2026 Manufacturing Apprentice

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Thales people architect solutions that are relied upon to deliver operational advantage at every decisive moment throughout the mission. Defence and armed forces customers rely on us to deliver the full range of defensive systems for land, sea, and air. From early warning to threat neutralisation, our platforms cover all levels from very short‑range systems to extended protection across the entire battle‑space including Airspace Mobility Solutions, Vehicles and Tactical Systems and Missile Defence, Optronics, and Radar.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space.

Your health and well‑being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part‑time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

2026 Manufacturing Apprentice – Modern Apprenticeship in Manufacturing

Start Date: 07 September 2026

Salary: £24,000 per annum

Employee type: Permanent

Working Schedule: 37 hours a week. The first 6 months will be full time at college (5 days). Once college is complete, the working week at Thales will be 4 days (Monday – Thursday, 9.25 hours a week).

Are you passionate about Engineering and Manufacturing? Do you have an inquisitive mind? Are you looking for an employer who will sponsor you through a qualification while providing valuable and exciting on‑the‑job experience within a global, innovative and industry‑leading organisation?

What the role has to offer:

• Earn while you learn
• Job‑specific training experience
• Recognised qualifications
• Permanent role from day one
• Tuition fees for university or approved training providers are fully covered

As a Manufacturing Technician Apprentice, you will work to develop a wide range of skills over a 4‑year programme. You will support the industry work cells to develop, assemble and test cutting‑edge technology and maintain our currently supported high‑end technology that dates back through the decades. The technology you will assemble and test in Glasgow will develop your skills in optical, mechanical and electrical assembly and testing, with opportunity to grow your career and develop specialist skills. You will also develop your “Essential Skills” (soft skills) which include working behaviours, communication and team working elements.

Part of your role as an apprentice is to develop the technical skills required for your role, both at college and in the workplace. You will be provided with a development plan and will work with experienced technicians and engineers to develop your full potential in the business.

Apprentice Programme:

These positions are for a full Modern Apprenticeship programme culminating in the attainment of an SVQ PEO Level 2, Diploma 7 and an HNC Level Academic qualification. On completion of the 4‑year programme successful candidates would achieve fully qualified Engineering status.

Year 1: For the first 6 months you will undertake your SVQ PEO Level 2 and HNC full time at a further education provider, with the remainder of the year completed by attending the Glasgow Thales site in your first placement.

Year 2 & 3: Participation in training within production work cells on a rotational basis, to obtain a fully flexible range of core skills on all aspects of the manufacturing processes of Assembly and Test. All training recorded and verified to Diploma 7 SVQ standard and externally assessed and verified.

Year 4: Completion of full Diploma 7 Work‑Based Learning job packs to obtain full qualification. Progression to Integration and Test Engineer, Manufacturing Engineering, Product System Testing, Inspection, Optical Testing and Environmental Testing. Full review of further education achieved and consideration of higher level qualification if appropriate.

Requirements:

• 2 Highers in English and Maths at a level B or above
• 5 National 5s including English, Maths and a Science subject at Grade C or above
• Live and work in Scotland for the duration of the programme.

Benefits:

• 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
• Company Pension
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Life Insurance
• Discount Portal
• Performance‑related pay uplifts
• 80 Hours Volunteering (first two years)

Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February and May 2026. Induction week for all Graduates and Apprentices will take place from Monday 7 September to Friday 11 September 2026.

Closing date: Our applications will close at 11.59 pm 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 NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS. WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON THIS OPPORTUNITY.

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 prior to starting with us. This role requires you to be a sole British National from birth and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if you currently hold it; if not, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment.

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales. We provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro‑diverse applicants or those with a disability or long‑term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!