Digital and Technology Solutions Degree Apprentice

Programme title: Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship – Software Engineering Pathway
Level: 6

Salary: £23,776
Location:  Bristol (Ashton House) and Plymouth

Application closing date: 8th December 20266

Programme start date: September 2027

Role ID:74931

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 offers the opportunity to develop skills across both traditional and modern software development practices, including Agile ways of working and AI-assisted development techniques used within the defence sector. Working alongside experienced professionals, you'll gain hands-on experience, build your technical expertise, and develop the skills needed to contribute to real-world projects from the start.

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.