About the Role
The role will develop your engineering skills to become a confident, positive and flexible industrial process engineer with well-honed technical knowledge gained from both the academic commitments and on the job training. You will be part of a team that provides manufacturing solutions in support of our customers’ requirements.
This will provide many opportunities to experience the various aspects of engineering such as, defining and optimising manufacturing documentation, tools and workflows for manufacturing, performing manufacturing readiness reviews, contributing to the technological innovation to reduce costs and workflows, whilst guaranteeing the feasibility and reproducibility of the process.
What You Will Learn
Throughout the apprenticeship, you will gain experience and knowledge in:
- Develop an understanding of the required behaviours and codes of practice of a professional engineer
- Understanding complex systems by working on different tasks on on-going projects
- Assessing Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) of products by reviewing the product maturity with project teams to identify and minimise risk
- Define, set up, prepare and optimise manufacturing processes and tooling for a defined area or product line
- Contribute to Health, Safety and Environment processes
- Define and optimise manufacturing documentation, tools, workflows for manufacturing and inspection based on the information supplied by upstream R&D engineering departments
- Contribute to the technological innovation to reduce costs and workflows, whilst guaranteeing the feasibility and reproducibility of the process
- Attend Material Review Boards and Configuration Control Boards on behalf of manufacturing, actively manage failures and changes
- Implement test & control plans for manufacturing equipment
Training
Apprenticeship Programme
You will study towards a Level 6 Manufacturing Engineer with Yeovil College.
Manufacturing Engineers help take products from design to manufacture, ensuring that they are launched on time, at cost and to the right quality. This programme will provide a strong foundation across mechanical, electrical, digital, materials, product design and advanced manufacturing.
This is a 5-year programme delivered via an in-person delivery model on campus. Over the first 4 years you will attend college on a day release basis to complete your academic studies and will embed your learning in the workplace through your day job. Year 5 will be 100% work-based and will focus on the completion of your End Point Assessment.
At the end of the programme, you will have achieved a BEng in Engineering, as well as a Level 6 Manufacturing Engineer Apprenticeship and will roll-off the scheme into an Industrial Process Engineer position in our Underwater Systems business.
What happens at the end
Secure a permanent role from day one at the start of your apprenticeship.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Number skills
- Team working
Qualifications
- GCSE subjects to include Maths and English (grade 5x 9-4 or A*-C) - essential
- A Level additional STEM subject (grade 4 (C) or above) - essential
- A Level x2 including Maths (grade 4 (C) or above) - essential
Key details
- Wage: £24,000 a year
- Working week: Monday - Thursday, 37 hours a week (9.25 hours, Monday - Thursday).
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Duration: 5 Years
- Start date: 2027-09-06
- Closing date: 2027-02-17
- Apprenticeship standard: Manufacturing engineer (degree) (level 6)
- Training provider: YEOVIL COLLEGE
About the employer
Together, we create the ingenious technological systems and innovations that impact and improve people's lives every single day. Even if you haven't heard the name Thales before, you've definitely benefited from our inventiveness. We reinvest 20% of our sales in Research & Development in the UK. Together we supply invention across 4 core areas: Aerospace, Space, Defence and Security, Digital Identity and Security.
2027 Industrial Process Engineer Apprentice - Templecombe employer: Thales Group
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Crawley. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities, competitive benefits including private medical insurance and annual bonuses, and a supportive environment where your contributions directly impact the future of technology. Join us to be part of a team that values diversity, encourages creativity, and prioritises ethical AI solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2027 Industrial Process Engineer Apprentice - Templecombe
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Thales Group, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Thales Group specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales Group
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Thales Group, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Thales Group value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
