At a Glance
- Tasks: Design mechanical parts using CAD, build prototypes, and test products for military applications.
- Company: Join Thales, a leader in innovative technology impacting lives daily.
- Benefits: Earn £24,000/year, gain a degree, and enjoy hands-on experience.
- Other info: 5-year apprenticeship leading to a fully funded BEng degree and permanent role.
- Why this job: Kickstart your engineering career with real-world projects and advanced technologies.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus A Levels in relevant subjects.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Your responsibilities may include:
- Designing mechanical parts and systems using CAD software
- Packaging of electronics and associated cabling
- Designing equipment that can be installed on military platforms
- Producing manufacturing and assembly drawings for production teams
- Understanding factors such as stress, shock and vibration when designing products
- Building and testing prototypes during product development
- Helping qualify products for use in demanding operational environments
- Applying design-for-manufacture principles to create practical and efficient solutions
During this role, you'll gain valuable experience across the full product development lifecycle while working with experienced engineers and advanced defence technologies. You will learn:
- Advanced CAD design techniques and best practices
- How electronic and mechanical systems are integrated into complex products
- Engineering design principles for defence and naval applications
- How to create professional manufacturing and assembly drawings
- Product testing, environmental qualification and validation processes
- Prototype building and hands-on development skills
- Design for manufacture principles to improve product quality and efficiency
- How defence products are developed for the Ministry of Defence and international customers
- Teamworking and problem-solving skills within a multi-disciplinary engineering environment
Training: You'll work towards a Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Nottingham while gaining valuable hands-on experience in the workplace. The programme lasts five years and combines:
- On-campus learning (approx. 4 weeks per academic year)
- Online study
- Practical, work-based learning
Throughout the programme, you'll develop both your technical knowledge and practical engineering skills. On successful completion of the apprenticeship and End Point Assessment, you'll achieve:
- A fully funded BEng (Hons) in Electro-Mechanical Engineering
- A Level 6 Electro-Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprenticeship qualification
The programme is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers to support those who wish to apply for Chartered Engineer status later in their career.
What happens at the end: Upon completion of the programme, you will have achieved a BSc in Electro-mechanical Engineering, a Level 6-degree apprenticeship qualification and will move into a permanent role within the business. The degree is accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.
Skills:
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
Qualifications:
- GCSE 5 GCSEs Including English and Maths (grade 9-4 (A-C)) - essential
- A Level 3 subjects including maths (grade BBB) - essential
Key details:
- Wage: £24,000 a year
- Working week: Monday - Thursday, 8 hours per day. Friday, 5 hours. Exact timings to be confirmed.
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Duration: 5 Years
- Start date: 2027-09-06
- Closing date: 2027-02-17
- Apprenticeship standard: Electro-mechanical engineer (level 6)
- Training provider: UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM, THE
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 Mechanical Engineering Apprentice - Templecombe employer: Thales
Thales is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Glasgow where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a performance-related bonus and generous leave policies, and a commitment to inclusivity, Thales empowers its employees to thrive while contributing to critical projects in the Sea sector. Join us to be part of a team that values your unique strengths and supports your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2027 Mechanical Engineering Apprentice - Templecombe
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Thales.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Thales love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Thales and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace 2027 Mechanical Engineering Apprentice - Templecombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Thales and the 2027 Mechanical Engineering Apprentice - Templecombe role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thales
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Thales.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Thales.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Thales, making you a more appealing candidate.
