At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn supply chain and planning in a high-tech aerospace manufacturing facility.
- Company: Join R E Thompson, a leading aerospace engineering company with 75 years of experience.
- Benefits: Earn £27,000 pro-rata, gain real experience, and enjoy dedicated mentoring.
- Other info: Structured development programme with real project experience for your CV.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience and potential for full-time employment.
- Qualifications: Recent A-Level leaver with strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 27000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
Organised and detail-oriented? Our Operations Internship offers A-Level leavers a pathway into supply chain and planning, with the opportunity to learn how materials flow through a high-tech aerospace manufacturing facility. These are skills in demand across every industry. This 6-month paid programme gives you real operational experience, dedicated mentoring, and genuine potential for a full-time career.
£27,000 per annum (pro-rata for 6 months)
Start Date: Monday 5th October 2026
About Us
R E Thompson is a leading precision aerospace engineering company with over 75 years of experience providing complete manufacturing solutions. Operating from our advanced facilities in Hampshire, we are home to the UK’s most sophisticated automated 5-axis machine shop. Our state-of-the-art Flexible Manufacturing System enables 24/7 lights-out production, and we hold AS9100, ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 certifications. We work with prestigious clients including GE Aviation, BAE Systems, and Ontic, delivering complex precision components for the aerospace, defence, automotive, and electronics industries.
Key Responsibilities:
- Learn materials planning and inventory management
- Understand purchasing processes and supplier coordination
- Support raising and managing purchase orders
- Learn to use ERP systems for planning and procurement
- Assist with supplier communication and expediting
- Understand aerospace material specifications and traceability
- Support stock control and inventory accuracy
- Gain exposure to production scheduling
Programme Structure:
- Phase 1 (Months 1-3): Induction, shadowing, guided tasks, building operational understanding
- Phase 1 Review: Assessment of progress and suitability for Phase 2
- Phase 2 (Months 4-6): Greater responsibility, supporting scheduling, full team integration
- Final Assessment: Review with potential for full-time job offer
What We're Looking For:
- Recent A-Level leaver or equivalent
- Strong organisational skills
- Good attention to detail and accuracy
- Interest in business operations or supply chain
- Comfortable using computers and learning new systems
- Eligible to work in the UK
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary of £27,000 per annum (pro-rata)
- Dedicated mentor from day one
- Structured development programme
- Real project experience for your CV
- On-site parking
- Potential pathway to full-time employment
Operations Internship (A-Level Students) in Hampshire employer: R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd
R E Thompson is an exceptional employer for A-Level leavers seeking to kickstart their careers in supply chain and operations within the aerospace sector. With a structured 6-month paid internship programme, employees benefit from dedicated mentoring, hands-on experience in a cutting-edge manufacturing environment, and the potential for full-time employment upon completion. Our collaborative work culture fosters growth and development, making it an ideal place for aspiring professionals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Internship (A-Level Students) in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can give you a leg up.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and practising common questions. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence and get comfortable talking about your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let your passion for operations and supply chain shine through. A positive attitude can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at R E Thompson.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Internship (A-Level Students) in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Organisational Skills:Make sure to highlight your organisational skills in your application. We want to see how you can manage tasks and keep things running smoothly, so give us examples of when you've done this before!
Pay Attention to Detail:Accuracy is key in operations, so double-check your application for any typos or errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to ensure everything is spot on!
Express Your Interest in Operations:Let us know why you're interested in business operations and supply chain. Share any relevant experiences or projects that sparked your interest, as we love to see passion for the field!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of supply chain management and operations. Familiarise yourself with terms like materials planning, inventory management, and ERP systems. This will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and ready to learn.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since the role requires strong organisational skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated this. Whether it's managing a project at school or coordinating an event, be ready to discuss how you kept everything on track.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the internship, such as what a typical day looks like or how the mentoring process works. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. R E Thompson values genuine individuals, so be honest about your interests and aspirations. This will help you connect with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
