 Frontier AI defenses and September 17 HexaForce expand higher-margin software revenue.
What critics are saying
- Germany terminated the F126 frigate contract in June 2026, creating a €450 million charge.
- If France or EU procurement slows, Thales loses politically protected backlog and pricing power.
- Cybersecurity faces Google, AWS, and Palo Alto; margin pressure intensifies by 2027.
What makes Thales unique
- Thales sells sovereign defence systems governments cannot quickly replace, like GM400α radars.
- Its €52 billion order book and 85,000 employees support multi-year critical infrastructure execution.
- Imperva, Gemalto, and eSIM platforms give Thales rare breadth across defence and digital security.
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Benefits
- Remote Work Options
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Budget
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
-3%1 year growth
-3%2 year growth
3%EIN.: 825010805 | State of Incorp.: DE | Fiscal Year End: 1231Type: D | Act: 33 | File No.: 021-404325 | Film No.: 211047499
Thales boosts sales forecasts as defense, aerospace orders surge. Published on 10/22/2026 at 01:22 am EDT By Mauro Orru Thales lifted its sales projections for the year as orders at its defense and aerospace units surged in the first nine months. The French aerospace-and-defense group had expected sales this year to grow between 6% and 7% organically, a closely watched rate that shows performance at constant scope and exchange rates. Thales said Thursday that growth should be in the upper end of that range, and potentially above. The rosier forecasts came as Thales posted nine-month sales of 16.42 billion euros, equivalent to $18.44 billion, up 7.6% in reported terms and 8.1% organically. Analysts had forecast sales of 16.33 billion euros, according to a market consensus provided by the company. The group reported orders of 19.12 billion euros, up 14% in reported terms and 15% organically. Analysts had forecast orders of 18.58 billion euros, according to the consensus. Thales's defense business, which remains the largest contributor to orders, brought in nearly 11.32 billion euros in bookings, up 14% both in reported terms and organically. The company said it continued to expect an adjusted earnings before interest and taxes margin between 12.6% and 12.8% this year. Write to Mauro Orru at [email protected] (END) Dow Jones Newswires 10-22-26 0121ET (C) Dow Jones - 2026
Thales earns EcoVadis Platinum sustainability rating with 91/100 score and top 1% ranking. The Group improves its overall EcoVadis score by eight points in 2026 with gains in environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement Thales receives the EcoVadis Platinum Medal with a score of 91/100, ranking among the top 1% of companies assessed in 2026. - Credit: (C) Adrien Daste - Thales Thales has been awarded an EcoVadis Platinum Medal for 2026 with a sustainability rating of 91/100, placing the Group among the top 1% of assessed companies. Its score increased by eight points year on year, with improvements in all four assessed categories. Thales attributed its progress to ongoing work under the PROTECT sustainability programme, which sets nine commitments with targets for 2030. (PRESS RELEASE) MEUDON, France, 20-Oct-2026 - /EuropaWire/ - Thales has received the EcoVadis Platinum Medal, the sustainability ratings provider's highest distinction, after achieving a score of 91/100. The result ranks the Group among the top 1% of companies assessed by EcoVadis in 2026 and reflects progress under its PROTECT sustainability programme. Improvements in all four sustainability assessment areas. Thales raised its overall rating by eight points compared with 2025, recording gains across each of the four areas evaluated by EcoVadis: * Environment: 96/100 (+5 points) * Labour & Human Rights: 90/100 (+14 points) * Ethics: 84/100 (+2 points) * Sustainable Procurement: 94/100 (+9 points) Recognition of a collective effort. According to Thales, the Platinum distinction reflects the contribution of its teams and supports its ambition to help customers and partners develop a safer, more environmentally friendly and more inclusive world. Thales' Chief Sustainability Officer Anne Bolot-Gittler said: "Behind this Platinum Medal and our score of 91/100 lies the daily commitment of Thales teams around the world. This recognition of the progress we have achieved encourages us to continue pursuing our actions through PROTECT, with the same high standards in order to deliver on our 2030 ambitions." Further sustainability recognition. The EcoVadis award follows other sustainability-related distinctions for Thales, including: * Inclusion in the CAC 40 ESG Index; * A place on the CDP Climate A-List for a third consecutive year; * A rise to No. 22 in TIME and Statista's "World's Best Companies 2026" list, an improvement of 200 places year on year. About EcoVadis. EcoVadis is the global benchmark for assessing corporate sustainability performance. Its methodology evaluates the quality of policies, actions implemented and results achieved across four areas: environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. About PROTECT. The PROTECT sustainability roadmap sets out Thales' nine commitments, each with a target to be met by 2030, across three pillars: * Society: Fostering a more responsible and sustainable society through technology; * Planet: Changing how we operate in line with the planet's limits; * People: Working together to build an inclusive and attractive workplace where everyone can develop into their best selves.
