2026 Manufacturing Apprentice Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering (Level 2 en-route)
Are you passionate about Manufacturing or Engineering. Do you have an inquisitive mind. Do you want to be part of an Apprenticeship Programme that will develop and challenge you. Then look no further, we are looking for enthusiastic individuals who are motivated, committed & keen to learn.This apprenticeship will suit those candidates who are serious about committing to an apprenticeship of learning and development. A self-starter who is able to manage their time, show initiative and has a genuine interest in manufacturing and Thales. Successful candidates will show self-discipline and an aspiration to achieve the qualification.This is a trainee post, which on successful completion, will lead to recognition and classification as skilled personnel.All apprentices will complete a common 1st year in manufacturing operations which will include work based learning to develop the skills necessary to achieve performance levels in the production of components and assemblies consistent with the required quality standards and the master production schedule.It is anticipated that during the 2nd and 3rd year, trainees will define their trade specialism within the spectrum of manufacturing activities. The skill areas anticipated to be required are mechanical, electrical or mechatronic assembly. Skill definition will be set at year 2, with the decision based on apprentice performance during their 1st year and matched to the business requirements at that time.Working Schedule: 4.5 day week in the 1st year, (Monday to Thursday, 8.25 hours per day, Friday is 4 hours). Year 2 & 3 (4 day week, Monday to Thursday, 9.25 hours per day). 37 hours a week.Expected working hours 07.00 to 15.45 in 1st year and 07.00 to 16.45 from year 2 onwards.Apprentice ProgrammeYear 1 - As a Manufacturing Apprentice you will undertake a Level 2 Engineering Apprenticeship (NI) at South Eastern Regional College, working towards a Level 2 NVQ in Performing Engineering Operations.Year 2 & 3 You will then progress onto a Level 3 Manufacturing Apprenticeship to achieve the BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering at South Eastern Regional College, at Thales you will be documenting your practical trade skills by working towards a Level 3 NVQ in Manufacturing Engineering.You will be given a study day each week, alongside your day-to-day role as a Manufacturing Apprentice. In your 1st year you will spend your Friday mornings in the Thales Academy.
Responsibilities
- This is a trainee post, which on successful completion, will lead to recognition and classification as skilled personnel.
- Year 1 - As a Manufacturing Apprentice you will undertake a Level 2 Engineering Apprenticeship (NI) at South Eastern Regional College, working towards a Level 2 NVQ in Performing Engineering Operations.
- Year 2 & 3 You will then progress onto a Level 3 Manufacturing Apprenticeship to achieve the BTEC Level 3 Certificate in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering at South Eastern Regional College.
- At Thales you will be documenting your practical trade skills by working towards a Level 3 NVQ in Manufacturing Engineering.
Skills and Qualifications
- 5 GCSES grade C or above including English and Maths.
- Belfast (must be a resident of Northern Ireland for the past 5 years).
Further Information
ApprenticeshipNI eligibility conditions apply.Applicants please note this position is under the auspices of ApprenticeshipNI provision.Start Date: 07 September 2026Benefits201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)Company PensionHealth Care Cash PlanLife InsuranceDiscount PortalPerformance-related pay uplifts80 Hours Volunteering (first two years)Please note, assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February - May 2026. Induction week for all Graduates and Apprentices will take place from Monday 7 September - Friday 11 September 2026.Closing date: Our applications will close at 11.59pm on Thursday 12 February 2026, this is the only time we will be accepting applications this year. Please note, we will be in contact by the end of February 2026 with details of next steps.PLEASE NOTE THAT ROLES MAY CLOSE EARLIER THAN THE ADVERTISED DEADLINE IF WE RECEIVE A HIGH NUMER OF APPLICATIONS. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.Recruitment Process:For further information about our Future Talent recruitment process, including hints and tips, or to connect with a member of the Future Talent Team, a Graduate, or an Apprentice, please visit Thales Future Talent - Connectr.Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, all of our roles are subject to security restrictions.All successful candidates must possess the permanent right to work in the UK, and will be required to go through Government security clearance at BPSS Level and to obtain full Security Clearance (SC) in line with the United Kingdom Security Vetting (UKSV) requirements below, prior to starting with us.This role requires Security Clearance (SC). It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. As part of the vetting process you will be asked to provide evidence of your identity, eligibility to work in the UK, time spent abroad over the last 5 years, as well as employment and / or educational history.For further details of the evidence required to apply for security clearance please follow this link - is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.
Vacancy ID Job Sector Apprenticeships,Manufacturing,Engineering Area Belfast Location Belfast Salary £24,000 per annum No. vacancies 4 Contract Type Permanent Weekly hours 37 Published date 04/11/2025 Closing date 15/12/2025 Worktime See below
Area: Derry or Londonderry
Closing date: 06 Nov 2025
Area: All of Northern Ireland
Closing date: 07 Nov 2025
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Manufacturing Apprentice Level 3 Apprenticeship NI in Engineering (Level 2 en-route) in Belfast
✨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 Thales UK. 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 Thales UK, 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 Thales UK!
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 Thales UK. 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 Thales UK
✨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 Thales UK.
✨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 Thales UK.
✨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.
