Security clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship.
Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.
Closing date for this role is midnight on Friday 24th January
The opportunity
Throughout the life cycle of our products, a multitude of skill and expertise is required. At MBDA our Business and Support functions cover a wide range of fields, with each one crucial for our continued growth and ensuring we deliver on our promises to our customers.
As a Business Degree Apprentice you will gain a unique insight in to various functions within MBDA. By the end of your four year programme, you'll begin the next stage of your career in a part of the business that you've experienced, and are keen to continue developing in.
There are two streams within the Business Degree Apprenticeship that you may join. We will consider you for both unless you specify an interest in only one within your application.
In our Business stream you will experience placements in:
- Project Management – Work on a variety of projects and platforms to manage planning, costs and risk mitigation
- Commercial – Liaise with MBDA's customers, ensuring the correct commercial agreements are in place to support the winning and delivering against the overall business objectives. There is a large amount of legal and commercial knowledge available to support you within your placement.
- Procurement – Manage business relationships with UK and / or overseas suppliers and gain experience of subcontract management ensuring on time, on cost, on quality supplier performance. Develop your negotiating and influencing skills and build your internal and external network as part of your placement.
- Supply Chain – Gain experience in managing and improving supplier performance through risk assessments, ensuring that risks are identified, collected and effectively mitigated.
Sales and Business Development (SBD) stream
The Sales and Business Development (SBD) stream offers apprentices the opportunity to support multi-national campaigns, whilst engaging with the UK Ministry of Defence and International customers. SBD Degree apprentices will experience placements in:
- Commercial Operations – Support Export Campaigns and provide bid and commercial management support that includes developing competitive propositions, proposal writing and negotiating.
- Group Business Development – Develop product and international strategies that support the security of MBDA's position in a highly competitive defence market.
- Export Sales – Reinforce MBDA's global presence by liaising with MBDA's current and prospective Export customers and remain open to responding to the requests and requirements issued by our customers.
- UK National Sales – Working with UK Government and Front Line Commands (Armed Forces) to deliver compelling offerings to enhance the existing capabilities of the UK Armed Forces.
- Technical Military Operations – Develop a technical understanding of MBDA products and their application within their relevant battlespace. Provide assistance to marketing opportunities such as trade shows and exhibitions that promote MBDA's commitment to international Armed Forces.
- International Industrial Cooperation – Gain experience in international offset and industrial participation policies, and contribute to the competitiveness of sales offerings to our Export customers.
- Market Development – Work with UK Ministry of Defence to support UK Export opportunities and national prosperity.
In addition, you will spend each summer in one of MBDA's international offices, subject to any restrictions. Previous SBD Degree Apprentices have spent their summer's working in France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain, gaining exposure into cross-national sales campaigns and cultures, and enhancing their linguistic abilities.
Programme structure
You will study towards a BA (hons) degree in Business Management at the University of Hertfordshire for 4 years which will be fully funded by MBDA and is also accredited by the Chartered Management Institute.
You will attend university for one day a week and when you are not at university, you'll work within our business on rotational placements. This way of studying allows you to earn an academic and nationally recognised qualification as well as gain hands on learning experience within a professional and friendly workplace. Course delivery will be a blend of virtual and face to face.
This is a fantastic opportunity for you to join an apprenticeship scheme that has developed winners of some of the most prestigious apprenticeship awards in the UK!
What we're looking for from you
5 GCSES including Maths & English Language & Science/Technology at a Grade 9 - 4
120 UCAS points achieved through:
- 3 A-levels. This will include an A-level in a Business-related subject (for example A-level Business, Government and Politics, Economics, Finance, Accounting or Law)
- T-Level in a Business related subject
- BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in a Business related subject
- CTEC Business
This role has specific qualification and subject criteria so please make sure you carefully check your eligibility against this criteria before applying otherwise your application will not be considered.
Please note: We look at entry criteria based on your top three full A Levels or equivalent qualifications (BTEC/T Level). We do not include UCAS points gained from an Extended Project Qualification. Additionally, as an employer we set our own entry criteria based on the requirements of this role. This means that the criteria above may differ from the university.
Our company
MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.
What we can offer you
- Fully funded qualification starting September 2025
- Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
- Annual pay reviews
- 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
- Study leave during exam periods
We respect new perspectives and experiences, and we value our collaborative ways of working. We are committed to growing and supporting diversity in our workforce and ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their potential. MBDA is proud of our employee-led networks including Gender Equality, Pride, Neurodiversity, Ethnic Diversity, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers and Armed Forces.
We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.
