At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Manufacturing Operator and gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: MBDA, a leading defence organisation supporting the Armed Forces.
- Benefits: Earn £19,500 plus a £3000 joining bonus, with paid travel and healthcare support.
- Other info: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, flexible working, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with a fully funded Level 3 Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths (Grade 5), English (Grade 4), and 3 additional GCSEs at Grade 4 minimum.
The predicted salary is between 19500 - 19500 £ per year.
Salary: £19,500 plus a £3000 joining bonus.
Duration: 4 years
Work location: Stevenage
Learning provider: Milton Keynes College
Due to the need to attend your MBDA site and the training provider as required for your apprenticeship, applicants need to ensure their home or rental location is appropriate, travel arrangements are manageable and travel time is minimised as required for your role.
The qualification: You'll study for a Level 3 Engineering Fitter Apprenticeship, which aligns with IET EngTech professional recognition.
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.
This role is scheduled to close for applications at midnight on Friday 22nd January 2027 but may close earlier depending on application volumes.
What we can offer you:
- Fully funded qualification starting September 2027
- Paid travel expenses to and from your place of study
- Annual pay reviews
- Healthcare Cash Plan: provides support with everyday health related costs – including medical, dental, optical, physio and health & wellbeing.
- 25 days annual leave (plus holiday purchase) and up to 15 days flexi leave
- Study leave during exam periods
Programme structure - your work at MBDA:
Throughout your Apprenticeship you’ll study at Milton Keynes (MK) College which will combine virtual and face to face learning, as appropriate. Whilst you can typically expect to be at MK College one day per week, there may be times when you will need to be there more often; we will reimburse travel costs to your place of learning. The remainder of your working week will be onsite experiencing different placements and putting into practice the practical skills you've been learning.
You’ll be working in our Manufacturing Team as an Operator - at MBDA 'Manufacturing' consists of the Assembly, Integration and Test of all our products for the company. The products we make are delivered directly to our customers which could be Army, Navy or Airforce and therefore Manufacturing are vital to MBDA’s business. Integral to the build of each and every one of our range of products are our Operations community. They work with our Engineers to deliver on our commitment to our customers. They maintain the integrity of each and every one of our builds through the specialist work they do. You will be part of a team of operators in a fast-paced but friendly and inclusive manufacturing environment. The team has a great mix of people, all striving to deliver technical excellence and maintain product output.
You’ll get to experience placements within the following teams:
- Printed Electrical Circuit Manufacturing
- Cable Manufacturing
- Missile Assembly including Actuators and Control and AIT
- Missile Integration including Platforms
- Missile Test Calibration & Maintenance
This opportunity would suit anyone that has a keen interest in how things work and is looking to learn and shape a career around a practical skill. We are looking for anyone with a love for hands-on work, who wants to contribute to the delivery of our products. Further opportunities during the completion of your apprenticeship may lead to more specialist roles, such as electro-mechanical dual skilling, and you could even end up leading a team in the future!
What we’re looking for from you:
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. If you are currently studying and predicted to meet these requirements by the start date you are welcome to apply.
GCSEs:
- GCSE Maths at Grade 5 minimum
- GCSE English Language at Grade 4 minimum
- An additional 3 GCSE's at Grade 4 minimum to include a Science or Technology subject
Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given. 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. We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more... 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.
Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.
Advert end date: 23 January 2027
Manufacturing Operator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Stevenage employer: MBDA
MBDA is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With competitive benefits such as a generous bonus scheme, flexible working arrangements, and enhanced parental leave, employees are supported in achieving a healthy work-life balance while contributing to meaningful projects that defend our freedom. Located in the UK, MBDA fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, empowering its workforce through various employee-led networks and opportunities for continuous development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Manufacturing Operator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Stevenage
✨Dive into Local Manufacturing Events
Get yourself out there and check out local manufacturing expos or trade shows! These events are gold mines for networking and can put you in touch with potential employers like MBDA. Plus, you might discover companies that are looking for apprentices directly.
✨Join Apprenticeship Networks
Look for local apprenticeship networks and community forums focused on manufacturing. Engaging in these spaces can lead you to hidden opportunities and advice from others who’ve been in your shoes — they might have inside info on which companies are hiring apprentices!
✨Reach Out Directly to Companies
Don't shy away from reaching out! If you have specific companies in mind like MBDA, shoot them an email or give them a call to inquire about potential apprenticeship opportunities. Sometimes, they might not have openings posted, but they’re always keen to meet passionate candidates!
✨Utilise College Resources
If you're studying, tap into your college’s career services for leads on manufacturing apprenticeships. They often have connections with local businesses and can help you polish your application to stand out. And remember, applying through our website can give you a leg up on the competition for positions at MBDA!
We think you need these skills to ace Manufacturing Operator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing and production sector, we want to see your hands-on skills. Make sure your CV lists any relevant technical abilities or tools you’ve worked with, like machinery or software specific to production processes. This is your chance to shine a light on any experience you already have, even if it’s just in class or through a hobby!
Highlight Your Commitment to Learning:As this is an apprenticeship, emphasising your eagerness to learn is crucial! In your cover letter, mention specific areas of manufacturing you're excited to learn about, and why you're passionate about joining MBDA. Show us you’re ready to dive into the practical world of production!
Include Relevant Qualifications:List any qualifications or certifications related to manufacturing—think health and safety, technical courses, or even basic engineering principles. It can help set you apart from others and show you come prepared and informed about the industry standards!
Keep It Relevant and Concise:When applying for an apprenticeship, make sure your documents are straightforward and relevant. Focus on your most pertinent experiences and avoid clutter. Remember, humility goes a long way—if you've worked on projects, even in a school setting, don’t hesitate to include those to reflect your capabilities!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Get Hands-On with Machinery
Since you're eyeing an apprenticeship in manufacturing-production, it's crucial to familiarise yourself with the tools and machinery related to the role. We should brush up on our basic mechanical skills and be ready to talk about any hands-on experiences we've had, like school projects or part-time work that involved manual tasks.
✨Show Your Understanding of Safety Protocols
Safety is paramount in manufacturing, so be prepared to discuss health and safety protocols relevant to the industry. We can expect questions focusing on how to maintain a safe working environment, including personal protective equipment (PPE) and hazard awareness—making sure we articulate our understanding can really impress the interviewers at MBDA.
✨Highlight Your Willingness to Learn
As an apprentice, they’re looking for enthusiasm and the willingness to absorb knowledge. Let’s be prepared to discuss how we’ve approached learning new skills in the past, showing we’re ready to embrace the learning curve that comes with this exciting opportunity at MBDA.
✨Research Typical Production Processes
It might help us to know a thing or two about basic manufacturing processes, such as assembly lines, quality control checks, and production scheduling. We could bring examples of these processes from our research or coursework to showcase our interest and understanding of the field during the interview.
