At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in production coordination and support daily operations.
- Company: Join R E Thompson, a leading aerospace engineering company with 75 years of expertise.
- Benefits: Earn £27,000 pro-rata, receive dedicated mentoring, and enjoy potential full-time career opportunities.
- Other info: Structured development programme with real project experience to boost your CV.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in advanced manufacturing at a cutting-edge aerospace facility.
- Qualifications: Recent A-Level leaver with interest in business or manufacturing; strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 27000 £ per year.
Interested in how advanced manufacturing operations really work? Our Production Internship offers A-Level leavers an alternative pathway into operations management, providing real-world experience at one of the UK’s most sophisticated aerospace facilities. This 6-month paid programme gives you hands-on experience in production coordination, 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:
- Understand production planning and scheduling in a precision engineering environment
- Learn how to coordinate teams and manage workflow
- Experience working with advanced automation systems (Fastems FMS)
- Support daily operations and help drive production results
- Learn to monitor and report on key performance indicators
- Understand capacity planning and resource allocation
- Participate in team meetings and operational reviews
- Gain exposure to lean manufacturing principles
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
- Interest in business, operations, or manufacturing
- Good organisational and communication skills
- Attention to detail and reliability
- Proactive attitude and willingness to learn
- Comfortable using computers and Microsoft Office
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
How to Apply: Please apply via Indeed before the 28 August 2026 deadline. You’ll need to include your CV and a brief statement explaining why you’re interested in this internship. Please note that candidates must be eligible to work in the UK.
Production Internship (A-Level Students) employer: R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd
R E Thompson is an exceptional employer, offering university students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in quality assurance within a leading aerospace engineering environment. With a fully paid 6-month internship, dedicated mentoring, and a structured development programme, interns can expect to grow their skills while working on real projects for prestigious clients like GE Aviation and BAE Systems. Our supportive work culture fosters continuous improvement and provides a clear pathway to full-time employment, all within our state-of-the-art facilities in Hampshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Internship (A-Level Students)
✨Connect with University Networks
Let’s leverage your university connections! Many universities have aerospace engineering societies or workshops where major companies often scout for talent. Give those events a go, and don’t hesitate to chat with guest lecturers or industry professionals — they might just know about upcoming internships!
✨Get Involved in Relevant Projects
Hands-on experience is key in aerospace engineering! Look for summer projects, competitions, or even university research roles that showcase your skills. The more you can demonstrate practical experience, the better your chances at landing that internship!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Aerospace
Join online communities focused on aerospace engineering, like forums or LinkedIn groups. Participate in discussions and share your projects or insights. This visibility can set you apart and get you noticed by recruiters looking for passionate interns like you!
✨Consider Local Aerospace Events
Keep an eye out for aerospace expos or job fairs in your area. These are excellent opportunities to network face-to-face with potential employers. Bring some copies of your CV, and don't forget to mention that you're eyeing an internship with companies like R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Internship (A-Level Students)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:In aerospace engineering, it's key to highlight your technical skills upfront. Make sure to mention any design software you’ve used, like CATIA or SolidWorks, and detail any projects you’ve worked on, whether in university or personal endeavours. It shows you're ready to hit the ground running!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Since this is an internship, we want to see your learning potential. Focus on relevant coursework, projects, and any hands-on experience in aerospace or engineering. Don't forget to include extracurricular activities like joining engineering clubs or competitions that can showcase your passion for the field!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Here’s your chance to tell your story! Explain why aerospace engineering excites you and what you hope to learn from R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd. Be genuine about your motivation and don’t shy away from sharing specific goals you have for the internship — it helps us see your enthusiasm and how you could fit our team!
Include Academic Achievements:Your academic record can make a real difference, especially for an internship. Highlight any relevant courses you excelled in and include your grades, particularly in maths and physics. If you’ve participated in research or published any papers, be sure to mention them as well — it gives us an insight into your technical background!
How to prepare for a job interview at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Fundamentals
Since we're diving into the world of aerospace engineering, make sure you're solid on the core concepts. Expect questions on aerodynamics, materials science, and propulsion systems. It’ll give you a great chance to showcase your knowledge and passion for the field!
✨Showcase Your Projects
As an intern, what they want to see is your potential and enthusiasm! Prepare a portfolio of relevant projects or coursework. Even if they’re just uni assignments, if you got into the nitty-gritty details, it shows you’ve got the skills we need to develop further.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Aerospace engineering often involves tackling complex problems, so be ready for some situational questions. You might be asked to solve a hypothetical engineering challenge on the spot, so think through your problem-solving process and be clear in your explanations.
✨Convey Your Learning Mindset
As this is an internship, they'll be looking for candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Be prepared to talk about what you want to achieve during your internship at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd. Show them that you’re keen to absorb knowledge from their expertise in the industry, and how those experiences will shape your career.