CSL Group acquires SIMPL Wireless to bring Critical Connectivity(R) to North America. Oct 16, 2026, 07:00 ET Adding multi-carrier eSIM, a unified connectivity management platform and Tier-1 US carrier partnerships to CSL's global IoT connectivity platform LONDON and DULUTH, Ga., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - CSL Group, the leading global provider of Critical Connectivity(R), has acquired SIMPL Wireless, the US-based IoT eSIM connectivity provider. The acquisition gives CSL a North American home and gives customers connectivity that is simple, fast and fully under their control, within a single, resilient connectivity service. As IoT estates grow across borders, enterprises need to manage every SIM, contract and network from one place. Unified management lowers cost and speeds deployment, while multi-network resilience keeps devices connected when a network goes down. The acquisition, CSL's second in 2026 following IoTM Solutions in July, strengthens CSL's ability to help customers build resilient IoT estates - with the uptime and operational control that life, mission and business-critical applications demand. Simple. Fast. Yours. SIMPL's promise is simple, fast and yours: connectivity that goes live quickly, runs on the SIMs, APNs, hardware and carrier contracts customers already have, and keeps them in control of every connection. EverSIM, its multi-carrier eSIM built on unmodified, GSMA SAS-certified Thales eUICC infrastructure and native to SGP.22 and SGP.32, gives customers the option to buy connectivity from SIMPL or bring their own from up to 100 mobile network operators, with 5G Standalone support, backward-compatible to NB-IoT. A single SIM SKU carries a native primary carrier profile, and customers can localise anywhere by downloading local profiles over the air, with backup profiles that step in automatically if the primary network goes down and hand back when it returns. Compass, its single-pane-of-glass platform, gives customers one dashboard and one API to activate, monitor and manage SIMPL SIMs alongside existing carrier SIMs, with automated self-healing via auto-profile fallback. Historically, enterprise eSIM deployments have taken a year or more because of platform integrations, carrier certifications and custom development. EverSIM compresses that timeline to days, enabling customers to move quickly from proof of concept to production while maintaining centralised oversight. Speed, simplicity, control - it just works. With established partnerships including T-Mobile and Thales, SIMPL serves Solution Providers and Resellers in addition to customers across retail, transport, energy and EV charging. This gives CSL an immediate US customer base, local go-to-market capability and Tier-1 carrier relationships. Combined with CSL's patented rSIM(R) multi-network resilience and IoTM's connectivity orchestration, SIMPL completes a single operating model for customers: manage every SIM and eSIM, and stay online when a network fails. Jason Morrow, CEO of SIMPL Wireless, said: "SIMPL was built on three ideas: speed, simplicity and control. IoT connectivity should be fast to activate, run on what customers already have, and stay theirs to control - it should just work. Joining CSL Group puts that on a platform engineered for uptime and backed by three decades of critical connectivity expertise. For our customers, nothing changes on day one except what we can now offer them." The SIMPL team will join CSL Group, and SIMPL will continue to serve its existing customers, carriers and partners - as SIMPL Wireless, a CSL Group company. Expanding CSL in North America CSL already delivers managed IoT connectivity and patented rSIM(R) resilience across more than three million connections in building security, healthcare, infrastructure, utilities and transport. SIMPL gives CSL the US base, carrier relationships and local team to bring that capability to North American customers. Together, CSL, IoTM and SIMPL enable customers to deploy globally, connect with confidence, automate SIM and eSIM lifecycle management and keep critical devices online as their estates grow. Ed Heale, CEO of CSL Group, commented: "Customers shouldn't have to choose between flexibility and resilience. Bringing SIMPL into CSL Group gives us a home in North America and a platform that lets customers connect anywhere, with the certainty critical applications require." Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. About CSL Group CSL Group is the world's leading provider of Critical Connectivity(R). Founded in 1996, CSL has spent three decades building the expertise, resilience and managed infrastructure that life, mission and business-critical IoT applications depend on. Today, CSL manages over three million connections across building security, healthcare, infrastructure, utilities and transport, delivering always-on, fully managed, multi-path IoT solutions at scale. Where other connectivity providers deliver a commodity, CSL delivers certainty: designing, deploying and managing secure, resilient solutions tailored to the environments where failure is not an option. Follow CSL: About SIMPL Wireless SIMPL Wireless is a US-based eSIM-as-a-Service provider headquartered in Duluth, Georgia. Its EverSIM multi-carrier eSIM and Compass platform deliver IoT connectivity that is simple, fast and yours. Customers can buy connectivity from SIMPL or bring their own from up to 100 mobile network operators, activate quickly on the hardware and carrier contracts they already have, and manage every connection through one dashboard and one API. SIMPL is built on GSMA SAS-certified Thales infrastructure and works with partners including T-Mobile and Thales. SIMPL Wireless is a CSL Group company. SOURCE CSL Group
Thales opening Japan Services Centre. 15th October 2026 Thales strengthens its presence in Japan with the opening of a Defence Services Centre and an increase in recruitment. Press Release, Paris, 14 October 2026: The opening of the Thales Japan Services Centre will help support the resilience and sovereignty of Japanese industry, while strengthening the Group's proximity with its local partners. The centre will consolidate long-term defence services capabilities, such as maintenance, support, operational availability and local development, in order to meet the needs of end users. On site, Thales engineering and services experts will support the Group's partners on a day-to-day basis, contributing to the development of local expertise. This presence will make it possible to adapt quickly to customers' requirements, ensure service continuity in all circumstances, and limit the risk of disruption during critical periods. The Thales Japan Services Centre plans to host nearly 40 people by 2030. Continuing recruitment and collaboration with Japanese SMEs and startups: Driven by its recent commercial successes in Japan, Thales has increased its headcount by more than 11% since 2024, a momentum the Group intends to pursue by growing its workforce by more than 16% over the next three years. Already a partner to many major Japanese players, Thales intends to expand its cooperation with SMEs and startups, both on local projects and by integrating them into its global supply chain. This strengthening in Japan illustrates Thales' multi-domestic strategy, combined with the platform-agnostic nature of its technologies, which allows them to be integrated pragmatically into existing systems and infrastructures, particularly in defence and cybersecurity. "The momentum of our recruitment in Japan and the opening of the Thales Japan Services Centre mark a new step in our commitment to our Japanese partners and customers. This reinforced proximity will enable us to be more available and more responsive, in support of the entire Japanese value chain, from major corporations to SMEs." Pascale Sourisse, Senior Executive Vice-President, International Development, Thales.