At a Glance
- Tasks: Learn technical sales and support relationships with aerospace and defence clients.
- Company: Join R E Thompson, a leading precision aerospace engineering company.
- Benefits: Fully paid internship, competitive salary, dedicated mentoring, and real project experience.
- Other info: Structured development programme with on-site parking and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Gain valuable skills in a dynamic industry with potential for a full-time career.
- Qualifications: Recent A-Level leaver with good numerical skills and interest in business.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 27000 £ per year.
Want to learn technical sales in a B2B engineering environment? Our Sales Internship combines commercial skills with technical understanding. You’ll learn how to prepare quotations, understand customer requirements, and support relationships with prestigious aerospace and defence clients. This is a fully paid 6-month programme with dedicated mentoring, real customer interaction, and genuine potential for a full-time career in technical sales.
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.
- Learn to prepare manufacturing quotations for precision components
- Understand how to read and interpret technical drawings
- Support customer communications and relationship building
- Learn to assess manufacturing requirements and costs
- Use CRM systems to track opportunities and customer data
- Assist with contract review and order processing
- Gain exposure to aerospace industry requirements
- Understand the sales cycle in precision engineering
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
- Good numerical skills (A-Level Maths advantageous but not essential)
- Interest in business and customer relationships
- Detail-oriented and organised
- Comfortable using computers and learning new systems
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
Sales 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 Sales Internship (A-Level Students)
✨Get to Know the Sales Scene
Dive into sales-related events and meetups in your area, like industry conferences or networking events. It’s a great way to not only learn more about potential employers but also to build connections that could lead to a sweet internship, like with R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd.
✨Leverage University Resources
Check out your university’s career services for workshops and events specifically focused on sales roles. They often have partnerships with companies looking to hire interns, so keep an eye on those alerts – you might just find an opportunity at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd!
✨Show Off Your Passion
Create a personal project or blog sharing insights about sales trends or case studies. This not only demonstrates your passion and knowledge but also acts as a conversation starter when you chat with pros in the field. Don’t forget to link this in your applications!
✨Apply Directly and Early
Usually, sales internships are competitive, so applying directly through our website for roles like the one at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd can really set you apart. Keep your eyes peeled for early talent programmes—we want to see you shine!
We think you need these skills to ace Sales Internship (A-Level Students)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Sales Savvy:In the world of sales and business development, it's all about showcasing your knack for persuasion and relationship-building. Highlight any relevant projects, experiences, or coursework that demonstrate your ability to engage customers or develop business strategies, even if they're from university or previous internships.
Tailor Your CV for Impact:When crafting your CV, emphasise experiences that reflect your understanding of the sales process—think about any roles in your past where you’ve managed accounts, carried out market research, or used CRM tools. Use bullet points to make it easy to read and ensure it shows your potential as a driven intern ready to learn and grow.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is where we want to see your passion for sales shine through. Share a specific example of a time you successfully convinced someone of your point of view or how you handled a challenging situation. Highlight your eagerness to absorb knowledge from the team at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd during this internship.
Let Your Personality Shine:Sales is all about connection, so don’t shy away from letting your personal brand shine through in your application. Whether it’s a unique anecdote or a personal motto that drives you, make sure to infuse your personality into your CV and cover letter to give us a glimpse of who you are beyond just qualifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
In sales and business development, it’s all about the metrics! Brush up on key performance indicators (KPIs) and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to meeting sales targets. They might throw some numbers your way, so a good grasp of conversion rates and sales funnel stages can set you apart.
✨Research Your Prospective Client
For your internship at R.E. Thompson & Co. Ltd, make sure to research their client base! Understanding who they are selling to and the challenges those clients face can be a game-changer in your interview. Show them you’re already thinking like a sales pro by suggesting potential strategies tailored to their market!
✨Be Ready for Role-Playing Scenarios
Expect a bit of role-playing during your interview. They might ask you to sell something on the spot or present a pitch. Practice common objections and how to handle them, as demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively and think on your feet is key in sales!
✨Show Your Enthusiasm for Learning
As an intern, they want to know that you're eager to learn and grow. Share experiences where you’ve taken initiative to dive deeper into sales techniques or customer interactions. They're looking for a fresh perspective, so don’t hesitate to showcase your passion for the industry and your adaptability.
