Digital and Technology Solutions Apprenticeship - Artificial Intelligence Software Engineering

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

Salary: £23,776
Location: Bristol or Ashchurch, Tewkesbury

Application closing date: 12th Feb 2026

Programme start date: September 2026

Join us as an Artificial Intelligence focused Software Engineering Apprentice and help develop cutting-edge solutions to tackle some of our customers’ most complex and mission-critical challenges. Over four years, you’ll earn a BSc (Hons) Degree in Digital and Technology Solutions while gaining experience in AI-driven software engineering.

About the programme

From day one, you’ll be embedded in our Mission Systems business, contributing to the development of innovative AI focused software solutions that support national security and defence.

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising the way we deliver high-performance software and enabling us to offer our customers truly innovative AI powered solutions. It’s unlocking new capabilities, streamlining complex tasks, and solving problems once thought unachievable. You’ll be part of this exciting momentum, helping shape the future of intelligent systems across the defence sector.

Throughout the programme, you’ll gain broad experience in software engineering, with a strong emphasis on AI technologies and methodologies. You’ll work in design offices, laboratories, and workshops, contributing to live projects in areas such as Submarine Systems, Surface Ships, Communications and Security, Command and Control and Electronic Warfare.

Your work could span a wide variety of projects, from language translation and tactical awareness to open-source intelligence and submarine platform support. Depending on the assignment, you might be developing AI models, designing databases, implementing edge computing, or building user interfaces.

Whatever you work on, you may be closely involved in the design, specification, implementation, and testing of software and associated systems – gaining valuable experience and making a real impact.

Your education/training

On this 4-year degree programme, you’ll learn core technical skills and gain real-world experience of digital and technology solutions in action through a blend of university studies and work placements.

You’ll study at Exeter University for a Digital and Technology Solutions Professional (BSc) Degree. You’ll complete your university studies on a part-time basis across four years. Years 1 and 2 will provide you with a solid basis in the digital environment. In years 3 and 4, your studies will focus on your chosen specialism: Software Engineering.

Your work placements will allow you to apply your learning to real-world projects, gaining valuable experience in AI-focused software development.

When completing your End Point Assessment, you will work full-time on placements within the business. At the end of the year (upon successful completion of the degree and apprenticeship), you’ll qualify as a Software Engineer.

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 AI focused 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.