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Thales is recruiting a 2027 AI Researcher Apprentice (Level 6 Machine Learning) in Crawley. Its live vacancy lists £24,000 a year, a 6 September 2027 start and an advertised closing time of 11.59 pm on 17 February 2027. The “Apply Now” link was available when checked on 1 November 2026. Thales warns that roles may close earlier if enough people apply.
The useful question is whether you meet this advert's particular rules. A Level 6 label alone does not tell you that.
Who can apply?
Thales asks for three A levels, with grade B or above in Maths and at least one other relevant subject: Physics, Computer Science, Software or ICT. It also lists a relevant Level 4 or 5 apprenticeship as an alternative route. The advert does not spell out how it assesses every non-A-level qualification, so ask the recruiter before assuming an equivalent will count.
You also need at least five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including English Language and Mathematics. Thales says Computer Science graduates are not eligible because of funding restrictions. That wording is specific: it does not say every graduate is barred. If you already have a different degree, ask Thales to assess your eligibility rather than guessing from the headline.
The position requires permanent right to work in the UK and the ability to complete government security checks. Thales says SC clearance typically requires five continuous years of UK residence, then describes evidence it may ask you to provide about time overseas. “Typically” matters here: if your history is more complicated, seek the employer's answer rather than excluding yourself on a blog's interpretation.
Our general guide to GCSE and A-level entry rules helps you read other adverts, but use Thales's vacancy for this application.
What is the work and study?
This is a research role, not a promise that you will spend every day building AI products. Thales describes reviewing technical literature, designing controlled experiments, preparing data, making proof-of-concept machine-learning models and explaining limitations or bias. You would work with researchers and engineers on live challenges.
The advert says you will study a Level 6 Machine Learning qualification with Corndel through live virtual lectures, online resources and self-directed study. It calls the route a degree apprenticeship, but does not name the final degree award. Ask Thales and Corndel what certificate the programme leads to if that is important to your choice.
Thales lists a 37-hour week, Monday to Friday. It describes the employment as permanent from the start. Neither statement tells you exactly how weekly study time will be scheduled, so ask about the pattern before accepting an offer.
Apply in the right order
Thales's process starts with online registration, then a CV. It says applicants receive an email invitation to complete the full application. At that stage, they can choose one primary role and up to three additional roles. Online tests and a virtual assessment centre follow for those who progress. Thales expects shortlisted candidates' assessment centres between February and May 2027.
Before registering:
- Write down your Maths grade, other relevant subject and five GCSE results. If you are using a Level 4 or 5 route, note the exact apprenticeship and ask how Thales assesses it.
- Prepare one example of a question you tested. A school project or personal coding experiment can show how you chose a method, checked a result and handled an error. Do not claim professional AI research you have not done.
- Check the employer vacancy and Apply Now route again before submitting. The February date is advertised, not a guarantee that the form will remain open until then.
- Search code 10699 on ApprenticeWizard to find the same Crawley role, then save your next step in the free application tracker.
The advert is unusually clear about Maths, pay and the recruitment stages. The exact degree award and some alternative-qualification decisions still need a direct answer from Thales. Get that answer early enough to act on it.
ApprenticeWizard tracks UK apprenticeships and internships with a free application tracker. On 1 November 2026, our database held 5,988 active opportunities, including 328 labelled degree apprenticeships. These are search counts, not a guarantee that every employer is still accepting applications. Start your list here.